Size (px)
Error Correction Level
Higher error correction allows the QR code to be scanned even if partially damaged.
QR code preview
QR code images are generated by the qrserver.com API using the content you enter. Your input is sent as a URL parameter to that service to render the image. Do not encode sensitive secrets, passwords, or private data in a QR code generated through any online tool.
Overview
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that encodes text data — most commonly a URL — in a pattern that any smartphone camera can read. They are used to bridge physical and digital experiences: a printed QR code on a sign, product, or document lets someone open a URL, load a contact card, or trigger an action on their phone without typing.
This generator supports any plain-text input — URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, short messages, or structured strings like WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:password;;. You can set the output size (128 to 400 pixels) and the error correction level, which controls how much of the code can be physically damaged or obscured while still being scannable. The generated code can be previewed immediately and downloaded as a PNG.
Error correction levels range from L (7% recovery) to H (30% recovery). Use L for clean digital displays where damage is unlikely. Use M or Q for printed materials. Use H when the code will be partially covered by a logo or placed in an environment where physical wear is expected.
Use cases
When to use it
- Sharing URLs in printadd a QR code to a poster, flyer, business card, or product packaging to link to a webpage without requiring someone to type a URL.
- Event and venue signagelink physical locations to menus, ticketing pages, check-in flows, or WiFi credentials.
- Device-friendly sharingshare a link with mobile users who find it easier to scan than to type.
- Landing page campaignscreate unique QR codes per campaign source for offline-to-digital tracking using UTM parameters in the URL.
- Contact informationencode a vCard or contact URL so people can add your details directly from a printed card.
When it's not enough
- Sensitive dataQR codes encode data as plain text. Anyone who scans the code can read the full payload. Do not encode passwords, tokens, private keys, or confidential information.
- Very long URLs without shorteningextremely long URLs produce dense, complex codes that are harder to scan reliably, especially when printed small. Use a URL shortener first.
- Cases where a plain link is clearerif the audience is on a desktop or the medium is digital, a hyperlink is usually faster and more reliable than a QR code.
How to use it
- 1
Enter your content
Type or paste the URL, text, or data you want to encode in the Content field.
- 2
Choose a size
Select the output size in pixels. Larger sizes are easier to scan from a distance and at smaller print sizes.
- 3
Set error correction
Choose L for simple digital use. Use M or Q for print. Use H if part of the code will be covered by a logo or subject to wear.
- 4
Generate and preview
Click Generate QR Code. The preview appears in the right panel. Check that it looks complete and well-formed.
- 5
Test scan before publishing
Scan the preview with your phone before downloading or publishing. Confirm it opens the intended URL or content. Then download the PNG.
Common errors and fixes
QR code does not scan
The most common causes are: the code is printed too small, there is insufficient contrast between the dark modules and the background, or the error correction level is too low for a partially obscured code. Increase size, ensure high contrast (black on white), and raise the error correction level to M or H.
URL inside the QR code is broken
Always test-scan before publishing. If the URL is broken, regenerate with the corrected URL. Long tracking URLs with many parameters are particularly prone to typos — use a URL shortener to reduce the payload length and simplify the code.
Code is too complex and dense
The more content encoded, the denser and harder to scan the code becomes. If your URL is long, shorten it first. If you are encoding structured data, keep it minimal. Dense codes require more precise scanning conditions.
Printed QR code looks blurry or pixelated
Use the 400×400 size option for print. Vector formats scale more cleanly, but if you are using PNG, ensure your design software does not scale the image down below its native resolution. For large-format print, request a higher-resolution version from a dedicated tool.
QR code opens the wrong page after a URL change
QR codes are static — they encode whatever URL was entered at generation time. If the destination URL changes, you need to regenerate the code. To avoid reprinting, use a redirect service so the short URL can be updated without changing the QR code.