What can a QR code encode?

A QR code can encode any text — URLs, plain text, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), Wi-Fi credentials, and more. Most smartphones scan QR codes natively without a separate app.

How large should my QR code be for print?

For printed materials, use at least 300×300 px at 300 DPI. A larger QR code is easier to scan from a distance. The minimum printable size is roughly 2×2 cm.

Are my QR codes stored anywhere?

No. QR codes are generated entirely in your browser using the qrcode library. Nothing you enter is sent to a server.

What can I encode in a QR code?

Any text string — including URLs, plain text, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), SMS messages, Wi-Fi credentials, and vCard contact details. Most smartphone cameras can scan QR codes natively without a third-party app.

What size QR code should I use for print?

For printed materials, generate at least 300×300 px and print at 300 DPI or higher. The minimum physical size for reliable scanning is around 2×2 cm. Larger and denser content (longer URLs) requires a bigger code to remain scannable.

Private by defaultRuns in your browser

QR code generator

Type or paste any text or URL and get a scannable QR code instantly. Adjust the size, download as PNG, and share anywhere.

Text or URL

Size (px)

Your QR code will appear here

Quick samplesClick to load

QR Code

About this tool

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a grid of modules, along with enough redundancy to survive damage. That redundancy is the error correction level, and it is a genuine trade-off rather than a quality setting: level L recovers about 7% of a damaged code, M about 15%, Q about 25%, and H about 30%. Higher correction means a denser grid for the same content, and a denser grid needs a larger printed size or a better camera to scan reliably. The other lever is content length. A short URL produces a sparse, forgiving code; a long URL with tracking parameters produces a dense one that struggles at small sizes or on textured surfaces. QR codes encode more than URLs — a vCard for contact details, a WIFI: string that joins a network, tel: and mailto: links, and plain text all work, because the code carries a string and the scanning app decides what to do with it. This generator renders the code live as you type and downloads it as a PNG, entirely in your browser.

No signup requiredRuns in your browserInstant results

How to use

1
Enter the text, URL, or data you want to encode into the QR code.
2
The QR code preview updates instantly as you type.
3
Adjust the size and error correction level if needed.
4
Download the QR code as a PNG image.

Why use this tool?

→
Generate a QR code for your website URL to print on business cards, flyers, or posters.
→
Encode a Wi-Fi password or contact details into a QR code for quick sharing.
→
Create deep-link QR codes for mobile app installs or product landing pages.

ExamplesInput → output

URL QR code

Inputhttps://www.devtoolsforyou.com

OutputQR code scannable by any phone camera

Plain text QR code

InputHello, World!

OutputQR code encoding the text

Common errorsAnd how to fix them

The code will not scan reliably

Cause: Usually size or contrast. A printed code needs roughly a 1cm quiet zone of blank space around it and enough physical size for the scanning distance — a rule of thumb is a tenth of the intended scan distance.

Fix: Increase the size, keep the quiet zone clear, and use dark modules on a light background rather than the reverse. Reducing the content length lowers the module density and helps more than any other single change.

The code scans on one phone but not another

Cause: Density is at the edge of what the weaker camera can resolve, so decoding succeeds only under good lighting and a steady hand.

Fix: Raise the error correction level, shorten the encoded string, or print larger. Test on the oldest device you expect your audience to use, not the newest.

A logo placed over the code breaks it

Cause: Covering modules destroys data. Error correction can reconstruct a limited fraction, and covering the three corner finder patterns breaks scanning outright regardless of level.

Fix: Keep any overlay small, centred, and well clear of the corners, and use level H so there is redundancy to spend. Always test the finished artwork with several scanners before printing.

Frequently asked questionsCommon questions answered

These answers explain common qr code tasks, expected input formats, and edge cases so both visitors and search engines can understand what this tool does.

What can a QR code encode?: A QR code can encode any text — URLs, plain text, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), Wi-Fi credentials, and more. Most smartphones scan QR codes natively without a separate app.
How large should my QR code be for print?: For printed materials, use at least 300×300 px at 300 DPI. A larger QR code is easier to scan from a distance. The minimum printable size is roughly 2×2 cm.
Are my QR codes stored anywhere?: No. QR codes are generated entirely in your browser using the qrcode library. Nothing you enter is sent to a server.
What can I encode in a QR code?: Any text string — including URLs, plain text, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), SMS messages, Wi-Fi credentials, and vCard contact details. Most smartphone cameras can scan QR codes natively without a third-party app.
What size QR code should I use for print?: For printed materials, generate at least 300×300 px and print at 300 DPI or higher. The minimum physical size for reliable scanning is around 2×2 cm. Larger and denser content (longer URLs) requires a bigger code to remain scannable.