QR Code Generator
Turn a link, some text, Wi-Fi login details, an email address or a phone number into a QR code you can download and print.
🔒 Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to a server.
A QR code lets anyone open a link, join a Wi-Fi network or save your contact details just by pointing a phone camera at it. This generator creates them instantly in your browser. There is no account, no tracking link in between and no expiry date.
How to use the QR code generator
- Choose a content type: website or text, Wi-Fi network, email or phone number.
- Fill in the details. The preview updates as you type.
- Pick an error correction level and, if you like, the colors.
- Click Download PNG (choose the pixel size first) or Download SVG.
Always test the code with a couple of phones before printing it.
How QR codes store data
A QR code is a grid of black and white squares called modules. The data is converted to bytes (UTF-8 for text, so accents and emoji work), and extra error-correction data is added using Reed–Solomon codes. That extra data lets a scanner rebuild the message even when part of the code is dirty, damaged or covered.
The grid grows with the amount of data. There are 40 sizes, called versions:
Modules per side = 17 + 4 × versionVersion 1 is 21 × 21 modules, and version 40 is 177 × 177.
Worked example
Encoding the link https://ztool.info/ (19 bytes):
- At Medium error correction, 19 bytes need version 2, a 17 + 4 × 2 = 25 × 25 grid.
- At High error correction the same link needs version 3, a 29 × 29 grid, because more space goes to recovery data.
- A Wi-Fi code such as
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyHomeWiFi;P:correct-horse-battery;;(49 bytes) needs version 4, a 33 × 33 grid, at Medium.
The largest version at Medium holds 2,331 bytes. Try to fit more and you get an error.
Error correction levels
| Level | Can recover | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Low (L) | about 7% damage | Long text, clean screens |
| Medium (M) | about 15% | Most printed codes |
| Quartile (Q) | about 25% | Outdoor signs, packaging |
| High (H) | about 30% | Small prints, codes with a logo on top |
What the special formats contain
- Wi-Fi:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:network;P:password;;. Phones recognise it and offer to join the network. - Email:
mailto:address?subject=...opens a new email. - Phone:
tel:+15550100offers to call the number.
Tips for codes that scan every time
- Keep the quiet zone. The white border around the code is part of the standard. Don’t crop it.
- Size it for the distance. A rough rule is a code width of at least a tenth of the scanning distance, so 2 cm for a code scanned from 20 cm away.
- Use short links. Less data means bigger modules, which scan faster and from further away.
- Keep contrast high. Dark on light works best. Avoid gradients and busy backgrounds.
- Test after printing. Ink spread, glossy surfaces and curves can all affect scanning.
- Add a call to action. A line such as “Scan to see the menu” tells people what they will get.
Frequently asked questions
Do these QR codes expire?
No. The data is stored in the pattern itself, not on a server, so the code works for as long as the content is valid. Some online services make "dynamic" codes that point to their own redirect link and stop working if you cancel a subscription. These codes don't do that.
Is it safe to put my Wi-Fi password in a QR code?
The password is stored in plain text in the code, so anyone who scans it can read it. That is fine for a guest network or a code on your fridge, but don't post it publicly. The code is generated in your browser, so the password is never sent anywhere.
Which error correction level should I choose?
Medium (15%) suits most uses. Choose High (30%) if the code will be printed small, placed on a rough surface, or have a logo covering part of it. Higher levels make the code denser, so use Low for very long text.
PNG or SVG?
SVG is a vector format, so it stays sharp at any size and is best for print and design software. PNG is an image that works everywhere, including documents and social media. Pick a size of at least 512 pixels for print.
Can I change the colors?
Yes, but keep strong contrast with a dark foreground on a light background. Inverted codes (light on dark) and pale colors can fail to scan on some phones.