Free QR Code Generator — Create QR Codes Instantly

QR codes can encode virtually any text-based data. Common uses include: website URLs (most popular), plain text messages, email addresses with optional subject/body, phone numbers for one-tap calling, SMS messages, WiFi credentials (network name, password, security type) for easy connection, vCard contact information, and geographic coordinates. Our generator supports all these content types with dedicated input forms.

Static QR codes — like the ones generated here — never expire. The QR code encodes the data directly, so it works forever as long as the destination exists. If you encode a URL that later goes offline, the QR code will scan successfully but the user will reach a broken page. For URLs you might want to change later, consider a URL shortener that lets you update the destination without changing the QR code.

For printed materials, use at minimum 300×300 pixels (about 2.5 cm at 120 DPI). The rule of thumb is that the minimum scanning distance should be about 10× the QR code size — a 3cm code is readable from about 30cm away. For business cards, 2×2 cm works. For posters and banners, 10×10 cm or larger ensures it scans reliably from a distance of 1 meter.

QR codes have a maximum capacity that depends on content type: up to 7,089 digits for numbers, 4,296 characters for text/URLs, or 2,953 bytes for binary data. In practice, shorter URLs scan faster and produce less visually complex codes that are easier to scan. Keep URLs under 100 characters for the best print quality and scannability.

Our basic generator creates standard black-and-white QR codes optimized for maximum scannability. Custom colors and logo overlays are possible but reduce scan reliability — dark modules on a light background is the technical requirement. If you need branded QR codes, ensure sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors and keep any logo overlay under 30% of the total area.