Frequently Asked Questions
QR Code Basics
What is a QR code?
QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store various types of information. When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR scanner app, they can instantly connect users to websites, display text, connect to WiFi networks, share contact information, and more.
What is a QR Code generator?
A QR Code generator is a tool that allows you to create QR Codes by converting your information (URLs, text, contact details, etc.) into a scannable graphic. Our QR Code generator makes this process easy and intuitive, letting you customize the design while ensuring the code remains scannable.
Is this QR code generator free to use?
Yes, our QR code generator is completely free to use. You can create unlimited QR codes for various purposes without any subscription fees or hidden costs. All the core features are available at no charge.
Can I use the generated QR Codes for commercial purposes?
Yes, you can use the QR codes you generate with our tool for commercial purposes. There are no restrictions on how you use the codes for your business, marketing campaigns, products, or services. Whether you're linking to your website, sharing contact information, or creating promotional materials, you're free to use these QR codes commercially without limitations.
What kind of information can be stored in a QR Code?
QR codes can store various types of information, including:
- Website URLs
- Plain text (up to several hundred characters)
- Contact information (vCard)
- WiFi network credentials
- Email addresses with subject and body
- SMS messages with pre-defined content
- Phone numbers for direct calling
- Geographic coordinates
- Calendar events
- Payment information
The type of information you choose determines how the device will respond when someone scans your QR code.
What types of QR codes can I create?
Our generator supports multiple types of QR codes:
- URL - Link to any website
- Text - Display simple text messages
- WiFi - Connect automatically to WiFi networks
- Contact - Share contact information (vCard)
- Social - Link to social media profiles
- Email - Create mailto links with subject and body
- SMS - Send text messages
- Payment - Link to payment platforms
- Geo - Share geographical locations
Is it possible to count the QR Code scans (tracking, analytics, measuring)?
Standard (static) QR codes cannot track scan counts directly. However, there are two approaches to gather analytics:
- URL Redirection: If your QR code links to a URL, you can use URL shorteners or tracking services that provide scan analytics.
- Dynamic QR Codes: These codes point to a redirecting URL that you control, allowing you to track scans, locations, devices, and even update the destination without changing the QR code itself.
For detailed analytics, we recommend using dynamic QR codes which provide comprehensive tracking capabilities.
How long are QR Codes valid for? Do they expire?
QR codes themselves do not expire and will remain valid indefinitely. However, their functionality depends on the content they link to:
- Static QR codes will work forever, but if they point to a website that gets removed or a URL that changes, the code will no longer lead to the intended destination.
- Dynamic QR codes (which use a redirect service) will continue to work as long as the redirect service is maintained. These codes have the advantage that you can update their destination without changing the QR code itself.
For long-term use, ensure the content your QR code links to remains accessible.
What does Static and Dynamic QR Code mean?
Static QR Codes: These contain fixed information that cannot be changed after generation. Once created, the encoded data (like a URL or text) is permanently embedded in the code. If you need to change the destination or content, you'll need to create a new QR code.
Dynamic QR Codes: These contain a short URL that redirects to your intended destination. The key advantage is that you can change where the QR code points to at any time without needing to replace the physical code. Dynamic codes also offer tracking capabilities, allowing you to see statistics like scan counts, locations, and devices used.
While static codes are simpler, dynamic codes offer more flexibility and analytics capabilities, especially for marketing and business purposes.
How do I manage QR Codes with a QR Code generator?
Managing your QR codes effectively involves several practices:
- Organize your codes: Keep a record of each QR code you create, including its purpose, location, and the content it links to.
- Test before distributing: Always scan your QR codes to verify they work correctly before printing or distributing them.
- Use descriptive file names: When downloading your QR codes, use naming conventions that help you identify their purpose (e.g., "website-homepage-qr.png").
- Monitor performance: For dynamic QR codes, regularly check analytics to understand usage patterns.
- Update as needed: If you're using dynamic QR codes, update their destinations when your content changes rather than creating new codes.
Good management practices ensure your QR codes remain effective and functional over time.
Are my QR codes and data secure?
Yes, we take data security seriously. The content you use to generate QR codes is processed locally in your browser whenever possible and is not stored on our servers. We do not track or monitor the specific content of your QR codes.
Creating & Designing
How do I customize my QR code?
You can customize your QR code by changing the foreground and background colors, adjusting the size, selecting different styles (square, dots, or rounded), and adding your logo to the center of the QR code. All customization options are available in the "Customize Your QR Code" section of our generator.
Is it possible to create different QR Codes for the same content?
Yes, you can create multiple unique QR codes that link to the same content. QR codes use error correction algorithms that allow for different visual representations of the same data. This means you can:
- Create codes with different colors
- Apply different styles (rounded, square, dots)
- Add different logos to the center
- Use different error correction levels, which affect the density of the code
This flexibility allows you to create QR codes that match different brand styles or design requirements while pointing to the same destination.
Can I add my logo to a QR code?
Yes, you can add your logo or any image to the center of your QR code. Simply use the "Add Logo" option in the customization section. For best results, use a transparent PNG image and ensure your logo doesn't cover too much of the QR code to maintain scannability.
Can I customize a QR Code with my company logo or icon?
Yes, you can personalize your QR code with your company logo or icon. Our generator allows you to upload an image that will be placed in the center of the QR code. For best results:
- Use a transparent PNG file for your logo
- Keep the logo relatively small (covering no more than 25-30% of the code)
- Ensure high contrast between the logo and the QR code colors
- Test the scanability of your custom QR code on multiple devices
Adding your logo not only gives the QR code a branded look but also increases recognition and trust when customers see your code.
Do QR Codes have to be black and white?
No, QR codes don't have to be black and white. You can customize them with different colors to match your brand or design preferences. However, there are some important guidelines to follow:
- Maintain high contrast between the foreground (modules) and background colors
- Darker colors work best for the foreground (data modules)
- Lighter colors work best for the background
- Avoid using colors that are too similar to each other
- Avoid using very light colors for the foreground modules
For example, navy blue on a light yellow background, dark green on a light pink background, or burgundy on a beige background can all work well. Always test your colored QR code on multiple devices to ensure it scans properly.
Can a QR Code be edited/changed?
This depends on the type of QR code:
- Static QR codes cannot be edited after creation. If you need to change the content, you must generate a new QR code.
- Dynamic QR codes allow you to change the destination URL or content without changing the QR code itself. The code contains a permanent short URL that redirects to the actual content, which you can modify at any time.
For visual changes like colors or logo placement, you'll need to create a new QR code regardless of the type. If you anticipate needing to update your content in the future, dynamic QR codes are the better choice.
How do I generate a large batch of QR Codes?
To generate multiple QR codes efficiently, you have several options:
- Manual Batch Creation: Use our generator to create one code at a time, saving each one separately with a descriptive filename.
- Spreadsheet Method: Prepare a spreadsheet with all the content (URLs, text, contact info) you need QR codes for, then use our generator to create them one by one following your list.
- API Integration: For very large batches or automated generation, you may want to explore QR code API services that can be integrated with your systems to produce codes programmatically.
For each code, you can customize colors, styles, and add logos as needed. Just be sure to use a consistent naming convention to keep track of which code is for what purpose.
Scanning & Printing
How do I download my QR code?
After generating your QR code, you can download it in various formats:
- PNG - Best for general use and digital sharing
- SVG - Vector format, ideal for printing in different sizes
- PDF - Good for professional printing and documents
Simply click on your preferred format button in the "Download" section.
What graphic formats do the generated QR Codes support?
Our QR code generator supports several file formats for downloading your QR codes:
- PNG: A raster format with transparency support, ideal for digital use and general purpose applications.
- SVG: A vector format that maintains quality at any size, perfect for printing and graphic design work. SVG files can be edited in vector software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
- PDF: Best for document integration and professional printing services.
We recommend SVG for print materials that may need resizing, PNG for digital use and social media, and PDF for incorporating into documents or sending to professional printers.
What should I know before printing my QR Code?
Before printing your QR code, consider these important factors:
- Size matters: Ensure your QR code is large enough to scan easily—at least 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) for standard reading distances.
- Quiet zone: Leave a white border (quiet zone) around your QR code, at least the width of 4 modules of the QR code.
- File format: Use SVG or high-resolution PNG files for printing to maintain quality.
- Print quality: Higher DPI (dots per inch) produces better results; aim for at least 300 DPI.
- Material choice: Avoid highly reflective surfaces that might interfere with scanning.
- Test before mass production: Print a sample and test it on multiple devices before proceeding with a large print run.
- Color contrast: Maintain high contrast between the QR code modules and background.
- Placement consideration: Factor in where the QR code will be placed and how it will be scanned (distance, lighting conditions).
Following these guidelines will help ensure your printed QR codes scan reliably.
How to read/scan a QR Code?
Scanning a QR code is easy with most modern smartphones:
- Using your phone's camera:
- For iPhone (iOS 11 or later): Open the default Camera app and point it at the QR code
- For Android: Open the Camera app (on most recent phones) or Google Lens and point it at the QR code
- Using a QR code scanner app: If your camera doesn't automatically scan QR codes, download a QR code scanner app from your app store
- Using our online scanner: Visit our QR code scanner page on your device and either upload an image containing a QR code or use your camera to scan directly
When your device recognizes the QR code, it will typically show a notification or prompt asking if you want to open the linked content.
Can QR Codes be scanned without an app?
Yes, most modern smartphones can scan QR codes without requiring a dedicated app:
- iPhones (iOS 11 or later): The built-in Camera app has QR code scanning capability
- Android phones: Most recent Android devices have QR scanning built into their Camera app or Google Lens
- Web browsers: Some mobile browsers like Chrome and Safari can scan QR codes directly
- Online scanners: You can use web-based scanners like our online QR code scanner without installing anything
Simply open your camera app, point it at the QR code, and it should automatically detect and offer to open the content. If this doesn't work on your device, you may need to enable the QR scanning feature in your camera settings or use a dedicated app.
Is there a scan limit for the QR Codes?
No, there is no inherent scan limit for QR codes. Static QR codes can be scanned an unlimited number of times without any restrictions or expiration. They will continue to work as long as the content they link to remains accessible.
For dynamic QR codes (those that use a redirect service), there might be limits or usage tiers depending on the service provider, but our standard QR codes have no scan limitations. You can print them on thousands of products, marketing materials, or business cards and they'll continue to function with every scan.
Why is my QR Code not working?
There are several common reasons why a QR code might not scan properly:
- Size issues: The QR code is too small or was printed at low resolution
- Contrast problems: Insufficient contrast between the QR code modules and background
- Damaged code: The code is torn, scratched, or otherwise physically damaged
- Quiet zone missing: The white space border around the QR code is too small or missing
- Distortion: The code is curved, stretched, or placed on an uneven surface
- Logo interference: A logo or design covers too much of the code's data modules
- Lighting conditions: Poor lighting, glare, or reflections are affecting scanning
- Camera focus: The scanning device cannot focus properly on the code
- Content issues: The URL or content the QR code points to no longer exists
Try scanning the code in good lighting, ensure it's not damaged, and verify the content it links to is still accessible. If possible, regenerate the code with higher error correction levels for better reliability.
Can my smartphone scan QR Codes?
Yes, most modern smartphones can scan QR codes without any additional apps:
- iPhones: All iPhones running iOS 11 or later have built-in QR code scanning in the Camera app
- Android phones: Most Android devices running recent versions of Android have QR scanning built into the Camera app or Google Lens
- Older smartphones: If your device doesn't have native QR scanning, you can download a free QR code scanner app from your app store
To scan a QR code, simply open your camera app and point it at the code. When it recognizes the code, you'll see a notification or link appear that you can tap to access the content. If nothing happens, check your camera settings to ensure QR code scanning is enabled.
What is the minimum size of a QR Code?
The minimum recommended size for a QR code depends on the scanning distance:
- Close-up scanning (arm's length): At least 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 inches)
- Medium distance (1-2 meters): About 7 × 7 cm (2.8 × 2.8 inches)
- Long distance (several meters): Follow the 10:1 rule – for every 10 feet of scanning distance, the QR code should be 1 foot in size
Additional considerations:
- More data in the QR code (higher version) requires a larger minimum size
- Always include a quiet zone (white border) around the QR code, at least 4 modules wide
- If adding a logo, increase the overall size to compensate for the covered modules
- For print materials, ensure the printer resolution can accurately reproduce the QR code's modules
When in doubt, it's better to make your QR code larger rather than smaller to ensure reliable scanning.
How can I share my QR code?
After generating your QR code, you can share it directly through various platforms using the "Share" buttons, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and email. You can also download the QR code and share it manually through any platform of your choice.
What's the best size for printing QR codes?
For optimal scanning, printed QR codes should be at least 1 x 1 inch (2.5 x 2.5 cm) in size. If your QR code will be scanned from a distance, make it larger. For billboards or distant scanning, the rule of thumb is 10:1 - for every 10 feet of scanning distance, the QR code should be 1 foot in size.