QR Code Generator & Reader
Generate QR codes from text or URLs with custom size, colors, and error correction. Decode QR codes from images.
Input
Options
Preview
Enter text above to generate a QR code
About QR Code Generator & Reader
- Generate: Enter any text or URL to create a QR code. Adjust size, error correction, and colors as needed.
- Error Correction: Higher levels (Q/H) allow QR codes to be readable even when partially damaged, but produce denser codes.
- Bulk Mode: Generate multiple QR codes at once by entering one item per line (up to 50 items).
- Decode: Upload an image containing a QR code to extract its encoded data.
- Privacy: All processing happens locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode consisting of a grid of black and white squares that encodes data in a format readable by smartphones, tablets, and QR code scanners. QR codes were invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive components, but they've become ubiquitous in modern applications including marketing materials, packaging, restaurant menus, event check-in systems, and contact sharing. A single QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, making it ideal for storing URLs, contact information, Wi-Fi credentials, text, email addresses, and phone numbers.
QR codes use error correction algorithms that allow them to be read even when up to 30% of the code is damaged, obstructed, or faded. This redundancy is critical for real-world applications where codes might be printed on worn materials, photographed at angles, or partially covered. The error correction level can be adjusted when generating codes: lower levels (L) create smaller, denser codes but are less forgiving of damage, while higher levels (H) create larger codes that can tolerate significant damage.
Common Use Cases
- Marketing and print materials: QR codes on business cards, posters, and advertisements link directly to websites, discount coupons, or video content. Customers scan with their phones to instantly access promotions without typing URLs.
- Wi-Fi network sharing: Instead of verbally sharing Wi-Fi passwords (which are often complex), generate a QR code that guests can scan to connect instantly. This is common in restaurants, hotels, and office spaces.
- Contact information exchange: Business professionals can generate QR codes encoding vCard (contact) data so others can scan to instantly add contact details (name, phone, email, address) to their phone.
- Product packaging and inventory: Manufacturers print QR codes on products for inventory tracking, product authentication, and supply chain management. Retailers scan codes at checkout without manual barcode entry.
- Event check-in and ticketing: Ticketing systems generate unique QR codes for each ticket. At the venue, staff scan codes to verify authenticity and check attendees in efficiently without manual lists.
How to Use This Tool
- Generate single QR code: Enter text, a URL, contact info, or any other data in the Input field. The QR code preview updates instantly. Adjust size (128–512px), error correction level (L/M/Q/H), and colors (foreground/background) as desired.
- Download or copy: Click Download PNG or Download SVG to save the QR code image, or click Copy to copy the data URL to your clipboard for immediate use.
- Generate bulk QR codes: Switch to Bulk mode and enter one piece of data per line (up to 50 codes). Click Generate All to create a grid of QR codes you can download individually.
- Decode QR code from image: Switch to the Read tab, then drag-and-drop an image containing a QR code or click Browse Files to upload. The decoded data appears instantly in the result panel.
Features
Multiple Data Types
Encode URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, Wi-Fi credentials, contact information (vCard), and more in a single QR code.
Error Correction Levels
Choose L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), or H (30%) error correction to balance code size against durability. Higher levels tolerate more damage but produce denser codes.
Custom Colors
Change foreground and background colors to match your brand or design. Any color contrast works as long as the foreground is darker than the background.
Multiple Export Formats
Download QR codes as PNG (raster, no scaling) or SVG (vector, infinitely scalable). Copy data URLs for immediate embedding in HTML or documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much data can a QR code store?
QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 2,953 bytes of data, or 1,852 Japanese characters depending on the data type. Most URLs, contact info, and Wi-Fi credentials fit comfortably. Longer data (like a full article) requires a higher error correction level, resulting in larger, denser codes.
What is error correction level?
Error correction adds redundancy so QR codes remain readable even if damaged. Level L tolerates 7% damage, M tolerates 15%, Q tolerates 25%, and H tolerates 30%. Higher levels create larger codes but are more durable. Choose H for outdoor/printed codes that may age or be partially obscured.
Can QR codes expire or become invalid?
Static QR codes (generated here) never expire — they contain the full data encoded in the image. Dynamic QR codes (managed by services like Bit.ly) can redirect to different URLs or be disabled by the service. For permanent, offline use, static QR codes are preferable.
How do I add a QR code to a PDF or document?
Download the QR code as PNG or SVG, then insert it into your document using your software's image insertion feature. SVG is best for scalable documents (PDFs, vector designs) since it infinitely scales without pixelation. PNG is better for raster contexts.