Free QR Code Generator
Create QR codes for URLs, Wi-Fi, vCard contacts, WhatsApp, SMS, and email. Free forever — no account, no expiry, nothing sent to servers.
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Instant, Client-Side Generation
Your QR code renders live as you type. The generation algorithm runs entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to a server, and there are no round-trips that could slow you down or expose your data.
Level H Error Correction
All codes are generated with error correction level H — the highest available. Up to 30% of the code can be damaged, worn, or covered by a logo and it will still scan. This is the same level used on QR codes that appear on product packaging and high-traffic signage.
No Data Stored, No Expiry
We never see your content. There is no database on the other end. Download your QR code as a 1024 px PNG or an infinitely scalable SVG — the file is yours and the code never expires. No account required today, tomorrow, or ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a QR code and how does it store data?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented by Denso Wave in Japan in 1994 for tracking automotive parts during manufacturing. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that store ~20 characters in a series of vertical lines, QR codes store data in a grid of black and white squares across two axes. This two-dimensional structure allows them to hold up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data.
Data is encoded using Reed-Solomon error correction, which lets a QR code remain readable even when portions of it are damaged or covered. Three square finder patterns in the corners let scanning apps detect the code's orientation and boundaries regardless of angle or rotation. The combination of position markers, timing patterns, and data modules makes QR codes robust across a wide range of real-world scanning conditions.
Is this QR code generator completely free?
Yes — QRGlyph is free without any account registration, subscription, or usage limits. There is no freemium tier hiding behind a paywall. Every feature — color customization, center logo embedding, high-resolution PNG and SVG export — is available to everyone at no cost. The site is supported by advertising revenue rather than paid plans, which is why you will never see a prompt to sign up before downloading your code.
Do my QR codes expire?
No. QR codes generated here do not expire because we don't host anything. When you download a QR code, you own a static image file. The code encodes your text or URL directly — there is no redirect URL or tracking layer in the middle. If you encode "https://yoursite.com", that string is literally stored in the QR pattern. It will scan correctly as long as the image exists and as long as the destination (if a URL) is accessible.
This is different from "dynamic" QR codes offered by some services, which redirect through the vendor's own servers. Dynamic codes can be edited after printing but stop working if the vendor shuts down or you cancel your subscription. QRGlyph generates static codes only — simple, permanent, and under your full control.
Is my data sent to your servers when I generate a code?
No. All QR code generation happens entirely within your browser using JavaScript. Your content — whether it's a URL, Wi-Fi credentials, or a vCard with someone's personal details — is never transmitted to our servers. The server only delivers the initial web page files; it plays no role in QR creation.
You can verify this yourself: open your browser's developer tools, switch to the Network tab, and generate a QR code. You will see no outbound requests carrying your data. We think this matters especially for sensitive content like Wi-Fi passwords or private contact information.
What types of content can I encode in a QR code?
QR codes can encode virtually any text-based data. QRGlyph supports eight formats: URLs (website links), plain text, email addresses with optional pre-filled subject and body, phone numbers for direct calling, SMS messages with pre-filled text, WhatsApp chat initiation links, Wi-Fi network credentials (network name, password, and encryption type — which phones can use to auto-join a network), and vCard contact information (name, phone, email, company, website, and a free-text note).
For a detailed breakdown of when to use each type, see our guide on QR code types and real-world uses.
Can I add my logo or image to a QR code?
Yes. In the Design section, you can upload any image (PNG, JPG, SVG, or WebP) to place in the center of the code. This works because QRGlyph uses error correction level H for all generated codes, which means up to 30% of the code's modules can be obscured or damaged while the code remains fully scannable. A center logo sits within that 30% "budget."
We offer three logo size presets: Small (15% of QR area), Medium (20%), and Large (26%). All three stay comfortably within the H-level correction threshold. Use your smallest recognizable logo variant, keep it against a contrasting background, and always test scannability on multiple devices — including an older phone — before committing to a large print run.
What is the difference between PNG and SVG download?
PNG is a raster format — a fixed grid of pixels. The PNG download from QRGlyph is 1024×1024 pixels, which is sufficient for most digital uses (websites, email, social media) and smaller print applications up to roughly 10×10 cm at 300 dpi. If you print it larger, the pixels become visible and the code may become harder for scanners to read.
SVG is a vector format — it describes shapes mathematically and scales to any size without quality loss. SVG files are ideal for large-format printing (banners, vehicle wraps, signage), laser cutting, and any application where the code must be reproduced at multiple sizes from a single master file. Most professional print shops prefer or require vector files. When in doubt, download the SVG.
How large should a QR code be for reliable scanning?
The minimum recommended size for reliable scanning is 2×2 cm (about 0.8×0.8 inches) for a scanning distance of roughly 20 cm (arm's length). As a general rule, the code should be at least 1/10th the distance from which it will be scanned.
For typical printed materials (business cards, flyers, menus), 3×3 cm is a safe minimum. For tabletop displays scanned at roughly 50 cm, aim for 4×4 cm or larger. For outdoor signage scanned from 1–3 meters, scale up proportionally.
Dense codes — those with more data or higher error correction — pack more modules into the same area and need to be printed larger to maintain scannability. This is another reason to encode only what you need: a short URL is easier to scan reliably at small sizes than a full vCard with seven fields.
Why doesn't my QR code scan?
Several factors can prevent successful scanning:
**Size**: The printed code may be too small for the scanning distance. Increase the print size or move the camera closer.
**Contrast**: QR scanners detect the difference between light and dark modules. Light-colored dots on a light background, or unusual color combinations, can reduce contrast below the detection threshold. The safe rule is dark foreground on light background with at least a 4:1 contrast ratio.
**Damage or obstruction**: Scratches, smudges, stickers, or printing defects that cover more than 30% of the code (the maximum H-level correction can recover) will make it unreadable.
**Inverted colors**: Some older scanning apps have trouble with light-on-dark codes, even though the standard permits them. If you're using an inverted scheme, test on several apps.
**Screen glare**: When scanning a code displayed on a screen, glare reduces contrast. Tilt the screen or reduce ambient light.
**Wrong app**: The native camera app on modern iOS and Android handles QR codes natively. Older third-party apps may have limitations. If a code scans with one app and not another, the code is likely fine — the app is the issue.
Can I change the colors of my QR code?
Yes. The Design section includes color pickers for both the foreground (the dark modules) and background. You can enter any hex color or use the color picker. The critical requirement is sufficient contrast between foreground and background — both for scanners and for people with low vision or color blindness.
A contrast ratio of at least 4:1 is recommended, which matches the WCAG AA accessibility standard. Black on white is always safe. Dark blue, green, or red on white also work well. Avoid colors that are close in lightness (e.g., dark gray on light gray), light foreground on dark background without high contrast, or unusual combinations like red on green which appear identical to people with certain types of color blindness.
After customizing colors, always test the code with multiple scanning apps before printing.
Do QR codes work on all iPhones and Android phones?
On iPhone, the native Camera app has scanned QR codes without a third-party app since iOS 11, released in 2017. Just point the camera at a code and a notification banner appears with the destination. On Android, Google Lens — integrated into the camera app on most devices running Android 8 and later — works the same way. Samsung Galaxy devices have their own native scanner built into Bixby Vision.
For older devices or operating systems without native support, apps like QR & Barcode Scanner (Android) and Scanbot (iOS and Android) are reliable free options. If you're producing codes for a wide audience including older devices, test with at least one mid-range Android from 2018 or earlier to ensure compatibility.
Can I use these QR codes commercially?
Yes, without restriction. QR codes are an open international standard (ISO/IEC 18004) and not subject to patent licensing fees for use in commercial products. You can use QR codes generated here on business cards, product packaging, restaurant menus, retail signage, event tickets, marketing materials, and any other commercial application. See our Terms of Service for the full legal details, but the short answer is: use them however you need to.
What is error correction level H and why do you use it?
Error correction level H (High) means a QR code can recover from up to 30% damage or data loss while remaining fully scannable. QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction, an algorithm originally developed for NASA deep-space communication. There are four levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%).
We use H exclusively for two reasons. First, it enables center logo placement: if a logo covers up to ~20% of the code's area, the remaining error correction budget covers the rest. Second, it makes codes more durable in real-world conditions — printed codes pick up scratches, smudges, and printing imperfections. The trade-off is that H-level codes are slightly larger and denser than L-level codes for the same content, but this difference is negligible at modern print resolutions.
What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?
A static QR code encodes content directly into the code pattern itself. The destination is permanent and the code functions independently — no third-party server is involved at scan time. QRGlyph generates static codes only.
A dynamic QR code redirects through the QR service's own servers, which allows the destination to be edited after printing. The trade-off: if the service shuts down, raises prices, or you cancel your subscription, every printed code instantly stops working.
For most uses — business cards, menus, packaging, signage — static codes are the better choice. They are simpler, private, and have no ongoing cost or single point of failure. If you need to change a destination without reprinting, the practical solution is to point the QR code at a URL on your own domain and manage the redirect there.
Can I use a QR code to let guests join my Wi-Fi without sharing the password?
Yes. Select the Wi-Fi content type, enter your network name (SSID), password, and encryption type (WPA2 is most common on modern routers). The generated code, when scanned on iOS 11+ or Android 10+, automatically prompts the device to join the network without the user ever seeing the password in plain text.
This is standard practice for cafés, restaurants, hotels, co-working spaces, offices, and home guest networks. Print the QR code and frame it at the counter or on tables — guests scan once and connect instantly. If you change your Wi-Fi password, generate a new code and replace the printed copy.
Can I make a QR code for a Google Review, PDF, or social media profile?
Yes — any URL works. Common use cases: Google Business review links (get the short review URL from your Google Business Profile dashboard), direct links to PDF files hosted on Google Drive, Dropbox, or your own server, Instagram and Facebook profiles, YouTube channels, LinkedIn profiles, TikTok pages, and Linktree or similar landing pages.
Use the URL content type and paste the full link including https://. If the URL is very long, consider using a short redirect on your own domain to keep the QR code compact and easier to scan at small print sizes.
What happens if I encode a very long URL or a lot of text?
Longer content produces denser, more complex QR codes. More data means more modules packed into the same area, which makes the code harder to scan — especially at small print sizes, in poor lighting, or on low-resolution cameras.
Practical limits to be aware of: a URL over 200 characters will generate a noticeably dense code. A vCard with all seven fields filled in is substantially larger than one with just name, phone, and email. A plain text block over 500 characters may become difficult to scan reliably at anything under 5×5 cm.
The fix is always to encode only what you need. For long URLs, use a redirect on a domain you control. For vCards, omit optional fields that recipients can find elsewhere. Shorter input = simpler code = more reliable scanning at smaller sizes.
Want to go deeper? Read our guide on how QR codes actually work →