1. Choose the data type
Select what you want to encode: URL, text, vCard business card, email, or phone number.
Create a QR code for website, vCard or print – PNG & SVG
Create a QR code for a website, vCard business card, email, phone, or text. Customize colors, size, and error correction level, then download a ready PNG or SVG file.
Loading tool editor...
What is a QR code and how does it work?
A QR code (Quick Response) is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to encode significantly more information - up to approximately 3,000 alphanumeric characters.
The QR code was developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave (part of the Toyota group) for tracking car parts. Today, QR codes are widely used in marketing, hospitality, logistics, and business communication. They gained particular popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restaurants began replacing paper menus with QR codes.
How to use the free QR code generator
Creating a QR code takes just a few seconds:
2. Enter the data
Fill in the appropriate fields - website address, contact details, or message content.3. Download the code
Customize the appearance (colors, size, margin) and download as PNG or SVG.
QR code types - URL, vCard, email, phone, text
The free QR code generator supports five data types - each useful in different situations:
URL
A link to a website. After scanning, the phone opens the page in the browser. Ideal for business cards, flyers, and posters.Text
Any text up to 3,000 characters. After scanning, the phone displays the text on screen. Useful for discount coupons and short instructions.vCard business card
A digital business card with contact data (name, company, phone, email, address). After scanning, the phone offers to save the contact. Ideal for professional business cards.Email
An email address with optional subject and body. After scanning, the phone opens the mail app with a pre-filled form.Phone
A phone number. After scanning, the phone offers to make a call. Useful for hotlines and customer support.
Capacityup to 4,296 characters
Error correction7% – 30%
Min. print size2 × 2 cm
Min. contrast3:1
Marginmin. 4 modules
QR code technical specifications
Knowing the technical parameters helps create QR codes that are readable in all conditions:
- Data capacity - a QR code can hold up to 7,089 digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. In practice, this is more than enough for URLs and business cards.
- Reed-Solomon error correction - a mathematical algorithm that enables reading the code even when part of it is damaged or obscured. Levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%).
- Margin - the white area around the code required for proper scanning. The recommended minimum is 4 modules (code units).
- Minimum print size - for standard scanning conditions, the code should be at least 2×2 cm. For large format printing (banners, billboards), scale up accordingly.
- Contrast - the contrast ratio between the code and background should be at least 3:1. The generator automatically warns about too low contrast.
QR code applications - business cards, flyers, restaurant menus
QR codes find use in many industries and scenarios:
Business cards
A vCard code on a business card lets the recipient save the contact with a single scan, without manually typing data.Restaurant and cafe menus
A QR code on the table directs to a digital menu. A hygienic solution popular since the COVID-19 pandemic.Flyers and posters
QR code with a link to a product page, registration form, or special offer.Product packaging
Link to user manual, warranty card, or manufacturer website.Medical offices
QR codes on patient cards linking to the patient portal or appointment booking system.Real estate
Codes on banners linking to the full listing with photo gallery and details.Warehouses and logistics
QR labels for tracking product batches, warehouse locations, and shipment history.E-commerce
Codes on packaging linking to return instructions, customer reviews, or loyalty programs.Events and conferences
Tickets with QR codes for quick verification at entry.
Size300 px
Margin4
Code color
Background color
QR code appearance customization
The generator lets you customize several parameters affecting the appearance and readability of the code:
- Size (px) - code dimension in pixels. For standard print (flyers, business cards) choose 300–500 px. For digital use, 150–200 px is sufficient.
- Margin - white area around the code required for proper scanning. Recommended value is 2–4. A value of 0 may make scanning difficult on a dark background.
- QR code color - black by default (#000000). You can change it to any dark color matching your visual identity.
- Background color - white by default (#ffffff). You can change it to any light color. The generator will warn if contrast is too low.
Tip: Maintain high contrast between the code and background (minimum 3:1). A dark code on a light background scans most easily.
L (Low)7%
M (Medium)15%
Q (Quartile)25%
H (High)30%
Error correction levels - L, M, Q, H
Error correction is a mechanism that enables reading a QR code even when part of it is damaged, dirty, or obscured. The generator uses the Reed-Solomon algorithm, a standard in QR codes.
- L (Low) - 7% - least redundancy, code is most compact. Choose when the code will be used in ideal conditions (screen, high-quality print).
- M (Medium) - 15% - default value, a good balance between capacity and resilience. Suitable for most applications.
- Q (Quartile) - 25% - greater resistance to damage. Choose for codes printed on materials prone to getting dirty.
- H (High) - 30% - highest resilience. Recommended for outdoor print materials, packaging, and situations where the code may be partially obscured (e.g., a logo in the center).
Note: A higher correction level means a larger and more complex code. With large amounts of data and level H, the code can become very dense.
PNG vs SVG - which format to choose for printing?
| Feature | PNG (raster) | SVG (vector) |
|---|---|---|
| Websites and social media | ||
| Flyers and business cards | ||
| Posters and banners (large format) | ||
| Scaling without quality loss | ||
| Editing in a graphics program | ||
| Smaller file size | ||
| Presentations |
PNG (raster)
- Websites and social media
- Flyers and business cards
- Posters and banners (large format)
- Scaling without quality loss
- Editing in a graphics program
- Smaller file size
- Presentations
SVG (vector)
- Websites and social media
- Flyers and business cards
- Posters and banners (large format)
- Scaling without quality loss
- Editing in a graphics program
- Smaller file size
- Presentations
QR code printing tips
To ensure the QR code is readable after printing, follow a few rules:
Minimum size
The code should be at least 2×2 cm for close-range scanning. The greater the scanning distance, the larger the code must be.Contrast
Dark code on a light background. Avoid pastel colors and low contrast.Margin around the code
Keep empty space around the code. Do not place other graphic elements too close - the margin is essential for proper scanning.Testing
Before mass printing, test the code on different phones and in various lighting conditions.Correction level
For outdoor print and materials prone to damage, choose level Q or H.
What makes this QR code generator special?
Local generation in the browser
Data entered into the generator is not sent to any server - all processing happens locally on your device.Five data types in one tool
URL, text, vCard business card, email, and phone - each type generates a QR code in the appropriate standard.QR code appearance customization
Code and background colors, size in pixels, margin, and error correction level - every parameter can be customized.Four error correction levels
The Reed-Solomon algorithm lets you choose code resilience to damage - from 7% (L) to 30% (H). Higher levels are useful for print on materials prone to getting dirty.Live preview
You see the result immediately after entering data, without clicking "Generate".PNG and SVG export
Download the code in the format appropriate for your use case.
QR codes in mobile payments - a global overview
QR codes have become a primary payment method in many parts of the world. In China, Alipay and WeChat Pay process billions of transactions monthly through QR code scanning. India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) uses QR codes at street vendors, shops and restaurants across the country. In Brazil, the Pix instant payment system relies on QR codes for person-to-person and point-of-sale transfers.
In Europe, the European Payments Council introduced the EPC QR standard (also called GiroCode) for SEPA bank transfers. The code embeds the recipient's IBAN, payment amount, and reference number. Banks in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and other eurozone countries support scanning EPC QR codes directly in their mobile apps. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces transfer errors.
QR-based payments are growing because they require no specialized hardware. A printed QR code on a countertop replaces an expensive card terminal. This makes QR payments especially attractive for small businesses, market stalls, and service providers in regions where card infrastructure is limited.
QR codes on invoices and financial documents
Governments and financial institutions worldwide are adopting QR codes on invoices to speed up payment processing and reduce errors. The EPC QR standard encodes IBAN, BIC, amount, and payment reference in a single scannable code. Recipients scan the QR code with their banking app and confirm the pre-filled transfer - no manual typing required.
Several countries have made QR codes on invoices mandatory or strongly encouraged. Italy's fattura elettronica system includes QR codes for tax verification. The Czech Republic uses the SPAYD (Short Payment Descriptor) standard, which encodes payment details in a compact QR format supported by all major Czech banks. Poland's KSeF electronic invoicing system places QR codes on structured invoices for authenticity verification.
For businesses, adding a QR code to invoices shortens the average payment cycle. Clients can pay immediately after receiving the document instead of manually copying account numbers. This is especially useful for freelancers, small businesses, and service providers who issue invoices regularly.
QR codes in marketing - tracking campaign performance
Marketers use QR codes to bridge offline and online campaigns. A QR code on a flyer, poster, or product packaging directs customers to a landing page, promotional offer, or app download. By encoding URLs with UTM parameters (source, medium, campaign name), businesses can track exactly how many scans each printed material generates in Google Analytics or similar tools.
Creating a unique QR code for each campaign channel makes it possible to compare performance. A code on a trade show banner, a code in a magazine ad, and a code on product packaging each get a different UTM tag. This reveals which offline channel drives the most website visits, sign-ups, or purchases.
Keep the encoded URL as short as possible. Longer URLs produce denser QR codes with smaller modules, which can be harder to scan at a distance or on small print. Use a URL shortener or redirect through a clean path on your domain to keep the code compact and easy to read.
Static vs. dynamic QR codes - when do you need each?
A static QR code embeds the target data (URL, text, contact) directly into the code pattern. Once printed, the encoded content cannot be changed. Static codes have no expiration date, require no internet connection to decode, and work independently of any external service. This generator creates static QR codes.
A dynamic QR code contains a short redirect URL that points to an intermediary server. The server forwards the scanner to the actual destination. This allows the owner to change the destination URL after printing, track scan counts and locations, and run A/B tests. Dynamic codes require a paid subscription to a QR management platform.
Static codes are the right choice for business cards, product packaging, fixed URLs, permanent signage, and any situation where the destination will not change. Dynamic codes suit time-limited campaigns, menus with rotating content, or scenarios where scan analytics are essential for decision-making.
QR code accessibility and inclusive design
Accessible QR code placement benefits all users, including people with disabilities. Print QR codes at a minimum size of 3x3 cm to give users with motor impairments a larger target area for their camera. Place codes at a height reachable from a seated position - between 90 cm and 120 cm from the floor - so wheelchair users can scan them without assistance.
High contrast between the code and its background is essential for users with low vision. A dark code on a white or very light background with a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 aligns with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommendations. Avoid placing QR codes on textured, patterned, or reflective surfaces that may interfere with camera focus.
Always provide a text alternative near the QR code. A short line like "Scan this code or visit example.com/menu" ensures that screen reader users and people who cannot use a camera still have access to the same information. This practice also helps in situations where scanning is impractical, such as poor lighting or a damaged print.
Frequently asked questions about the QR code generator
Does a QR code generated with this tool expire?
No. A static QR code (like the one generated by this tool) does not expire. The content - e.g., a URL or business card data - is encoded directly in the code. As long as the target page exists, the code will work.
Can I change the URL in an existing QR code?
With a static QR code, you cannot change the encoded content - you need to generate a new code with a new address. Dynamic QR codes (editable after generation) require external paid services.
PNG or SVG - which QR code format should I choose for printing?
PNG works for most use cases: websites, social media, printing up to A4 size. SVG is vector-based - it can be scaled to any size without quality loss, making it suitable for banners, billboards, and large advertising formats.
What QR code size should I choose for a business card?
For printed materials (business cards, flyers), the code should be at least 2×2 cm, optimally 3×3 cm. In the generator, this corresponds to a resolution of 300 px at standard print quality (300 DPI). For larger formats (posters, banners), choose a larger size or SVG format.
Can I add a logo to the center of the QR code?
This tool does not support adding a logo directly. However, you can download the code in SVG format and overlay a logo in a graphics program - in that case, it is necessary to set a high error correction level (H) so the code remains readable despite partial obscuring.
Why doesn't my QR code scan after printing?
Most common causes: too low contrast between code and background, too small code size, no margin around the code, or print damage. Try increasing the size, improving contrast, and raising the error correction level (Q or H).
Can I use generated QR codes commercially?
Yes. Generated QR codes can be freely used in any project - commercial and non-commercial, without licensing restrictions.
What is the difference between a vCard business card and a plain text QR code?
A vCard QR code contains contact data in a standardized format (name, company, phone, email, address). After scanning, the phone automatically offers to save the contact in the address book. A text code displays data as plain text - without the option to automatically save it.
Help us improve our tools
Have an idea for a new feature, found a bug, or want to suggest another tool that would make your work easier? Write to us – we respond within 24 hours.