QR Code Generator

URLs, Plain Text, Email, Phone, and Wi-Fi QR Codes

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a grid of black and white squares. Unlike traditional barcodes that can only store numbers, QR codes can encode text, URLs, contact information, email addresses, phone numbers, and even WiFi login credentials. This makes them versatile tools for connecting physical materials to digital content. This generator supports all the most common QR code types and lets you download the result as a PNG or SVG file with no signup required.

How QR Codes Work

A QR (Quick Response) code works by encoding data into a matrix pattern that a camera or dedicated scanner can read optically. The pattern consists of finder patterns in three corners, alignment marks, timing patterns, and data modules. When a smartphone camera scans the code, the camera app decodes the pattern and returns the encoded content — opening a URL in the browser, composing an email, dialing a phone number, or connecting to a WiFi network. Error correction data is embedded in the code so it can still be read even if part of it is damaged or obscured. The level of error correction you choose determines how much of the code can be destroyed while still remaining scannable. For a more specialized generator, our Facebook QR code generator creates codes that link directly to Facebook profiles and pages.

Types of QR Code Content

Different content types produce QR codes with different behaviors when scanned. A URL QR code opens a website directly in the device browser — the most common use case for marketing and sharing links. A plain text QR code displays the text on screen without triggering any app action. An email QR code opens the device's mail client with the recipient address pre-filled. A phone number QR code initiates a call to that number. A WiFi QR code configures the device to connect to the specified network automatically, which is particularly useful for guest networks in businesses and hotels. Each type uses a standardized encoding format that all modern smartphone cameras understand without any additional app.

Customize Colors and Size Before Downloading

Standard black-and-white QR codes are functional but generic. This generator lets you customize the foreground and background colors to match your brand, choose the exact pixel dimensions for your use case, and set the error correction level to balance data capacity against physical resilience. All changes are applied before the QR code is generated, so what you download is exactly what you configured. For color inspiration that works well with your QR code design, our AI color palette generator can suggest coordinated brand colors.

How to Generate a QR Code in Four Steps

Customization Options

The foreground color sets the dark modules of the QR pattern — the default is black (#000000), but any dark color that contrasts well against the background will work. The background color sets the light areas — white (#ffffff) by default. Avoid using colors with low contrast between foreground and background as scanners need a clear distinction to read the code reliably. The size slider lets you set the output from 100px to 1000px in 10px increments, giving you control over the resolution of your PNG download. The SVG download is always vector and scales to any size without quality loss. Error correction at Low (7%) stores more data in a smaller code, while High (30%) makes the code larger but lets it survive more physical damage — useful for codes that will be printed on surfaces that may wear or get dirty.

Printing QR Codes for Marketing and Events

Printed QR codes are a practical way to bridge offline materials — business cards, posters, product packaging, and event signage — with online content. Unlike typed URLs, a QR code eliminates the risk of transcription errors and reduces friction for the user, who simply points their camera at the code. For any printed application, download the SVG format from this tool for resolution-independent output, and test the printed result at actual size before committing to a print run.

Sharing Website URLs

URL QR codes are the most widely used type. Paste any webpage address into the URL field and the generator encodes it into a scannable code. This is useful for linking printed materials to landing pages, product pages, social media profiles, video content, or digital menus. If you are generating QR codes to drive traffic to content, make sure the destination page is mobile-optimized, as most scans happen on smartphones. For directing users specifically to your Facebook page, our Facebook QR code generator creates a dedicated code for that purpose.

Business Cards and Marketing

Business cards are one of the most popular places to print QR codes. A URL code linking to your website or LinkedIn profile lets recipients learn more about you with a single scan. An email code opens a pre-addressed email so the recipient can contact you immediately. For business card printing, use a size of at least 200px at 300 DPI, which corresponds to roughly 17mm at print resolution — large enough to scan reliably. Use the High error correction setting for business card QR codes, since the code surface may accumulate minor scratches over time. For help crafting the email content that recipients will reach after scanning, our email writer generator can help draft professional messages.

WiFi Network Sharing

WiFi QR codes let guests connect to your network by scanning a code instead of manually entering the SSID and password. This is particularly useful in cafes, hotels, offices, and event venues. Select the WiFi credentials option, enter the network name and password, choose the correct encryption type (WPA2 is the most common for modern routers), and generate the code. When a guest scans it with their smartphone camera, the device prompts them to join the network automatically. Print the code and display it prominently at the counter, on tables, or in welcome materials. Use the High error correction level for printed WiFi codes as they are often placed in high-traffic areas where surfaces can become dirty or worn.

Scanning Compatibility Across Devices

QR codes generated with standard encoding are compatible with all modern smartphones. iOS 11 and later include native QR code scanning in the Camera app. Android devices running Android 9 and later also include native scanning in the Camera app, and earlier Android versions support scanning through Google Lens. No additional QR code reader app is required for standard QR codes. Some older or budget Android devices may require a third-party scanner, but this is increasingly rare. The codes produced by this generator follow the ISO/IEC 18004 standard to ensure maximum compatibility.

URL QR Code

A URL QR code contains a web address that the camera app recognizes and opens in the default browser. On iPhone, a tap notification appears at the top of the screen showing the domain. On Android, a similar prompt appears in the viewfinder. The user taps the notification to open the link. Because the browser opens the URL directly, the destination page should load correctly on mobile screen sizes. Short URLs encode more compactly than long ones, resulting in a simpler QR pattern that is easier to scan. If your URL is very long, consider using a URL shortener before encoding it to keep the code less dense.

WiFi Login QR Code

A WiFi QR code uses a format recognized by the camera apps on both iOS and Android to trigger an automatic network join prompt. On iPhone, a "Join Network" notification appears. On Android, the device prompts to connect to the network. The password is stored inside the code but is not displayed to the user scanning it — it is passed directly to the device's network settings. This makes it secure enough for a shared guest network, though you should still use a separate guest SSID rather than your main network password. WPA/WPA2 is the standard encryption for most modern WiFi networks and should be selected unless your router specifically uses WEP or has no password.

Custom Colored QR Code

Custom colored QR codes use any foreground color against any background color, provided there is sufficient contrast for scanners to read the module pattern. Dark foreground on light background works reliably. Light foreground on dark background also works but is less common. Avoid using very similar shades for the two colors, and test the custom code on multiple devices before printing in quantity. Colors that work well in digital preview can sometimes lose contrast when printed on matte paper under artificial lighting. The SVG download maintains exact color values, making it the preferred format for print production. All customization happens entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

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