What can I encode in a QR code?

QR codes can store URLs, plain text, phone numbers, email addresses, Wi-Fi credentials (SSID and password), vCard contact details, calendar events (vCalendar), and SMS messages. URL QR codes are by far the most common — scanners open the link directly in a browser. Wi-Fi QR codes let guests join your network by scanning instead of typing a password.

What is error correction in a QR code?

Error correction lets a QR code be scanned even when part of it is obscured or damaged. There are four levels: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). Use level H when printing QR codes on curved surfaces, textured materials, or when overlaying a logo in the center — the extra redundancy compensates for the obscured data. Use level L for simple URL codes where maximum data density matters more than resilience.

What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can hold?

A Version 40 QR code at error correction level L can hold up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. In practice, shorter payloads produce less dense codes that are easier to scan — especially on mobile cameras from a distance. For URLs, use a link shortener if the URL is long.

Can I use custom colors in a QR code?

Yes. This generator lets you set the foreground (module) and background colors freely. The only firm requirement is sufficient contrast — QR scanners need to distinguish dark modules from the light background. A contrast ratio of at least 4:1 is recommended. Avoid light-on-dark color schemes; some scanner apps struggle with inverted codes.

What is the difference between PNG and SVG download?

PNG is a raster format — the image is a fixed grid of pixels. It's ideal for web pages, emails, and digital sharing. SVG is a vector format — the code is described as mathematical shapes and scales to any size without losing sharpness. Use SVG when printing the QR code on physical materials (business cards, posters, packaging) where high resolution matters.

QR Code Generator

$ qr

Generate a QR code for any URL, Wi-Fi network, contact card, or plain text. Customize the colors and error correction level, then download as PNG or SVG — no account, no watermark, nothing uploaded.

Content

Enter text or a URL to encode as a QR code

Text / URL

Preview

Enter text or a URL to generate a QR code

What is a QR code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that stores data in a pattern of black and white squares. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, QR codes became ubiquitous once smartphones gained built-in camera scanners. Any modern phone camera can decode a QR code in under a second — no app required. Common uses include linking to websites, connecting to Wi-Fi networks without typing a password, sharing contact details as a vCard, and encoding short text messages.

How to create a QR code

Choose a content type — URL, Wi-Fi, vCard, or plain text — and enter your data in the field above.
Optionally adjust the foreground and background colors. Keep contrast high so scanners can reliably read the code.
Set the error correction level. Use H if you plan to overlay a logo or print on an uneven surface; use L for maximum data density on clean surfaces.
Click Download PNG for web and digital use, or Download SVG for scalable print output.

Error correction levels explained

QR codes embed redundant data so they can be partially obscured and still scan correctly. The four levels trade off capacity for resilience: L recovers up to 7% damage, M up to 15%, Q up to 25%, and H up to 30%. A higher level produces a denser, more complex code from the same input. For printed materials with a logo overlay — where the center of the code is intentionally covered — use level H. For a plain URL on a flat surface, level M is a good default.

Free QR code generator — browser-only, no files uploaded

This QR generator runs entirely in your browser. The content you encode never leaves your device — no data is sent to any server. There is no sign-up, no watermark, and no limit on how many codes you generate. For other encoding tools, see our URL encoder and Base64 encoder.

QR code generator — frequently asked questions

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