QR Code Generator
Create custom QR codes with colors, logos, frames, and presets. Download as PNG or SVG instantly.
Higher correction allows the QR code to be partially damaged while still readable.
Add a text label below the QR code.
QR code will appear here
What Is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that encodes data in a pattern of black and white squares. Invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, QR codes are now the global standard for bridging physical and digital experiences. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one dimension, QR codes use both horizontal and vertical axes to store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
QR codes include built-in error correction based on Reed-Solomon algorithms, allowing them to remain scannable even when partially damaged. Every modern smartphone with iOS 11+ or Android 9+ can scan QR codes natively through the camera app without installing additional software.
How to Generate a QR Code
Create a custom QR code in five steps using this free browser-based tool.
- Choose a preset or custom mode: Select URL, Email, SMS, or enter custom text. Each mode formats the data correctly for scanners.
- Enter your content: Fill in the required fields for your chosen format. For email, provide the address, subject, and body. For SMS, enter the phone number and message.
- Customize appearance: Adjust size (128px to 1024px), foreground and background colors, error correction level, and dot style (square or rounded).
- Generate: Click "Generate QR Code" to create your custom QR code instantly in the preview panel.
- Download: Save as PNG for web sharing and print, or SVG for scalable vector graphics suitable for large-format printing.
QR Code Examples by Format
Each QR code format encodes data differently. Here is what the tool generates for each mode.
- URL mode: Entering
https://example.com/landingencodes the full URL. When scanned, the phone opens the link directly in the default browser. - Email mode: Entering recipient
[email protected], subject "Product Inquiry", and body "I'd like pricing details" generates amailto:link. Scanning opens the user's email app with all fields pre-filled. - SMS mode: Entering phone
+15551234567and message "RSVP Yes" generates ansms:link. Scanning opens the messaging app with the number and message ready to send. - Custom text: Entering any free-form text like a serial number, coupon code, or paragraph of text encodes it as plain data. The scanner displays the text for the user to read or copy.
Error Correction Levels Explained
QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction to remain scannable when partially obscured or damaged. Choose the right level based on where the QR code will be displayed.
- Low (L) -- 7% recovery: Best for clean digital displays, screens, and emails where damage is unlikely. Produces the smallest, simplest QR code.
- Medium (M) -- 15% recovery: The default. Works well for most printed materials like flyers, business cards, and product packaging.
- Quartile (Q) -- 25% recovery: Recommended for outdoor signage, labels on products that may get scratched, and any environment with moderate wear.
- High (H) -- 30% recovery: Required when placing a logo or image over the center of the QR code. Also best for harsh environments where significant damage is expected.
QR Code Generator Features
- Multiple formats: URL, Email, SMS, and custom text support with proper data encoding for each type.
- Customizable colors: Change foreground and background colors to match your brand. Maintain at least 4:1 contrast ratio for reliable scanning.
- Adjustable size: Generate QR codes from 128px to 1024px to suit any use case from thumbnails to posters.
- Error correction levels: Choose from Low (7%), Medium (15%), Quartile (25%), or High (30%) recovery.
- Frame text: Add a custom call-to-action label below your QR code, such as "Scan me!" or "Visit our site".
- Download options: Save as PNG for raster images or SVG for lossless vector graphics.
- Client-side processing: All generation happens in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a grid of black and white squares. When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR reader app, the encoded data is instantly decoded and acted upon. QR codes can store URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, WiFi credentials, and contact cards. They were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts and are now used globally for marketing, payments, and information sharing.
This generator supports four content formats: Custom text or URL (any free-form text), URL (website links), Email (mailto links with optional subject and body), and SMS (text messages with optional message body). For WiFi network QR codes or vCard contact cards, use our dedicated WiFi QR Code Generator or vCard QR Code Generator tools.
PNG is a raster image format best for sharing on social media, embedding in documents, or printing at a fixed size. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing quality, making it ideal for large-format printing like banners, posters, and signage. Choose PNG for quick sharing and SVG when you need the QR code at multiple sizes or very large dimensions.
Error correction allows a QR code to remain scannable even if part of it is damaged or obscured. There are four levels: Low (L) recovers 7% of data, Medium (M) recovers 15%, Quartile (Q) recovers 25%, and High (H) recovers 30%. Higher correction means more data redundancy, which increases the density of the QR code. Use High when placing logos over the code or when the code may be physically damaged. Use Low for clean digital displays where damage is unlikely.
Yes, you can customize both foreground and background colors using the color pickers. The foreground color applies to the dark data modules and the background color fills the light areas. Always maintain high contrast between the two colors for reliable scanning. Dark foreground on light background works best. Avoid using very light foreground colors or very dark background colors, as most scanners expect a dark-on-light pattern.
Yes, this QR code generator is completely free with no signup, watermarks, or usage limits. All QR code generation happens in your browser using JavaScript, so no data is sent to any server. You can generate and download as many QR codes as you need for personal or commercial use.
A QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data at the lowest error correction level. In practice, shorter content produces simpler QR codes that are easier to scan. For URLs, keeping the link under 100 characters is recommended. If you need to encode long URLs, consider using a URL shortener first to keep the QR code compact and scannable.