QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes for URLs, text, and more. Download as PNG. Free online QR code maker.

About QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes for URLs, text, email addresses, phone numbers, and more. Download the QR code as a PNG image. All generation happens in your browser.

Video Tutorial

2:20

Video coming soon — full transcript available below

Chapters

Full transcript searchable
0:00

What QR codes are and common use cases

Welcome to this QR Code Generator tutorial. A QR code — Quick Response code — is a 2D barcode that smartphones can scan to open a URL, display text, save a contact, or connect to WiFi. QR codes are used on business cards, product packaging, restaurant menus, event tickets, marketing materials, and anywhere you need to bridge physical and digital. They're especially useful for mobile-first experiences where typing a URL is inconvenient.

0:25

Generate a QR code for a URL

Open the QR Code Generator on ToolPilot.dev. In the input field, type or paste the URL you want to encode. Click Generate. The QR code appears instantly as a preview. Scan it with your phone's camera to verify it opens the correct URL. The QR code encodes your URL using the standard QR data format. Error correction ensures the code remains scannable even if partially damaged — the tool uses medium error correction by default.

0:55

Customize size and colors

Use the size slider to control the QR code dimensions — larger codes are easier to scan from a distance and recommended for print. The color picker lets you set the foreground color (the dark squares) and background color. You can create branded QR codes that match your company colors. Important: maintain sufficient contrast between foreground and background — light colors on dark backgrounds work, but ensure the scanner can distinguish them.

1:25

Download as PNG or SVG

Click Download PNG for a raster image file suitable for web use, social media, and most print needs. Click Download SVG for a vector format that scales perfectly to any size without pixelation — ideal for large-format printing like banners and posters. SVG files are also smaller than PNG for the same visual quality and can be edited in design tools like Illustrator or Figma.

1:50

Encoding text, WiFi, and contact cards

Beyond URLs, QR codes can encode plain text, WiFi credentials (format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;;), and contact cards in vCard format. When someone scans a WiFi QR code, their phone prompts them to join the network automatically. Contact card QR codes let someone save your information to their phone contacts with one scan.

2:10

Wrap-up

The QR Code Generator on ToolPilot.dev generates codes entirely in your browser using the qrcode.js library. No server involved, no watermarks, no usage limits — completely free. The generated QR codes conform to the ISO/IEC 18004 standard and scan correctly with all major smartphone cameras and QR scanning apps. Visit ToolPilot.dev for this and 19 other free tools.

Transcript covers all 6 chapters (2:20 total).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data as a pattern of black and white squares. Smartphones can scan QR codes to instantly open URLs, display text, add contacts, connect to Wi-Fi, and more.
What can I encode in a QR code?
QR codes can encode: website URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, Wi-Fi credentials (SSID + password), vCard contact information, and calendar events.
How much data can a QR code hold?
A QR code can hold up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. For URLs, keep them short (under 100 characters) for smaller, more reliably scannable QR codes.
How do I download the generated QR code?
After generating the QR code, click the 'Download PNG' button to save it as a PNG image file. Use it in print materials, presentations, business cards, or websites.
What is QR code error correction?
QR codes support four error correction levels (L, M, Q, H) that allow the code to be read even when partially damaged or obscured. Higher correction levels increase the QR code's physical size. Level M (15% correction) is a good default.
Can I track how many times a QR code is scanned?
Static QR codes (like those generated here) cannot track scans natively. To track scans, use a URL shortener or UTM-tagged URL with Google Analytics: e.g., https://toolpilot.dev/?utm_source=qr_code&utm_medium=print.
What is the recommended minimum size for printing a QR code?
Minimum print size is 2cm × 2cm (0.8 × 0.8 inches). For scanning at longer distances (e.g., posters, billboards), scale up proportionally. Test scanning before printing in bulk.
Can I generate a QR code for Wi-Fi credentials?
Yes. Use the format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourSSID;P:YourPassword;; as the QR code content. Scanning it on a smartphone automatically offers to join the Wi-Fi network.
Can I add a logo to the center of a QR code?
Logo overlays in QR codes are possible because QR error correction can recover missing data. The online generator creates a clean QR code which you can overlay with a logo in a design tool. Use error correction level H when adding logos to ensure readability.

Code Examples

Ready-to-use implementations in popular programming languages. Copy, paste, and run.

Generate QR Code in JavaScript
// Using QR Server API (no library needed)
const text = encodeURIComponent('https://example.com');
const size = '200x200';
const qrUrl = `https://api.qrserver.com/v1/`
  + `create-qr-code/?size=${size}&data=${text}`;

// Display in an <img> tag
// document.getElementById('qr').src = qrUrl;

// Using qrcode library (npm install qrcode)
// import QRCode from 'qrcode';
// QRCode.toDataURL('https://example.com')
//   .then(url => console.log(url));

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