QR Code generator

Create scannable QR codes from any text or link

All generation runs locally in your browser

Last updated: February 4, 2026

CreatorFrank Zhao

Text or URL

Size (px)

Format

Error correction

Margin

Dark color

Light color

Preview

PNG • 240px • EC M

Your QR code will appear here

Introduction / overview

The QR Code Generator turns your text into a QR code image you can download and share. It’s great for URLs, contact details, Wi‑Fi credentials, event check-ins, and any time you want “scan instead of type”.

Privacy note: generation runs locally in your browser. Your input text does not need to be sent to a server to create the code.

Who is it for?

Anyone who needs a clean QR quickly: developers, marketers, teachers, small businesses, event organizers, and students.

Pairs well with…

If your QR contains tricky characters, encode them first with our URL encoder. For sharing binary data, consider Base64 File Converter.

How to use / quick start guide

1
Paste your text or URL
Put a link (recommended) or any text into the input box. Shorter inputs usually scan faster.
2
Pick a size and format
Set the size in pixels and choose PNG (best for most uses) or SVG (best for crisp printing).
3
Adjust advanced settings if needed
Use higher error correction if you expect low-quality printing or a logo overlay.
4
Download and test-scan
Download the image, then test it on at least two phones/camera apps before you publish it.

Quick sizing example (numbers you can copy)

If the QR version ends up being $v = 3$ then $N = 4v + 17 = 29$ modules. With $W = 240$ pixels and $m = 2$ modules of margin, the approximate pixels-per-module is:

p

\approx

\frac{240}{29 + 2\cdot 2}

=

\frac{240}{33}

\approx

7.27\ \mathrm{px/module}

If your phone struggles to scan, bump $W$ up to make each module larger.

How to interpret the preview

If the preview looks “busy” (lots of tiny squares), your input is long or you chose high error correction. Increase the size, reduce the text, or lower the error correction level to improve scan reliability.

Copy button

PNG mode copies a data URL. SVG mode copies the raw SVG markup (useful for designers).

Download button

Download the QR image as a file. For printing, SVG usually stays crisp at any size.

Real-world examples / use cases

Event check-in link (simple and reliable)

Scenario: You print a poster that takes people to a registration page.

Input: $\text{https://example.com/register}$

Settings: PNG, 320px, error correction $\mathrm{M}$ .

How to use the result: Print the QR with enough white space around it and test-scan from a few steps away.

Wi‑Fi sign-in (no typing passwords)

Scenario: Guests scan a code and join your Wi‑Fi.

Input: a Wi‑Fi payload string (common format):

\text{WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;}

Result: A QR code that many phones interpret as “Join Wi‑Fi”.

Tip: Use error correction $\mathrm{Q}$ or $\mathrm{H}$ if you expect low-quality printing.

Print-ready sizing (step-by-step)

Scenario: You want a QR that prints to about $3\ \mathrm{cm}$ wide and remains easy to scan.

A handy sizing model: for a QR version $v$ , the grid width in modules is

N = 4v + 17

If you render the QR at width $W$ pixels with margin $m$ modules, the approximate pixels-per-module is:

p \approx \frac{W}{N + 2m}

Example: Suppose the chosen version ends up being $v = 2$ (so $N = 25$ ), you set $W = 300$ and $m = 2$ :

p

\approx

\frac{300}{25 + 2\cdot 2}

=

\frac{300}{29}

\approx

10.34\ \mathrm{px/module}

How to apply: If scanning is flaky, increase $W$ (bigger modules) or shorten the input so the tool can pick a smaller version.

Common scenarios / when to use

Short links on posters

Put a short URL in the QR (or use a URL shortener you control). Less data usually means bigger “blocks”, which scan easier.

High-quality print materials

Choose SVG and a healthy margin. Test-scan after printing, not just on screen.

Mobile app deep links

Great for app installs or in-app routing. Consider encoding the URL safely with our URL encoder if you have complex query strings.

QRs that may get damaged

Use higher error correction. It helps if the print gets scratched or you place a small logo on top.

Wi‑Fi guest access

QR codes can store Wi‑Fi payload strings so guests can join without typing.

Menus and contactless info

Provide a single QR for a menu, hours, or a contact page. Keep the destination updated so old prints still work.

When a QR code might not be ideal

If users must read the data directly (for example, a long coupon code), plain text may be clearer.
If your audience has limited camera access (older devices), consider offering a short URL alongside the QR.
If the link is security-sensitive, avoid QR codes in untrusted physical spaces where stickers can be swapped.

Tips & best practices

Make it scan on the first try

Keep the input short. Long text produces denser QR patterns that need a larger print size.
Leave a margin (quiet zone). A margin of $m \ge 2$ modules is a good starting point.
Ensure strong contrast: dark modules on a light background. Avoid low-contrast brand colors for the dark layer.
Test with multiple scanners (iOS camera, Android camera, and at least one third-party app).

Printing tip

If you’re printing, SVG helps because it scales cleanly. After printing, test-scan the physical copy under real lighting.

Screen tip

If the QR is displayed on a screen, avoid placing it on animated backgrounds. Keep it stable and large enough to scan quickly.

Calculation method / formula explanation

QR codes follow a standard that defines how text becomes a matrix of dark/light modules, along with error correction data. This calculator chooses a QR version that fits your input and settings, then renders it as PNG or SVG.

QR version and module grid

Each QR version $v$ has a fixed module grid size $N$ :

N = 4v + 17

Higher versions (bigger $N$ ) can store more data, but the modules become smaller at a fixed pixel width.

Error correction levels

Error correction improves robustness. Roughly, the recovery capability increases with the level:

\mathrm{L}\ (\approx 7\%)

\mathrm{M}\ (\approx 15\%)

\mathrm{Q}\ (\approx 25\%)

\mathrm{H}\ (\approx 30\%)

Higher levels can reduce the maximum data you can store, so if your input is very long you may need to lower the level or increase the output size.

Related concepts / background info

Quiet zone (margin)

The margin is not decoration. Scanners use the clear space to find the QR boundary and orientation.

Scanner differences

Different camera apps have different tolerance for blur, glare, and low contrast. Always test on more than one device.

URLs, encoding, and “weird characters”

If your URL contains spaces, non-ASCII characters, or complex query strings, it’s safer to encode them properly. Our URL encoder helps you produce a clean, scanner-friendly URL string.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What’s the best format: PNG or SVG?

PNG is great for screens and most uploads. SVG is great for printing and design tools because it scales cleanly.

Why does my QR code look “too dense”?

Denser codes usually mean your input is long or error correction is high. Increase size, shorten input, or use a lower error correction level.

How big should I print a QR code?

There’s no single number, but bigger modules are easier to scan. As a rule of thumb, increase the pixel width $W$ until your phone can scan it quickly from the intended distance.

Can I put a logo in the middle?

Often yes, but keep it small. Use higher error correction (like $\mathrm{Q}$ or $\mathrm{H}$ ) and test-scan after exporting and printing.

Is it safe to scan QR codes?

Treat QR codes like links: scan only from trusted sources and confirm the destination before opening or installing anything.

Limitations / disclaimers / sources

Limitations

Scanning success depends on camera quality, lighting, printing, and contrast.
Very long inputs may exceed QR capacity (especially with high error correction).
If you share a QR publicly, anyone can scan it. Avoid encoding sensitive data directly.

References

QR code structure is standardized by ISO/IEC 18004. For practical guidance, test with real devices and real print outputs.

Want to share a QR that points to a complex URL? Clean it up first using Encode/decode URL-formatted strings.

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