Last updated: May 2026
Create QR codes for URLs, text, email, phone numbers, WiFi networks, and contacts. Customize size and colors, then download as PNG — no sign-up required.
Content Type
Scanning this QR code will offer to call the number directly.
Scanning this QR code will connect the device to your WiFi without typing the password.
Customization
Higher levels allow the QR code to scan even if partially damaged or covered.
QR code stands for Quick Response code. It is a two-dimensional barcode that encodes data as a grid of black and white squares. Any smartphone camera can decode it instantly — no app required on modern iOS and Android devices.
Error correction determines how much of the QR code can be obscured or damaged while remaining readable. Level L (7%) produces smaller, denser codes. Level H (30%) produces larger codes with more redundancy — useful when adding a logo overlay or when printing on a surface that may get worn.
WiFi QR codes encode the SSID, password, and security type in a standard format (WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;). When scanned, iOS and Android automatically offer to join the network — no manual password typing required.
vCard QR codes encode contact information in the vCard 3.0 format. When scanned, the device offers to save the contact directly to the address book.
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QR (Quick Response) codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, to track automotive parts on assembly lines. A QR code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that encodes data in a grid of black and white squares. The pattern includes three square "finder" markers in the corners, alignment patterns, timing strips, and a format information region — all of which allow a scanner to locate, orient, and decode the symbol even when it's rotated, partially obscured, or printed at a skewed angle.
One of the most important technical features of QR codes is built-in error correction, implemented using Reed-Solomon codes. Error correction allows the code to remain readable even when a portion of it is damaged, dirty, or covered — which is why companies can safely overlay their logo on top of a QR code. There are four error correction levels, each trading off storage capacity against damage resilience. The version of a QR code (version 1 through 40) determines its grid size, ranging from 21×21 modules up to 177×177 modules, and directly controls how much data can be stored.
| Level | Symbol | Data Recovery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | L | Up to 7% restored | Clean indoor environments, digital displays |
| Medium | M | Up to 15% restored | General use, product packaging |
| Quartile | Q | Up to 25% restored | Industrial settings, partial logo overlay |
| High | H | Up to 30% restored | Outdoor signage, heavily branded QR codes |
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a matrix of black and white squares. Unlike traditional 1D barcodes that only encode ~20–50 characters in a single line, a QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 7,089 numeric digits, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. They can be scanned from any angle and remain readable even when partially damaged, thanks to built-in Reed-Solomon error correction.
How much data can a QR code hold?
At maximum capacity (Version 40, error correction level L), a QR code can hold 7,089 numeric digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 2,953 bytes of binary data, or 1,817 Kanji characters. In practice, shorter payloads produce smaller, easier-to-scan codes. A typical URL like https://example.com/page uses around 30–60 characters, generating a compact Version 2 or 3 code that scans reliably at very small print sizes.
What is error correction in QR codes?
Error correction uses Reed-Solomon coding to add redundant data to the QR code, allowing a decoder to reconstruct missing or corrupted portions. There are four levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%) — the percentage indicates how much of the code's data can be lost and still fully recovered. Higher error correction means the code takes up more space (larger or higher-version code) but survives damage, dirt, or a logo overlay better.
Can a QR code expire?
A static QR code — one where the URL or data is encoded directly — never expires on its own. It will work as long as the destination URL remains live. Dynamic QR codes (offered by paid services like Bitly or QR Tiger) redirect through a short URL that the provider controls; these can be edited, tracked, or deactivated, so they expire if the service account lapses. The QR codes generated by this tool are static and have no expiration.
What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?
A static QR code has the destination data baked directly into the pattern — changing what it points to is impossible without generating a new code. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL; the redirect target can be updated at any time through a dashboard, and scans can be tracked (location, device, time). Static codes are free and permanent; dynamic codes require a subscription service. For most personal and small-business uses, a static code is sufficient.