QR Code Generator: Create Free QR Codes for Any Link or Text
QR codes have become ubiquitous — from restaurant menus to business cards to marketing campaigns. Our free QR Code Generator lets you create scannable codes for any URL or text in seconds with no signup required.
What is a QR Code?
QR stands for “Quick Response.” Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking car parts, QR codes store data in a two-dimensional grid of black and white squares. Unlike traditional barcodes that hold about 25 characters, QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
QR codes include built-in error correction, meaning they remain scannable even when partially damaged or obscured. This is why you can place logos in the center of QR codes without breaking them.
How to Use Our QR Code Generator
- Enter your content: Type or paste a URL, text, email address, or any data you want to encode
- Choose a size: Select from 150px to 512px depending on your use case
- Generate: Click Generate to create your QR code instantly
- Download: Save as PNG for print or digital use
The code is generated using the Google Charts API, so it’s reliable and high-quality. Always test your QR code by scanning it with a phone before printing.
Common Use Cases
- Marketing: Print on flyers, posters, and product packaging to direct people to landing pages
- Restaurant menus: Create touchless menus by linking to your online menu
- Business cards: Encode your contact information for easy saving
- Wi-Fi sharing: Share your network credentials without typing the password
- Event management: Link to schedules, maps, or feedback forms
- Payments: Link to payment addresses for quick transactions
Tips for QR Code Success
- Keep URLs short for simpler, faster-scanning codes
- Ensure strong contrast (black on white is safest)
- Minimum print size is 2x2 cm for reliable scanning
- Always add a call to action (“Scan for menu,” “Scan for 20% off”)
- Test with multiple devices before mass printing
- Leave a white border (quiet zone) around the code
Frequently Asked Questions
Do QR codes expire? No. A QR code is just encoded data. However, if it points to a URL, that link could change or go down.
Can I customize the colors? The standard generator creates black and white codes for maximum compatibility. For custom colors, ensure strong contrast between foreground and background.
Are QR codes secure? QR codes are data containers — they’re neither secure nor insecure. Always check the URL preview before opening a scanned link.
Try our free QR Code Generator to create scannable codes instantly.
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