How this works

A QR code encodes your text or URL as a two-dimensional grid of dark and light squares. The pattern follows the QR code standard (ISO/IEC 18004), which defines how data is encoded, how error correction is applied, and how the finder patterns in the corners let a camera orient the code correctly regardless of angle or rotation. Your phone's camera app decodes it by reading the grid and reversing the encoding.

The code here is generated entirely in your browser using the open-source qrcode.js library — nothing you type is transmitted to any server. This matters for sensitive uses like Wi-Fi passwords or internal links.

What you can encode

URLs

The most common use. Point to any webpage, form, video, file download, or online resource. The code opens the link when scanned — no typing required.

Plain text

Any message, address, phone number, or note. The camera app will display the text directly.

Wi-Fi credentials

Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; — replace NetworkName and Password with your values. When scanned on Android or iOS, it offers to join the network automatically.

Email

Format: mailto:address@example.com — scanned devices will open their mail app with that address pre-filled.

Phone number

Format: tel:+12025551234 — scanned devices will offer to call the number.

SMS

Format: sms:+12025551234:Your message here — opens the messaging app with number and message pre-populated.

Size, error correction, and readability

QR codes include built-in error correction — damaged or partially obscured codes can often still be scanned because redundant data lets the reader reconstruct missing sections. The code generated here uses a medium error correction level (around 15% of codewords can be recovered). Larger codes (more pixels) are more reliably scanned, especially when printed small or viewed from a distance. For print use, 300px or larger is recommended; for screen use, 200px is usually sufficient.

Frequently asked

Will the QR code expire?

No — the QR code image itself never expires. If it links to a URL, it works as long as that URL is valid. The code isn't tracked or hosted by this site in any way once you've downloaded it.

Can I use this for a business or product?

Yes — the downloaded PNG is yours to use for any purpose, including commercial ones: restaurant menus, product packaging, business cards, event signage, print advertising.

What's the maximum amount of text a QR code can hold?

A QR code can theoretically encode up to around 4,000 alphanumeric characters, but longer content produces a denser, more complex code that's harder to scan reliably. For URLs, keeping the link short (or using a URL shortener) produces cleaner, more scannable codes. For plain text, a few sentences is about the practical limit.

Why does changing the color sometimes break scanning?

QR readers rely on sufficient contrast between the dark modules and the light background. Very light code colors on white backgrounds, or dark backgrounds behind the code area, can fail to scan. Keep the code color dark and the background light — the contrast ratio matters more than the specific colors.