QR Code Generator

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional matrix barcode invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company. Originally designed to track vehicle parts during manufacturing, it has evolved into a global standard for connecting the physical and digital worlds.

Anatomy of a QR Code

Unlike standard 1D barcodes that only store data horizontally, QR codes store data in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, allowing them to hold significantly more information.

• Finder Patterns: The three large squares in the corners (top-left, top-right, bottom-left) that tell the scanner it is looking at a QR Code and determine its orientation.
• Alignment Patterns: Smaller squares that help the scanner correct for distortion if the code is printed on a curved surface or scanned at an angle.
• Timing Patterns: Alternating black and white modules connecting the finder patterns, which determine the size of the data matrix.
• Quiet Zone: The essential white margin around the code that separates it from surrounding graphics.

Tool Features & Capabilities

This generator is packed with features to help you create the perfect QR code for your needs:

Supported Content Types

• Standard Data: URL, Text, Email, Phone, SMS, and WhatsApp messages.
• Connectivity: WiFi configuration (share network access without typing passwords).
• Contact & Events: Full vCard (Virtual Contact File) and Calendar Event support.
• Payments: PayPal (Buy Now, Cart, Donate) and Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Litecoin).
• Social Media: Pre-formatted links for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Design Customization

• Colors: Custom Foreground and Background colors, including a Transparent Background option for design overlays.
• Logos: Select from 50+ built-in popular logos (social media, payment methods) or upload your own to brand your code.
• Frames: Wrap your QR code in a decorative frame to make it stand out.
• Sizing: Adjustable output size from small (50px) to large (350px) for various print needs.

Export Options

Download your high-resolution QR codes in multiple formats:

• Raster: PNG and JPG for web and standard use.
• Vector: SVG and PDF for large-scale printing without quality loss.

Understanding Error Correction

QR Codes use Reed-Solomon error correction to remain readable even if damaged. This tool uses Level M (Medium) by default, which ensures your code remains scannable even if ~15% of it is obscured by a logo or damaged. This strikes the best balance between data density and robustness for most marketing and personal use cases.

Data Capacity

The amount of data a QR code can hold depends on the version (size) and error correction level. The largest standard QR code (Version 40) can hold:

• Numeric only: Up to 7,089 characters
• Alphanumeric: Up to 4,296 characters
• Binary (8-bit): Up to 2,953 bytes
• Kanji/Kana: Up to 1,817 characters

Best Practices for Printing

• Contrast is King: Always use a dark foreground on a light background. Most scanners cannot read inverted (light on dark) codes.
• Size Matters: For print, a safe minimum size is 2cm x 2cm (0.8" x 0.8"). Ideally, the size should be 1/10th of the scanning distance (e.g., a code scanned from 10 inches away should be 1 inch wide).
• Preserve the Quiet Zone: Ensure there is a 4-module wide margin of empty space around the entire code, or scanners may fail to recognize the finder patterns.