Free QR Code Generator
Generate scannable QR codes for any URL, plain text, email address, phone number or Wi-Fi credentials. Choose the size and pick custom foreground and background colors to match your brand. The code is generated locally in your browser — there are no tracking redirects, so the QR will keep working forever and your data stays private.
What Can You Encode in a QR Code?
QR codes can store any text — the scanner app on your phone decides how to handle it. Here are the most common formats:
| Type | Format / Example |
|---|---|
| Website URL | https://example.com |
| Plain text | Any text up to ~2,900 characters |
mailto:you@email.com?subject=Hello | |
| Phone number | tel:+14155552671 |
| SMS | smsto:+14155552671:Your message |
| Wi-Fi login | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; |
| vCard contact | BEGIN:VCARD\nFN:Name\nTEL:... |
| Google Maps location | geo:37.7749,-122.4194 |
Do QR Codes Expire?
QR codes generated here never expire. The data is encoded directly inside the pattern — there is no link shortener or redirect server in the middle. The QR will keep working as long as the destination URL itself remains active. This is different from paid QR services that expire codes after a trial period.
Tips for Better QR Codes
- Keep URLs short. Shorter content = simpler pattern = faster, more reliable scanning.
- Use high error correction (H) for printed materials that may get dirty or slightly damaged.
- Contrast matters: dark foreground on white background scans fastest. Avoid light-on-light or complex backgrounds.
- Test before printing. Scan the downloaded PNG with your phone before including it in print materials.
- Size for the medium: business card QRs should be at least 2 cm × 2 cm; posters can use 300–600 px downloaded image.
Free vs Paid QR Generators
Many paid QR services charge monthly fees for "dynamic" QR codes that allow editing the destination URL. This is only useful if you genuinely need to change where the code points after printing. For static links, our free generator creates codes that are functionally identical and work indefinitely — no subscription required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I encode in a QR code?
URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi credentials (WIFI:T:WPA;S:name;P:pass;;), vCards and map locations. Any text up to ~2,900 characters works.
Do these QR codes ever expire?
No. The data is encoded directly in the pattern — no redirect server. The QR works forever as long as the destination URL is still active.
What resolution can I download?
Up to 1024×1024 pixels — sharp enough for posters and product packaging. For small prints (business cards), 300×300 px is sufficient.
Do colors affect scanning?
Yes. Always keep strong contrast between foreground and background. Dark foreground on a white background scans most reliably on all devices.