Quick answer: A QR code stores text as a grid of black and white squares that a phone camera can read. This generator makes static codes, so the text is inside the picture and the code never expires. A short web address such as https://example.com fits in a 25 × 25 code at the medium error-correction level, and the biggest code holds up to 2,331 bytes.
A QR code turns a web address, a phone number, a message or a Wi-Fi login into a picture that a phone camera can read in a second. They are useful on menus, posters, business cards, packaging, event tickets and anywhere you want people to reach a link without typing it.
This generator makes the code in your browser, so what you type is never sent to a server, and there is no account, watermark or expiry date. Codes made here are static: they contain your data directly, so they keep working forever and do not depend on any service.
Choosing the right settings
- Text or link. Type a web address (start it with https://), or any text up to about 2,900 characters. Shorter content makes a simpler, easier-to-scan code.
- Wi-Fi. Enter the network name and password. When someone scans it with a modern phone camera, they can join the network without typing the password.
- Error correction. Higher levels (Q and H) let the code still scan when part of it is dirty or damaged, or has a logo placed over it, but they make the code denser. Medium is a good default.
- Colors. Dark dots on a light background scan most reliably. Keep strong contrast, and avoid inverting the colors.
- Size. Use PNG for screens and documents. Use SVG for printing, because it stays sharp at any size.
Tips for printing
Keep the blank border around the code, called the quiet zone, and print it at least 2 cm (about 0.8 inch) wide. Test the code with a phone before printing a large batch.
A worked example
Example. The web address https://example.com is 19 characters, so at the medium error-correction level it fits in a version 2 code, a grid of 25 × 25 squares. Longer text needs a bigger grid, and the largest possible code (version 40, 177 × 177 squares) holds up to 2,331 bytes at the medium level.
How much a QR code can hold
| Code size | Error correction L (7%) | M (15%) | Q (25%) | H (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version 1 (21 × 21) | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 |
| Version 5 (37 × 37) | 106 | 84 | 60 | 44 |
| Version 10 (57 × 57) | 271 | 213 | 151 | 119 |
| Version 20 (97 × 97) | 858 | 666 | 482 | 382 |
| Version 40 (177 × 177) | 2,953 | 2,331 | 1,663 | 1,273 |
Maximum bytes of text at each error-correction level. Letters and digits of English take 1 byte each, and other scripts and emoji take 2 to 4 bytes per character.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Printing too small or with low contrast. Keep dark squares on a light background and print at least about 2 cm (0.8 inch) wide, then test with a phone.
- Removing the blank border (the quiet zone). Scanners need it to find the edges of the code.
- Encoding a very long link. More data means a denser code that is harder to scan, so use a short address or a shorter URL.
Go deeper: read our guide UTM Parameters Explained: Track Every Campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Is this QR code generator really free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit. The codes are static, so they never expire.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. The code is generated in your browser using JavaScript. Your text, links and Wi-Fi password stay on your device.
What is the difference between PNG and SVG?
PNG is a fixed-size picture, fine for screens and documents. SVG is a vector file that stays perfectly sharp when scaled up, which makes it best for printing on posters or packaging.
Why will my QR code not scan?
Common reasons are low contrast between the dots and background, inverted colors, a code printed too small, a missing white border, or too much content. Try higher contrast, a larger size and a shorter link.
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Sources and further reading
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