QR Code Generator
Paste a link or any text, get a QR code instantly, and download it as a PNG. Everything happens in your browser — nothing is uploaded or stored.
What is a QR code?
A QR ("Quick Response") code is a two-dimensional barcode that phones can read with their camera. It can hold a web link, plain text, Wi-Fi credentials, contact details, or payment information — up to a few thousand characters. Invented in 1994 for tracking car parts in Japanese factories, it's now the default bridge between the physical world and a URL.
Common things to encode
| Use | What to paste |
|---|---|
| Website / menu / portfolio | The full URL, including https:// |
| Wi-Fi login | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;; |
| Email compose | mailto:you@example.com |
| Phone call | tel:+15551234567 |
| SMS | SMSTO:+15551234567:Hello |
| Plain text note | Any text — appears when scanned |
Tips for QR codes that actually scan
- Keep the content short. Longer text = denser code = harder to scan. Use a short URL when possible.
- Print size: minimum ~2×2 cm (0.8 in) for a poster viewed at arm's length; bigger for further away — rule of thumb is scanning distance ÷ 10.
- Contrast matters: dark code on light background. Never invert (light-on-dark fails on many readers).
- Leave the quiet zone — the white margin around the code (included in our PNG) must not be cropped.
- Higher error correction (Q/H) lets the code survive scratches or a small logo overlay, at the cost of density.
Frequently asked questions
Do these QR codes expire?
No. This generator creates static QR codes — the content is encoded directly in the pattern, forever. (Services that offer "dynamic" QR codes redirect through their server, which is how they can expire or charge subscriptions.)
Is my link or text uploaded anywhere?
No — the code is generated entirely in your browser with open-source code. Disconnect from the internet after loading the page and it still works.
Can I use the QR code commercially?
Yes. QR codes are an open ISO standard with no licensing fees for use. The codes you generate here are yours.
Why won't my QR code scan?
Usually: printed too small, low contrast, cropped quiet zone, or a typo in the URL (test it before printing!). Try error correction Q or H and a larger size.