How to use the qr code generator
- Choose what the code should contain: URL, text, Wi-Fi or email.
- Fill in the fields. The preview updates as you type.
- Adjust size, quiet-zone margin and error-correction level if needed.
- Pick colours — keep the pattern dark on a light background.
- Scan the preview with your phone, then download PNG or SVG.
How it works
The QR symbol is produced by the open-source qrcode library (MIT licence), loaded only on this page. It encodes your content into the smallest QR version (size grid) that fits, adds Reed–Solomon error-correction codewords at the chosen level, and selects the mask pattern that is easiest for scanners to read, as defined in ISO/IEC 18004.
Wi-Fi codes use the widely supported WIFI:T:WPA;S:name;P:password;; format, with special characters escaped. Email codes use a standard mailto: link. Tips on making codes that scan first time are in our QR reliability guide.
Worked example
The URL https://example.com with error correction M fits in a version 2 symbol (25 × 25 modules). At a size of 300 px plus a 4-module margin, each module is about 9 px wide — large enough to scan from a screen at arm's length.
Limitations
- Codes are static: the content cannot be changed after printing, and there is no scan tracking.
- Long text produces dense codes that are hard to scan; keep URLs short.
- Low-contrast or inverted colour schemes can fail on some phone cameras.
- Wi-Fi codes are read natively by recent Android and iOS camera apps; older devices may need a scanner app.
Frequently asked questions
Do these QR codes expire?
No. The content is stored directly in the pattern, so the code works as long as the destination exists. There is no redirect service in between.
Which error-correction level should I choose?
M (about 15% recovery) suits most uses. Choose Q or H for printed codes that may get scratched or partially covered; they make the pattern denser.
PNG or SVG?
Use PNG for websites, slides and messages. Use SVG for print, because it is vector-based and stays perfectly sharp at any size.
Is my Wi-Fi password sent anywhere?
No. The code is generated in your browser. Remember that anyone who scans the printed code can read the password.
How small can I print a QR code?
A common rule of thumb is a width of at least one tenth of the scanning distance, and never under about 2 cm for short URLs. Always test a printed proof.