What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

A static QR code encodes the destination data (URL, text, WiFi credentials) directly into the QR code modules. The data is fixed — once the code is generated and printed, it cannot be changed. A dynamic QR code encodes a short URL that redirects to the destination URL. Because the redirect is server-side, you can change where the QR code points without reprinting. Dynamic codes also provide scan analytics (how many scans, when, from which devices). Our generator creates static QR codes; pair it with any URL shortener service (Bitly, Rebrandly, Short.io) to create a dynamic QR code — generate a QR code for the shortened URL.

What file format should I download for printing?

For professional printing, download SVG or PDF — both are vector formats that scale infinitely without pixelation. Specify the desired physical dimensions to your print shop (e.g., "print at 5 cm x 5 cm" or "print at 2 inches x 2 inches"). For DIY printing, download PNG at 300 DPI: for a 5 cm x 5 cm (approximately 2 x 2 inches) QR code, you need at least a 600 x 600 pixel PNG. The PNG download sizes in our generator are labelled with their DPI equivalencies for common print sizes.

Can I change the colours of a QR code?

Yes. You can set custom foreground (module) and background colours. The only requirement is sufficient contrast — the foreground must be dark enough relative to the background for scanners to distinguish modules. Our colour picker enforces a minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio. Dark foreground colours (black, navy, dark green, dark burgundy) on a white or very light background work well. Avoid: light foregrounds on dark backgrounds (scanners invert colours inconsistently), red-on-white (many scanners use red lasers that do not see red), and low-contrast pastel combinations.

How small can a QR code be printed?

The minimum viable print size depends on the QR code version (number of modules), the scanning distance, and the scanner's camera resolution. For a version 5 QR code (37x37 modules, typical for a URL), the minimum reliable size is 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) with a modern smartphone camera. Smaller codes (1 cm or less) require a very good camera and steady hands. For versions 10 and above, increase the minimum size proportionally. General formula: print size in cm >= scanning distance in cm / 10.

Will the QR code still work if I add a logo?

Yes, if done correctly. Adding a logo leverages the QR code's error correction — the covered modules are treated as "damaged" and reconstructed from the Reed-Solomon error correction codewords. Requirements: (1) use error correction H (30% recovery) for logo embedding; (2) the logo must cover no more than 25% of the total QR code area; (3) leave a small margin (at least 2 modules) between the logo and the nearest QR modules so the scanner can clearly identify the logo as separate from the data modules. Test the QR code with at least three different scanner apps before mass-printing.

Utility Tools2026-05-10

QR Code Generator: Create QR Codes for URLs, WiFi, vCard & More (Free Online)

QR codes bridge the physical and digital worlds — a camera scan turns a printed square into a website visit, a WiFi connection, a contact saved to your phone, or a payment processed. Every restaurant menu, product label, event ticket, and marketing flyer uses them. Our QR code generator creates production-quality QR codes for all ten standard data types — URLs, plain text, WiFi network credentials, vCard contact cards, email messages, SMS messages, geographic coordinates, calendar events, phone numbers, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses — right in your browser. Unlike many "free" QR generators that watermark their output, limit resolution, or redirect your URL through their tracking server (turning your QR code into a data-collection tool for them), our generator produces clean, unwatermarked QR codes at up to 4096x4096 pixels with no redirects and no tracking. You choose the error correction level (L, M, Q, or H — 7% to 30% recovery), customize the colours (foreground and background) while maintaining contrast requirements, optionally embed a logo in the centre (with the correct 25% quiet-zone clearance), and download in PNG, SVG, or PDF format at print-ready 300 DPI. All QR codes are generated locally in your browser — your URLs, WiFi passwords, and contact data never leave your device.

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QR Code Generator

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Step-by-Step Guide

Select Data Type and Enter Content

Choose your QR code type from the dropdown: URL, Text, WiFi, vCard/Contact, Email, SMS, Geo-location, Calendar Event, Phone Call, or Crypto Wallet. Each type displays a tailored form — for WiFi, enter the SSID, password, and encryption type (WPA/WPA2/WEP/none); for vCard, fill in name, phone, email, organization, and address fields. A live preview of the QR code updates as you type, so you can verify the data is correct before downloading.

Customize Appearance

Set the foreground and background colours using the colour picker. The tool enforces minimum contrast ratios (4.5:1 per WCAG AA) and warns if your chosen colours are too similar for reliable scanning. For logo embedding, upload a PNG or SVG image — the tool automatically sizes it to occupy no more than 25% of the QR code's centre area, maintaining the required quiet zone around the logo so error correction can compensate. Choose between square modules (classic) and rounded modules (modern aesthetic).

Set Error Correction and Download

Select the error correction level: L (7% recovery, maximum data, use for digital/on-screen display), M (15% recovery, the standard choice), Q (25% recovery, good balance), or H (30% recovery, use for print/outdoor/packaging). Choose output size (256x256 to 4096x4096 pixels) and download format: PNG (raster, best for screens and general use), SVG (vector, best for print at any size, infinitely scalable), or PDF (vector, ready for professional printing at 300 DPI with trim marks).

Tips & Best Practices

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QR code error correction levels: L (Low, 7%) — restores up to 7% of damaged codewords; use for digital screens where no physical damage is expected. M (Medium, 15%) — the default for most generators, best balance of data capacity and durability. Q (Quartile, 25%) — use for printed materials, flyers, and product labels. H (High, 30%) — use for outdoor signage, packaging that may get scuffed, or codes that will be partially covered. Higher correction reduces the maximum data capacity.

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When embedding a logo in the centre of a QR code, the logo must not cover more than 25% of the code's total area (roughly 30% of the width and height). The error correction codewords compensate for the obscured modules. Without enough error correction capacity, the code becomes unscannable. Use at least error correction level Q (25%) when embedding a logo; H (30%) is safer, especially for small codes or complex logos.

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The quiet zone — the white border around the QR code — must be at least 4 modules wide on all four sides. Without a sufficient quiet zone, the scanner cannot distinguish the QR code from its surrounding background (text, images, borders). Our generator automatically adds the correct quiet zone based on the QR code version. If you trim the quiet zone in post-processing (e.g., cropping the PNG), the code may become unscannable.

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For print, always export at 300 DPI minimum. A QR code intended to be scanned from 30 cm (12 inches) away should be at least 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches). For a QR code on a billboard scanned from 3 meters (10 feet) away, the code should be at least 20 cm x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches). A general rule: the scanning distance should be no more than 10x the QR code's width.

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Static QR codes encode data directly in the modules — once printed, the encoded content cannot be changed. Dynamic QR codes encode a short URL that redirects to your destination URL, allowing you to change where the code points without reprinting. For printed marketing materials (flyers, business cards, product packaging) where you may want to update the destination, use a dynamic QR code via a URL shortener service. Our generator produces static QR codes; pair it with a URL shortener for dynamic functionality.

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WiFi QR codes encode the network credentials in the format: WIFI:S:<SSID>;T:<WPA|WEP|nopass>;P:<password>;;. When scanned by a smartphone camera, the phone automatically connects to the network (on iOS 11+ and Android 10+) without the user needing to type the password. This is the single most practical QR code for homes, offices, cafes, and events — print one and frame it for guests.

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Colour customization: the foreground (dark) modules must be significantly darker than the background (light) modules. The scanner converts the image to grayscale and applies a threshold — if the contrast is too low, the binarized image loses module boundaries and the code becomes unreadable. Minimum contrast ratio: 4.5:1 (WCAG AA). Avoid light backgrounds with dark-coloured modules that lack sufficient luminance difference. Black-on-white remains the most reliable combination.

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Vector formats (SVG, PDF) are strongly recommended over raster formats (PNG) for print because they scale infinitely without pixelation. An SVG QR code printed at 2 cm width on a business card and the same SVG printed at 2 meters on a trade show banner will both be perfectly sharp. Download both formats: PNG for digital use (embedding in websites, social media, email signatures) and SVG/PDF for print production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our generator supports ten data types: (1) Website URL — the most common use, opens a link when scanned; (2) Plain Text — displays any text message; (3) WiFi Network — auto-connects to a WiFi network (SSID + password + encryption type); (4) vCard Contact — saves a contact card to the phone (name, phone, email, organization, address); (5) Email — opens the email client with prefilled recipient, subject, and body; (6) SMS — opens the messaging app with prefilled recipient and message; (7) Geo-location — opens the map app at specific coordinates (latitude, longitude); (8) Calendar Event — adds an event to the calendar (title, date/time, location, description); (9) Phone Call — initiates a phone call to a number; (10) Cryptocurrency Wallet — encodes a wallet address for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies.

A well-generated QR code works every time — the right error correction, the right size, the right format for the job. Our free generator creates production-quality QR codes for every use case, fully customisable, with no watermarks and no tracking. Generate your QR code now — it takes under 10 seconds.

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