Free & Instant

QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, email, phone numbers, and more. Download as PNG — no sign-up, no watermarks.

How QR Codes Work

QR codes (Quick Response codes) were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, to track automotive parts. Today they're everywhere — from restaurant menus to payment systems. A QR code encodes data as a pattern of black and white squares that can be read by any camera-equipped device.

Data Types You Can Encode

QR codes aren't limited to URLs. The standard supports multiple data formats, each triggered by a specific prefix that tells the scanning device how to handle the content.

URL: https://example.com
WiFi: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;
Email: mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hi&body=Hello
Phone: tel:+15551234567
SMS: smsto:+15551234567:Your message here

WiFi QR Codes

One of the most useful applications. When a guest scans a WiFi QR code, their phone automatically connects to the network — no need to type the password. This is especially handy for businesses, Airbnbs, and events. The QR code encodes the network name (SSID), password, and security type using a standard format all modern phones understand.

Example WiFi string:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:CoffeeShop_WiFi;P:Welcome2024;H:false;;
Scanning this connects you to "CoffeeShop_WiFi" with password "Welcome2024".

Error Correction

QR codes have built-in error correction, meaning they can still be scanned even if part of the code is damaged or obscured. There are four levels: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). Higher error correction means larger QR codes but more resilience. This generator uses level M for a good balance of size and reliability.

Size and Scanning Distance

For close-range scanning (phone held near the code), a QR code as small as 2 cm works fine. For posters or signage, the rule of thumb is about 1 inch of QR code size per 10 feet of scanning distance. The "Large" and "XL" size options produce higher-resolution images suitable for printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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