Free QR Code Generator
Turn any text, link, Wi-Fi password, or phone number into a QR code — instantly and for free. Nothing is uploaded; the code is generated right here in your browser, and you can download a crisp PNG for printing or sharing.
What can you put in a QR code?
Anything that fits as text: a website link, a YouTube video, your Instagram profile, a phone number (tel:01012345678), an email (mailto:you@example.com), an SMS, plain text, or even a Wi-Fi join string. The most common use is a URL — print it on a poster, business card, menu, or product label so people can open your page with their phone camera.
How it works
The QR code is drawn entirely on your device using JavaScript. Your text never leaves your browser and is not stored anywhere. The result is a static QR code, meaning the data is baked directly into the pattern — it will never expire, and there is no tracking or redirect in between.
Tips for scannable codes
- Keep good contrast — dark code on a light background scans best.
- For print, use the 1024px size so the code stays sharp when scaled up.
- Use higher error correction (Q or H) if the code might get a logo overlaid, smudged, or printed small.
- Shorter URLs make denser, easier-to-scan codes.
Common QR code uses
QR codes have become a standard part of everyday life, and their versatility keeps growing. In marketing, businesses print QR codes on flyers, posters, and packaging to link customers directly to a product page, promotional offer, or app download. Restaurants use them for digital menus, letting diners scan a code at the table instead of handling a physical menu. Event organizers embed QR codes in tickets for fast, contactless check-in at concerts, conferences, and sporting events.
Beyond marketing, QR codes are useful for personal and technical tasks. You can encode your Wi-Fi network name and password so guests can join your network with a single scan — no typing required. Contact cards (vCards) stored in a QR code let people save your name, phone number, and email instantly. Developers use QR codes to share URLs during presentations, link to documentation, or pass configuration data between devices. Schools and libraries print them on worksheets and book labels to point readers to supplementary resources online.
QR code best practices
- Size and placement — A QR code should be at least 2 cm (about 0.8 in) on each side for close-range scanning, such as on a business card. For posters or signage viewed from a distance, scale up proportionally — a general rule is 1 cm of code width for every 10 cm of scanning distance.
- Contrast — Stick to a dark pattern on a light background. Inverted codes (light on dark) can work, but many older phone cameras struggle with them. Avoid low-contrast color combinations like yellow on white or light grey on beige.
- Quiet zone — Leave a margin of blank space around the code equal to at least four module widths. Crowding text or graphics right up to the edge of the code can prevent scanners from detecting it.
- Test before printing — Always scan the code with at least two different phone models or QR reader apps before committing to a print run. What looks fine on screen may not scan well after being resized, printed on textured paper, or placed on a curved surface.
- Keep the URL short — Longer text produces a denser code with smaller modules, which is harder to scan at a distance or at small sizes. Use a short URL when possible to keep the code clean and easy to read.