The QR code generator that is built for design and for scanning
Most free QR makers give you a black-and-white square, or hide the good options behind a subscription and expiring links. This one gives you full control over the design and keeps the codes permanent. Everything is generated in your browser, so your links, WiFi passwords and contact details never reach a server.
What can a QR code contain?
- Website links for menus, landing pages, forms and PDFs. See the URL QR code generator.
- WiFi networks so guests join with one scan: WiFi QR code generator.
- WhatsApp chats with a pre-written message: WhatsApp QR code generator.
- Contact cards (vCard) that save your details to the phone: business card QR codes.
- Social profiles such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
- Email, SMS, phone numbers, locations and calendar events.
How to design a QR code that still scans
- Keep contrast high. A dark code on a light background is the safest. Light-on-dark and low-contrast gradients can fail on some phones.
- Do not shrink the quiet zone. The empty border around the code helps cameras find it.
- Keep logos under a quarter of the width. The tool raises error correction when you add one.
- Shorter content scans better. A short link creates a simpler pattern than a long URL.
- Print big enough. About 2 to 3 cm for hand-held items, and the scanning distance divided by ten for posters.
- Test it. Scan the final printed result on an iPhone and an Android phone.
Static or dynamic QR codes?
A static QR code stores the content inside the pattern. It is free forever and cannot be switched off. A dynamic code points to a redirect owned by a service, which allows analytics and editing but often stops working when a subscription ends. For permanent print such as packaging, menus and signs, static codes are the safer choice. If you need tracking, point the code at a link on your own domain and use analytics there.
Print and file format guide
| Use | Best format |
|---|---|
| Business cards, posters, packaging | SVG or PDF (vector, sharp at any size) |
| Websites and email | PNG or WebP |
| Word or PowerPoint documents | PNG at 1024 px or more |
| Photos with a white background | JPG |
Want a bar code for products instead? Try our barcode generator, and read our guide on QR codes for restaurant menus.