What is a QR Code?

A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store information like text, URLs, phone numbers, and more. Unlike traditional barcodes that only store data horizontally, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold much more information in a compact space.

QR codes were first invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese company, to track vehicles during manufacturing. Today, they are used everywhere — from restaurants and retail stores to event tickets and social media profiles.

When you scan a QR code using a smartphone camera or a dedicated app, it instantly directs you to the stored content. This could be a website, a contact card, a Wi-Fi network, or even a payment request.

Types of QR Codes You Can Create for Free

Our Free QR Code Generator supports multiple types of QR codes, each designed for a specific use case. You don’t need to be a tech expert — just select the type, enter your data, and generate. Here are the types available:

1. URL QR Code

A URL QR code redirects users to a website when scanned. This is one of the most popular types of QR codes used by businesses, educators, and marketers.

How to create it: Enter the full web address (e.g., https://example.com) in the URL field. Customize colors, add a logo, adjust size, and download.

Where it’s used:

• Marketing campaigns (flyers, posters, brochures)
• Business cards linking to websites or portfolios
• Product packaging with links to instructions or videos
• Event promotions directing to ticketing sites

2. Text QR Code

A Text QR code stores plain text information. When scanned, it displays the text directly on the user’s phone.

How to create it: Type any message, note, or instruction in the text box. Great for quotes, reminders, or short announcements.

Where it’s used:

• Classroom instructions for students
• Personalized gift messages
• Internal office memos
• Public signs with multilingual text

3. WiFi QR Code

A WiFi QR code allows users to connect to a wireless network without manually entering the password.

How to create it: Enter your WiFi network name (SSID), password, and encryption type (WPA, WEP, or open). When scanned, the phone automatically connects.

Where it’s used:

• Restaurants and cafes for guest access
• Hotels and Airbnb rentals
• Office receptions
• Events and conferences

4. Contact QR Code (vCard)

A Contact QR code stores your vCard information (name, phone, email, address) and lets others save it directly to their phone.

How to create it: Fill in your name, phone number, email, and address. When scanned, it prompts the user to save the contact.

Where it’s used:

• Networking events and business meetings
• Digital business cards
• Real estate agent signage
• Job applications and resumes

5. Email QR Code

An Email QR code opens a pre-filled email with recipient, subject, and message when scanned.

How to create it: Enter the recipient’s email, subject line, and message body. Users can review and send directly from their email app.

Where it’s used:

• Customer feedback forms
• Support request links
• Promotional campaigns
• Newsletter signups

6. SMS QR Code

An SMS QR code opens a text message with a pre-written message and phone number.

How to create it: Enter the phone number and message. When scanned, it opens the messaging app ready to send.

Where it’s used:

• Text-to-win contests
• Quick replies for customer service
• Emergency contact instructions
• Polling or voting systems

How to Generate a QR Code in 4 Easy Steps

Creating a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator is fast, simple, and completely free. Follow these steps:

1. Select the QR Code Type: Choose from URL, Text, WiFi, Contact, Email, or SMS based on your needs.
2. Enter Your Information: Fill in the required fields (e.g., website URL, contact details, WiFi password).
3. Customize Appearance: Change the QR code color, background, size, and optionally add your logo.
4. Download in Your Preferred Format: Save as PNG, JPEG, SVG, or PDF for print or digital use.

File Formats Supported by Our Free QR Code Generator

We support four popular file formats so you can use your QR code anywhere. Each has its own advantages:

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

PNG is the most widely used format for QR codes. It supports transparency and high-quality images without loss.

Best for: Digital sharing, websites, social media, email signatures, and presentations.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEG is ideal for photos and compressed images. It creates smaller file sizes but doesn’t support transparency.

Best for: Printing on flyers, brochures, or when file size matters.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

SVG is a vector format, meaning it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Perfect for high-resolution printing.

Best for: Large banners, billboards, logos, and professional design projects.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

PDF embeds the QR code in a document format, making it easy to share and print.

Best for: Reports, invoices, business documents, and official communications.

Why Use Our Free QR Code Generator?

There are many QR code tools online, but ours stands out. Here’s why over 500,000 users choose our Free QR Code Generator every month:

1. 100% Free Forever: No hidden fees, no premium upgrades. All features are free with no time limits.
2. No Signup Required: Start creating instantly — no email, no account, no spam.
3. No Watermarks: Unlike many free tools, we don’t add logos or branding to your QR codes.
4. High Scanning Accuracy: Our codes are optimized for fast, reliable scanning on all devices.
5. Logo Integration: Add your brand logo to make your QR code look professional and trustworthy.
6. Multiple Export Formats: Download in PNG, JPEG, SVG, or PDF — perfect for any use case.
7. Customizable Design: Change colors, size, margins, and error correction levels for better performance.
8. Secure & Private: All data is processed in your browser. We never store or track your information.

Advantages of Using Our Free QR Code Generator

Beyond just being free, our tool offers real advantages that make it the best choice for individuals and businesses alike:

1. Mobile-Friendly: Works perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
2. Fast Generation: Codes are created instantly with no delays.
3. Offline Capable: Once loaded, the tool works even without internet (great for fieldwork).
4. Multilingual Support: Works with all languages and special characters.
5. Print-Ready Quality: High-resolution output ensures crisp, clear printing.
6. Advanced Error Correction: Choose up to 30% error correction so your QR code works even if damaged.
7. User-Friendly Interface: Clean, intuitive design — no learning curve.
8. Regular Updates: We continuously improve performance and add features based on user feedback.

About Our Free QR Code Generator

Our Free QR Code Generator was created to make digital sharing easier, faster, and more accessible. We believe that powerful tools should be free and easy to use for everyone — from students to Fortune 500 companies.

Built with modern web technologies, our tool runs entirely in your browser, ensuring speed, privacy, and security. We use industry-standard libraries like qrcode.js and jsPDF to deliver reliable performance.

We are committed to keeping this tool free forever. No ads, no tracking, no paywalls. Just a simple, powerful way to generate QR codes for any purpose.

5 Real-World Use Cases of Our Free QR Code Generator

How Our Free QR Code Generator Compares to Others

Not all QR code generators are created equal. Here’s how we stack up against popular alternatives:

As you can see, our Free QR Code Generator offers more features, better privacy, and true freedom — without asking for anything in return.

Frequently Asked Questions