QR codes are on restaurant menus, business cards, product packaging, posters, and event tickets. Creating one takes about 10 seconds — here's everything you need to know to make QR codes that scan reliably and look professional.
Generate Your QR Code Now
Use the free QR code generator — paste your URL or text, customize the size, and download as PNG or SVG. No account, no watermark, no expiration.
What Can a QR Code Encode?
QR codes can encode many types of data beyond simple URLs:
- Website URL: The most common use — links to a page, product, or form.
- WiFi credentials: Encode network name, password, and security type so guests can connect without typing anything.
- Plain text: Short instructions, product serial numbers, asset tags.
- Email: Pre-filled email address (and optional subject/body) — scan to open a draft.
- Phone number: Scan to call or save as a contact.
- vCard: Full digital business card with name, phone, email, and address.
- Location: GPS coordinates that open in Google Maps.
- SMS: Pre-filled text message.
QR Code Best Practices for Reliable Scanning
A QR code that doesn't scan reliably is worse than no QR code — it frustrates people. Follow these guidelines:
Minimum Size
For print, 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8" × 0.8") minimum. Below this, phone cameras struggle to resolve the pattern. For billboard/signage use (scanning from 2–5 meters away), use 20 cm × 20 cm or larger.
Quiet Zone (White Border)
QR codes require a quiet zone — empty white space around the code — of at least 4 modules (cells) on all sides. Placing the code edge-to-edge against other design elements causes scan failures. Most generators add this automatically.
Contrast
Dark code on light background. The standard is black on white, but any combination with sufficient contrast works. Avoid light-on-dark (white on black) — it works but some older scanners struggle with inverted codes.
Error Correction Level
QR codes have built-in error correction. Higher levels let the code scan correctly even if part is covered (e.g., by a logo in the center):
- L (7%): Smallest file size, less robust.
- M (15%): Good balance. Default for most uses.
- Q (25%): Recommended if adding a logo in the center.
- H (30%): Maximum resilience. Useful for industrial/outdoor use.
PNG vs SVG: Which Format to Download?
- PNG: Best for web use, email, presentations. Use at least 300×300px for web, 1000×1000px for print.
- SVG: Vector format — infinitely scalable without pixelation. Always use SVG for print, large-format printing, or embedding in design software (Figma, Illustrator).
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
Free generators create static QR codes: the destination URL is encoded directly in the pattern. You cannot change where the code points after printing.
Dynamic QR codes (paid services like Bitly or QR Tiger) redirect through their server — you can change the destination URL after printing. Useful for campaigns where you might update the linked page, but introduces dependency on a third-party service staying live.
For most uses, static QR codes are the right choice — they work forever with no ongoing cost or dependency.
Common QR Code Use Cases
- Restaurant menus: Link to a digital menu. Update the menu without reprinting QR codes (use a stable URL).
- Business cards: Encode your vCard so contacts can save your details without typing.
- Product packaging: Link to product manuals, warranty registration, or promotional offers.
- Events: Tickets with embedded QR codes for check-in scanning.
- WiFi sharing: Office/café guest WiFi — guests scan instead of asking for the password.