Free Online QR Code Generator
Create QR codes for URLs, Wi-Fi, vCards, and plain text
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Static QR codes work fine for personal use, but if you're printing these on packaging or marketing materials, you'll want the ability to update the destination URL without reprinting. Beaconstac lets you create dynamic QR codes with scan analytics and retargeting built in. (We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.)
Why use QR Code Generator
- Static codes -- data lives in the pattern, works offline, never expires.
- Four error correction levels cover everything from screen displays to curved packaging.
- 512px PNG output prints cleanly on business cards, posters, and shelf labels.
- Encodes URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, vCards, and plain text up to 4,000 characters.
- Live preview lets you scan-test from your phone camera before downloading.
How it works
Generation follows ISO/IEC 18004. The input is analyzed for the most efficient encoding mode (numeric, alphanumeric, or byte). Encoded data is split into codewords and passed through Reed-Solomon error correction, which adds redundancy proportional to the selected level. Data and error codewords are arranged into a square matrix of dark and light modules, with finder patterns, alignment patterns, and timing patterns placed at fixed positions. A masking pattern optimizes readability. The tool renders the matrix on a Canvas element and exports it as PNG.
About this tool
Printing a restaurant menu, setting up guest Wi-Fi, or testing a mobile web app on your phone? Paste the URL (or any text up to 4,000 characters) and download a scannable QR code as a 512px PNG. Four error correction levels -- L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%) -- balance density with reliability. M works for standard prints. Q or H is better when the code will appear on curved packaging or might be partially covered. These are static codes. The data is encoded directly in the pattern, so they work offline and never expire. Dynamic QR services route through a tracking server and break when the subscription lapses. For reliable scanning, print at least 2 cm per side. For distance scanning, follow the 10:1 rule: a code scanned from 1 meter away should be at least 10 cm wide. The generator also handles email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), Wi-Fi credentials, and vCard contact data.
How to use QR Code Generator
- Paste your content. Type or paste a URL, phone number, Wi-Fi string, or any text up to 4,000 characters. The QR code updates live as you type.
- Set error correction. Pick L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), or H (30%). M works for standard prints; Q or H for curved surfaces or partial coverage.
- Preview and scan-test. The code renders in real time. Point your phone camera at it to confirm it encodes the right content before downloading.
- Download the PNG. Click Download to save a 512x512 pixel image suitable for business cards, posters, and presentations.
Use cases
- Printing table tent cards with a QR code that links to the restaurant's online menu PDF.
- Adding a vCard QR code to conference badges so attendees can scan to save contact details.
- Opening a local dev URL (http://192.168.1.5:3000) on a phone without typing the IP address.
- Encoding guest Wi-Fi credentials so visitors can join the network by scanning instead of asking for the password.
- Generating product QR codes for shelf labels that link to reviews and spec pages.
- Creating a QR code for an event RSVP form and embedding it in a printed invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any text up to about 4,000 alphanumeric characters. Common uses: URLs, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), Wi-Fi credentials, plain text, and vCard contact data.
Redundancy built into the code so it still scans when partially damaged. L recovers 7%, M 15%, Q 25%, H 30%. Higher correction makes the code denser but more resilient. M covers most scenarios; Q or H is better for curved surfaces or codes that may be partially obstructed.
At least 2 cm per side for close-range scanning. For distance, use the 10:1 rule: a code scanned from 1 meter away should be at least 10 cm wide. The 512px PNG prints clearly up to about 4 inches at 150 DPI.
Static codes (like these) never expire -- the data is baked into the pattern. If the encoded URL goes offline, the code still scans but leads to a dead link. Dynamic QR codes from paid services route through a server and can be updated, but they break if the subscription lapses.
Use this format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;; -replace YourNetworkName and YourPassword with your actual credentials. For open networks, use T:nopass and omit the P field. Most smartphone cameras will prompt the user to join the network automatically when scanning this format.
QR codes generated by this tool embed the data directly -the text or URL is encoded in the pattern itself with no intermediary server. This means the code works offline, never expires, and requires no account. In contrast, 'dynamic' QR codes from paid services redirect through a tracking URL and stop working if the service discontinues.
The QR code standard supports up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 7,089 numeric-only characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. In practice, shorter content produces a less dense, easier-to-scan code. Keep URLs under 200 characters for the most reliable scanning results across older phone cameras and lower-quality prints.
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