Free tool · runs in your browser
QR Code Generator
Turn any link or text into a QR code you can download as a PNG. Everything is generated on your device — the content never leaves the page.
Static QR codes do not expire
The code you download here is a static QR code: the content is encoded directly into the square pattern. There is no redirect service in the middle, no account to keep alive and no monthly fee. The tradeoff is that the destination is fixed — once printed, you cannot change the URL.
Dynamic QR services encode a short redirect link instead. That lets them change the destination and count scans, but the code stops working if the service shuts down or the subscription lapses. For posters, packaging, Wi-Fi cards and documents that should last, static is the safer choice.
Picking error correction and size
Error correction decides how much of the code can be damaged before it fails to scan:
- L (7%) — smallest pattern, best for clean screens and short URLs.
- M (15%) — the default here; a good balance for most print.
- Q (25%) — for stickers, labels and surfaces that may scuff.
- H (30%) — for harsh conditions or if you plan to overlay a logo.
Higher correction means more modules for the same content. Keep the quiet margin at 4 modules or more, print at least 2 cm wide for a short URL, and test-scan the final printed size rather than the screen.
What you can encode
Any text works: a URL, a coupon code, a shipping label reference, a short message, a phone number or a Wi-Fi join string. Phone cameras usually open URLs automatically and show plain text as a note.
Longer content creates a denser pattern that is harder to scan. A QR code can technically hold up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes at the lowest error correction, but practical codes stay far below that. If you need a long payload, print larger or host the content at a short URL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the QR code free for commercial use?
Yes. Download the PNG and use it in print, packaging or client work with no attribution. You are responsible for having the rights to the encoded content.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes do not expire; the pattern is the content. The link inside can still stop working if the destination page is removed, so keep the URL alive for as long as the code is in circulation.
Is my text or URL uploaded anywhere?
No. The encoder library runs in your browser and the image is drawn on a local canvas. Nothing you type is sent to a server.
Why does my QR code fail to scan?
The usual causes are low contrast, a pattern that is too small for the reading distance, a cropped quiet margin, glare, or too much data packed into a small print. Try error correction H, increase the size and keep a clear white border.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static code stores the content itself, so it works forever and cannot be edited. A dynamic code stores a redirect link, which allows editing and scan analytics but depends on the provider staying online.
How much data can a QR code hold?
The standard maximum is 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes at error correction L. Codes near the limit become dense and need a larger print size to scan reliably.