QR Code Generator & Scanner

Create QR codes for any purpose or scan existing codes from images. All processing happens in your browser.

Your QR code will appear here
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Click to upload or drag & drop an image

You can also paste an image (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V)

About QR Code Generator

A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information readable by smartphones, tablets, and dedicated scanners. Originally invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave (a Toyota subsidiary) to track automotive parts during manufacturing, QR codes have evolved into a universal communication standard. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that store only 20-25 characters, QR codes can hold thousands of characters including URLs, contact information, text, and binary data. The technology uses a matrix of black modules (small squares) arranged in a square grid on a white background, with three distinctive positioning markers at the corners that allow scanners to detect and orient the code from any angle.

Our free QR Code Generator creates standards-compliant QR codes following the ISO/IEC 18004 specification. We support five common QR code types: plain text (for any arbitrary text content), website URLs (automatically prefixed with https:// if omitted), WiFi network credentials (following the WIFI: protocol standard used by iOS and Android), email messages (with optional pre-filled subject and body), and telephone numbers (using the tel: URI scheme). All generation happens locally in your browser using the qrcode.js library — your data never leaves your device. The scanner functionality uses jsQR, a pure JavaScript QR code decoding library, enabling you to upload images, drag and drop files, or paste from clipboard to extract embedded data.

Technical Specifications

  • Error Correction: Level M (~15% damage recovery)
  • Character Sets: Alphanumeric, Byte, Kanji modes
  • Maximum Capacity: 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric
  • Output Format: PNG with transparent background
  • Supported Sizes: 128px to 1024px square
  • Quiet Zone: 4-module margin automatically applied
  • Dark Module: Black (#000000) on white (#FFFFFF)
  • Scanner Detection: Auto-orientation and inversion

Common Use Cases

  • Print website links on business cards, flyers, posters, and product packaging for instant mobile access
  • Create WiFi QR codes for cafes, hotels, and offices so guests connect without typing passwords
  • Generate email templates with pre-filled subject lines for customer support or feedback forms
  • Produce phone number QR codes for sales teams, delivery drivers, and customer service hotlines
  • Embed plain text QR codes on event tickets, ID badges, and inventory labels
  • Scan and decode QR codes from screenshots, photos, or printed materials to extract hidden URLs or data

Security Best Practices

  • Always verify the destination URL before scanning unknown QR codes — malicious codes can redirect to phishing sites
  • When generating WiFi QR codes, share them only with trusted individuals as they expose your network credentials
  • Use larger sizes (512px or 1024px) for print materials to ensure reliable scanning from a distance
  • Test generated QR codes with multiple devices before mass printing to verify compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Are QR codes still relevant in 2026?

Yes. QR code usage surged during the COVID-19 pandemic (touchless menus, vaccination certificates, contactless payments) and has held steady since. Mobile operating systems now ship with built-in QR scanners in the default camera app, removing the friction of "install a scanner first." Globally, scans grew 26% year-over-year in 2024 according to several QR analytics vendors, with strong use in retail, restaurants, logistics, and event ticketing.

Is there a size or content limit?

QR codes can hold up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data — more than enough for any realistic use case. Our generator is set to error-correction Level M (~15% damage recovery), which is the standard balance for most uses; for codes printed on packaging that may be scratched, Level Q or H provides better recovery at the cost of denser codes.

Can someone track me when I scan a QR code?

The QR code itself is just a string; the tracking happens at the destination (a website that drops a cookie, a marketing link with a unique ID, etc.). Static QR codes (like ours, which encode the URL directly) cannot be tracked — the same code always points to the same URL. Dynamic QR codes (used by some marketing platforms) redirect through their analytics server, which lets the platform track scans but also lets them change the destination after printing. If privacy matters, prefer static codes or codes that point to a URL you control.

Does my content leave the browser?

No. Both generation (using qrcode.js) and scanning (using jsQR) run entirely in your browser. We do not see the URLs, WiFi credentials, contact cards, or text you encode. It is safe to use this tool for sensitive codes such as WiFi passwords for private networks.