Free QR Code Generator

How to Create a QR Code (Step by Step)

Creating a QR code with our generator takes under 30 seconds and requires no account or payment. Here's exactly how:

1. Choose your QR type — select from URL, WiFi, vCard, Email, SMS, or plain text depending on what you want the code to do when scanned.
2. Fill in the details — enter your URL, WiFi credentials, contact details, or text. The QR code updates live as you type.
3. Customise colours and size — change the foreground and background colours to match your brand. Choose from 200px (web use) to 600px (large print).
4. Download PNG or SVG — PNG is best for digital use and standard printing. SVG is a vector format that scales perfectly to any size without losing quality — ideal for large-format printing.
5. Test before printing — scan the downloaded QR code with your phone camera before printing on any physical material. Always test the destination link or action.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: What's the Difference?

Our generator creates static QR codes, which means the destination is encoded permanently in the code itself. This is the right choice for most uses because:

• Static codes never expire — unlike many commercial tools that deactivate your code if you don't renew a subscription
• Static codes require no server — the URL or data is directly in the pattern, so there's no redirect that can break
• Static codes are more trustworthy to scan — no hidden redirect chain, the destination is what it is

Dynamic QR codes let you change the destination after printing, which is useful for high-volume marketing campaigns. If you need dynamic codes, tools like Bitly or QR Tiger offer them — but they require paid subscriptions to keep the codes active.

Best Practices for QR Codes That Actually Get Scanned

Size matters more than you think

Print a sample at the intended size and test it from the expected viewing distance. Longer encoded content creates a denser pattern, so one minimum size does not suit every code. Keep the light margin around the code and use SVG for scalable print artwork.

Contrast is everything

Use a dark foreground on a light background and preserve the light margin around the code. Unusual colours and reversed light-on-dark codes may behave differently across scanners. Test the actual printed result; a text contrast ratio does not guarantee that a QR code will scan.

Always include a call to action

Add a short instruction such as "Scan for our menu" or "Scan to connect to WiFi" so visitors know what opening the code will do. We have not measured a scan-rate increase for this generator.

Test on multiple devices

Test your QR code on at least two different phones before printing — iPhone and Android camera apps can behave differently with unusual colour combinations.

QR Codes for Restaurants, Events and Small Businesses

QR codes have become essential infrastructure for physical businesses since 2020. The most common uses we see:

• Restaurant menus — link to a PDF or webpage. Update the destination without reprinting the QR code on tables (note: requires dynamic codes if you need to change URLs after printing).
• Event check-in — link to an event programme, schedule, or registration confirmation.
• Retail product pages — link from packaging or shelf labels to detailed product information, video demonstrations, or reviews.
• WiFi access in cafes and offices — a WiFi QR code eliminates the most common customer service question entirely.
• Business cards — a vCard QR code lets contacts save your full details to their phone in one tap, without manual typing.