QR Code Generator
Generate custom QR codes with colors, logos, and error correction
Generate QR codes with configurable error correction levels. Create scannable codes for URLs, WiFi credentials, vCards, and payment addresses.
How to generate a QR code?
Creating a QR code takes just a few steps: Select the QR code type from the dropdown menu — URL for website links, Text for plain messages, WiFi for sharing network credentials (SSID + password), vCard for digital business cards, Email for pre-filled message templates, Phone for direct dial links, or SMS for text messages. Enter your content in the appropriate fields — for a URL paste the full address including https://, for WiFi enter the network name and password separately. Customize the appearance: choose foreground and background colors that maintain sufficient contrast (dark foreground on light background scans most reliably), select the error correction level (L=7%, M=15%, Q=25%, H=30%), and optionally upload a logo image to place in the center. Click Generate to create the QR code. Preview it by scanning with your phone camera to verify readability. Download as PNG for digital use or print at high resolution for physical materials.
QR code error correction and when to use each level
Error correction determines how much of the QR code can be damaged or obscured while remaining scannable. Level L recovers up to 7% damage — suitable for clean digital displays where the QR code won't be touched. Level M (15%) is the default and recommended setting for most applications, balancing data capacity with durability. Level Q (25%) handles moderate damage — ideal for QR codes printed on product packaging that may experience handling wear, or on promotional items subject to scratching. Level H (30%) provides maximum resilience — necessary when placing a logo in the center (the logo covers approximately 15% of the code area), printing on curved surfaces like mugs or bottles, or creating QR codes for outdoor signage exposed to weather. Higher error correction reduces the amount of data you can encode in the same QR code size because more space is devoted to recovery codewords. When adding a logo, always use at least Q-level error correction to ensure the QR code remains scannable around the logo overlay.
QR code density, modules, and print quality guidelines
A QR code consists of a grid of black and white squares called modules. The number of modules depends on the data length and error correction level — a short URL at M error correction might be version 3 (29x29 modules), while a long URL at H error correction could reach version 10 (137x137 modules). Higher module counts produce denser patterns that are harder for cameras to resolve, especially at small sizes. For reliable scanning, ensure each module is at least 0.25mm (0.01 inches) wide in print — this means a version 3 QR code needs a minimum printed size of about 7mm x 7mm, while a version 10 needs roughly 34mm x 34mm. Add a quiet zone of at least 4 modules (about 1mm) of clear space around all edges of the QR code; scanners need this border to detect the code boundaries. For digital use on screens, render at minimum 300 DPI — a 33-module QR code at 300 DPI produces a 28x28 pixel image, which is the practical minimum for smartphone camera autofocus to lock onto. Test every QR code with multiple scanner apps (default camera, QR Reader, Barcode Scanner) before deploying widely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this QR code generator really free?
Yes, completely free with no limits, accounts, or premium tiers. Generate unlimited QR codes with full customization at no cost. Essential tools should be accessible to everyone.
Can I add a logo to my QR code?
Yes, upload any image to place in the center. Use at least Q (25%) error correction to compensate for the covered area. Simple logos with transparent backgrounds at 200x200 pixels or larger work best. Always test scan after adding a logo.
What QR code types are supported?
URL, plain text, WiFi credentials (SSID + password + security type), vCard business cards, email addresses with subject/body, phone numbers, and SMS messages. Each type generates properly formatted data that standard QR scanners recognize.
How does error correction affect QR code size?
Higher error correction uses more space for recovery data, reducing the capacity for your actual content. At the same data length, higher error correction may force the QR code to use more modules (larger version). Plan your content length accordingly when choosing error correction levels.
Can I change the QR code colors?
Yes, customize both foreground and background colors. Ensure strong contrast — dark foreground on light background scans most reliably. Avoid red/green combinations as many camera sensors struggle to distinguish them. Test with multiple scanner apps after customizing colors.
What's the maximum data capacity of a QR code?
At lowest error correction (L), a QR code holds up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. Most practical uses (URLs under 500 chars, contact info, WiFi credentials) fit comfortably within version 10 (137x137 modules). For very long text, consider a URL redirect service to shorten the encoded data.
Why won't my QR code scan?
Common causes: insufficient contrast between foreground and background, missing quiet zone (clear border), QR code too small for the scanner distance, excessive distortion from stretching, or low-resolution print. Verify each module is at least 0.25mm wide and test with multiple scanner apps before deployment.