What does the QR code generator do?
A QR code is a square barcode that phones read with their camera. It was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave to track car parts, and today it's the quickest way to send someone from a flyer, menu, shop window or business card to a web page, a Wi-Fi network or your contact details.
This generator creates static QR codes. The information is stored inside the code itself, not on our servers, so your code keeps working forever, even if you never visit this site again. There are no scan limits, no redirects through a third-party domain and no subscription that will suddenly switch your printed codes off.
Choose what the code should do: open a link, show text, join a Wi-Fi network without typing the password, call or text a number, start an email with the subject filled in, or save a full contact card. You can pick colours, size, margin and error-correction level, and download both a PNG for screens and an SVG that stays sharp at any print size.
Using the QR Code Generator for your business
QR codes on receipts, counters and vans are one of the easiest ways to collect more Google reviews, and reviews are a major map pack ranking factor. Our Google Business Profile optimisation builds review requests into your workflow, and our local SEO service turns those reviews into more calls from nearby customers.
How to use the QR Code Generator
- Choose the QR code type. Website, text, Wi-Fi, phone, SMS, email or contact card.
- Enter the details. Paste your link or fill in the fields. For Wi-Fi, enter the network name, password and security type exactly as on your router.
- Style it (optional). Pick a dark code colour on a light background, set the size and choose an error-correction level.
- Click Create QR code. Your code is generated instantly with a preview.
- Download and test. Download the PNG or SVG, then scan it with two different phones before you print.
Why use this QR code generator
Never expires
Static codes work forever with no account, scan limit or monthly fee.
Print-ready SVG
Vector files stay crisp on posters, banners and packaging at any size.
Wi-Fi in one scan
Guests join your network by pointing their camera at the code, without typing the password.
Built-in checks
We warn you about low contrast, inverted colours and tight margins that make codes hard to scan.
How to make QR codes that scan every time
Contrast matters more than colour. Phones look for dark modules on a light background, so keep the code dark and the background light. Brand colours are fine as long as the difference is strong; pale grey on white or white on dark blue can fail on older phones.
Leave a quiet zone. The empty margin around the code (four modules is the standard) tells the camera where the code starts. Don't let text, borders or images touch it.
Size it for the distance. A rough rule is that the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance: about 2 × 2 cm on a business card, 10 × 10 cm on a poster read from a metre away. Use the SVG for print so it never looks pixelated.
Choose the right error correction. Medium (15%) suits most uses. High (30%) lets a code survive scratches, dirt or a small logo placed in the centre, but it makes the pattern denser, so print it a little larger.
A popular use for local businesses is a QR code that opens your Google review link. Put it on receipts, counters and invoices and you'll collect reviews far more consistently than by asking verbally.
Frequently asked questions
Do these QR codes expire?
No. They are static codes, so the content is stored in the code itself and works forever without our servers.
Can I track how many people scan my QR code?
Static codes can't count scans. Add UTM parameters to your link (for example ?utm_source=flyer) and you'll see the visits in Google Analytics.
Can I change the link after printing?
Not with a static code. If you think the destination might change, point the code to a page on your own site that you can update or redirect.
Which file should I use for printing, PNG or SVG?
Use SVG for print, because it's a vector and stays sharp at any size. Use PNG for websites, emails and social posts.
Why won't my QR code scan?
The usual causes are low contrast, light code on a dark background, a margin that's too small, or printing it too small. Fix those and test with two phones.