How do I create a QR code?

Select the content type, enter your URL, text, email, phone number or WiFi details, and the QR code generates instantly. Click Download PNG to save it.

Are these QR codes free to use commercially?

Yes — all QR codes are completely free, have no watermarks, and can be used for personal or commercial purposes including menus, business cards, flyers and packaging.

These are static QR codes that encode your data directly — they never expire. As long as the URL or content they point to is valid, the code will continue to work.

What size should a QR code be for printing?

For reliable scanning at arm's length, a printed QR code should be at least 2cm x 2cm. For posters or signage viewed from a distance, use at least 10cm x 10cm. Choose the Print size (1024px) for best quality.

What is error correction and which level should I use?

Error correction allows a QR code to be read even when partially damaged or obscured. Level M (15%) is suitable for most uses. Use Level Q or H when printing on textured surfaces or if you plan to overlay a logo on the code.

Can I customise the colours of a QR code?

Yes — use the Colours section to change the foreground and background colours. Ensure high contrast between them so scanners can reliably read the code. Avoid light foreground colours on light backgrounds.

QR Code Generator — Free Online QR Codes

Content type

Website URL

Your QR code

⬛

Generating...

Size

Colours

Foreground

Background

Error correction

Higher error correction is recommended for printed codes or when placing a logo over the QR code.

What are QR codes and how do they work?

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes invented by Denso Wave in Japan in 1994 for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one direction, QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to hold significantly more information in a smaller space.

A QR code works by encoding data as a pattern of black and white squares on a grid. The three large squares in the corners are finder patterns — they help the scanner locate and orient the code regardless of the angle it's viewed from. The smaller square in the bottom-left is the alignment pattern, used for correcting distortion in the image.

When a smartphone camera or QR scanner reads the code, it decodes the pattern and performs the encoded action — opening a URL, dialling a number, or connecting to WiFi. All processing happens on the scanning device; this generator never sends your data to any server.

Common uses for QR codes

🍽️ Restaurant menus

Link directly to a digital menu or ordering system. Update the menu online without reprinting anything — the QR code stays the same as long as the URL does.

💼 Business cards

Encode a vCard or LinkedIn URL so contacts can save your details with a single scan rather than typing your information manually.

📶 WiFi sharing

Let guests connect to your WiFi without sharing the password verbally. The WiFi QR code type encodes the network name, password, and security type so scanning connects automatically.

📦 Product packaging

Link to product instructions, warranty registration, how-to videos, or a customer support page directly from the box or label.

📣 Marketing & events

Add QR codes to posters, flyers, and event signage to bridge print and digital — linking to registration forms, social profiles, or promotional pages.

💳 Payments

Many payment apps generate QR codes for receiving money. You can also encode a payment URL or cryptocurrency address for contactless transactions.

Static vs. dynamic QR codes — what's the difference?

Static QR codes (what this tool generates) encode your data directly in the pattern. The content is permanently fixed — the URL or text is baked into the code itself. They work forever with no subscription, no tracking, and no server dependency. The trade-off is that you can't change the destination after printing.

Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL managed by a third-party service. The visible URL is fixed, but the destination can be changed in a dashboard. They also provide scan analytics (how many scans, from where, on what device). The trade-off is that they require a paid subscription, and if the service shuts down, the code stops working.

For most personal and small business uses, static QR codes are the right choice — especially when the destination URL won't change. Dynamic codes make sense for high-volume print runs where editing the destination later saves the cost of reprinting.

QR code size guide for printing

Use case	Minimum size	Recommended size
Business card	1.5 × 1.5 cm	2.5 × 2.5 cm
Flyer / brochure	2 × 2 cm	4 × 4 cm
A4 / letter poster	3 × 3 cm	6 × 6 cm
Large format poster	8 × 8 cm	12 × 12 cm
Billboard / signage	20 × 20 cm	30 × 30 cm

Rule of thumb: the scanning distance should be no more than 10× the QR code width. A 3cm code can be reliably scanned from about 30cm away. Use the Print size (1024px) option for any physical printing, and export as PNG for best quality.

Frequently asked questions

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About this tool

This QR code generator uses the open-source qrcodejs library to generate codes entirely in your browser. Your URLs, passwords, and contact information are never sent to any server. Generated codes are static — they encode your data directly and never expire. Download as PNG for use in print and digital applications.