What a QR code is
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that a phone camera can scan to retrieve text, a web address, contact details, Wi-Fi credentials or other small payloads. Unlike a traditional one-dimensional barcode, a QR code can hold up to a few thousand characters and still be readable when partially damaged, depending on the error-correction level you choose.
How to generate a QR code
- Type or paste the text, URL or contact details you want to encode.
- Choose a size in pixels — 300 is a good default for both screen use and small prints.
- Choose an error-correction level. Medium (M) is the standard choice; High (H) is best if the code will be printed on a rough surface or partially covered.
- Click Generate QR code — the code appears in the preview box.
- Click Download PNG to save the image.
Error-correction levels explained
QR codes include redundancy so they can still be read if part of the code is dirty or torn. The four levels let you trade payload capacity for robustness. L (Low) holds the most data but has the least redundancy. M (Medium) is the usual balance. Q (Quartile) and H (High) survive more damage but store less data or require larger codes for the same text. For a printed sticker on a restaurant table, M is fine; for a QR code printed on a business card that will be handled often, use H.
Testing a QR code before printing
Always scan your QR code with a phone camera before sending it to a printer or publishing it on a website. Some QR generators produce codes with the wrong encoding or with a URL that contains a typo. Our generator shows you the exact output, and you can scan it right from the screen. If the phone does not recognise the code, try increasing the size, raising the error-correction level, or simplifying the text.
Common questions
What can I encode? Any text up to a few thousand characters — URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi credentials (in the standard WIFI: format), SMS bodies, or plain notes.
Can I change the colours? Not in this version — the output is standard black on white for maximum scanner compatibility.
Is my text uploaded? No. Everything is generated in your browser.