QR Code Generator
A QR code is a scannable two-dimensional barcode that stores data such as website URLs, plain text, or contact details, readable by any smartphone camera. This free generator creates custom QR codes instantly in your browser: enter your content, adjust colors and error correction level, and download the finished code for print or digital use.
How to create a QR code
- Enter the content to encode: a URL, text, or contact details.
- Customize the QR code's colors to match your branding.
- Pick an error correction level. Higher levels survive damage or logos better but produce denser codes.
- Download the QR code and test it with a phone camera before printing or publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I store in a QR code?
QR codes can store various types of data, including URLs, text, contact information (vCard), WiFi network credentials, and more. The amount of data is limited by the QR code's version and error correction level, typically ranging from about 25 to 4,000 characters.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes encode data in a pattern of black and white squares that can be scanned by cameras. The pattern includes position markers, alignment patterns, timing patterns, and the data itself with error correction information. When scanned, the reader interprets this pattern to extract the encoded information.
Are QR codes secure?
QR codes themselves are not inherently secure or insecure - they simply store data. The security risk comes from what they link to. Always be cautious when scanning QR codes from unknown sources, as they could link to malicious websites or trigger unwanted actions.
What's the difference between the error correction levels?
QR codes have four error correction levels: L (7% recovery), M (15% recovery), Q (25% recovery), and H (30% recovery). Higher levels make the QR code more resilient to damage or obstruction but also increase its size. Choose based on your anticipated scanning conditions.
Can I customize the appearance of my QR code?
Yes, QR codes have error correction capabilities that allow for some visual customization without breaking functionality. You can change colors, add a logo in the center, or modify the shape of individual modules to some extent. Our generator offers color customization options.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes, like the ones this tool creates, never expire: the data is encoded directly in the image, so it works as long as the content it points to (such as a URL) remains valid. Only dynamic QR codes from subscription services can stop working when the service redirect is disabled.
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