Create QR Code — Generate QR Codes for URLs, Text, and Contacts

Creating a QR code takes three steps: choose what you want to encode, configure the size and error correction, and download the image. The QR Code Generator handles all three — paste your URL or text, and the QR code is ready to download.

What you can encode

Website URL

The most common use. Enter a full URL including the protocol:

https://example.com/product-page

When scanned, the phone opens the URL in its browser. Always use https:// — http:// still works but some phones show a security warning.

Before you print: Test that the URL works on mobile. A URL that redirects to a desktop-only site defeats the purpose.

Plain text

Encodes any text string up to ~2,900 characters. When scanned, the phone displays the text. No app opens, no action taken — just text shown on screen.

Useful for: instructions on a product, a message on a card, a short document excerpt.

Phone number

tel:+12025551234

Scanning opens the phone’s dialer with the number pre-filled. The user taps call.

Format: international format with country code, no spaces or dashes.

Email

mailto:contact@example.com?subject=Inquiry&body=Hello

Scanning opens the mail app with to/subject/body pre-filled.

WiFi credentials

WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password123;;

Scanning connects the device to the WiFi network without typing the password. Works on iPhone (iOS 11+) and Android (9+). See the WiFi QR code guide for the full format.

SMS

sms:+12025551234?body=I%20saw%20your%20ad

Scanning opens the SMS app with number and message pre-filled.

App store links

Use the direct app store URL:

https://apps.apple.com/app/id123456789        (iOS)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.example.app  (Android)

Or use a single URL that detects the platform and redirects (requires a redirect service or custom backend).

How to create a QR code

Using the QR Code Generator:

1. Select input type — URL, text, phone, email, WiFi, or SMS
2. Enter your content — paste the URL or type the text
3. Preview the QR code — check that it renders without errors
4. Configure settings (optional):
   • Error correction level (M for general use, H if adding a logo)
   • Size/resolution for download
5. Test by scanning — scan the preview with your phone before downloading
6. Download — save as PNG (for digital/screen use) or SVG (for print)

Choosing the right format to download

PNG: Raster image, fixed resolution. Use for:

• Digital use (website, email, digital menu)
• Sizes under 10cm × 10cm in print

SVG: Vector image, infinite resolution. Use for:

• Any print material
• Large format (posters, banners)
• Files that will be placed in design software (Illustrator, Figma)

Always download SVG if you’re printing. PNG at 72 or 96 DPI looks blurry in print. SVG scales without quality loss.

Size guidelines

Rule: distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR size. For a poster viewed at 50cm: 50cm ÷ 10 = 5cm minimum.

Error correction levels

For most use cases, M (Medium) is the right choice. Use H (High) only if you’re placing a logo over the center of the QR code.

Testing before printing

Always scan-test before bulk printing:

1. Download the QR code at final print size
2. Print a test copy at actual size
3. Scan from the intended distance with multiple devices (iPhone, Android, multiple QR apps)
4. Verify the scanned destination is correct (URL resolves, WiFi connects, etc.)

Never skip this step. A QR code on 1,000 printed menus that scans to a broken URL is expensive.

Tracking QR code scans

Static QR codes encode the URL directly — there’s no built-in scan tracking.

Options for tracking:

1. UTM parameters: Append ?utm_source=qr_code&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=menu to the URL. Google Analytics tracks these automatically.
2. URL shortener with analytics: Use Bitly, T2M, or similar — these log scans, locations, and device types.
3. Dynamic QR codes: Paid services where you can change the destination URL and see scan analytics.

For most uses, UTM parameters are the simplest approach with no ongoing cost.

Related tools

• QR Code Generator — create QR codes for any input
• QR Code Maker — settings and formats explained
• Free QR Code Generator — online tools comparison