QR Code Generator
Create scannable QR codes for your marketing campaigns
Content
URL or text to encode
Enter a URL, text, email, phone number, or any content
Customization
Colors and appearance
Higher levels allow QR to be read even if partially damaged
Create trackable URLs before generating QR codes
📱 What Are QR Codes?
QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a pattern of black squares on a white background. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, QR codes have become essential tools for connecting offline materials to digital experiences.
Unlike traditional barcodes that store data horizontally, QR codes store information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold significantly more data—up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters.
QR Code Anatomy
🛡️ Error Correction Levels
QR codes include built-in error correction using Reed-Solomon algorithms. This allows codes to remain scannable even when partially damaged, obscured, or customized with logos. Higher correction levels mean more redundant data—but also larger codes.
| Level | Recovery | Best For | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | ~7% damage | Clean digital displays, screens | Use when code won’t be damaged |
| M | ~15% damage | General purpose, most use cases | Recommended default |
| Q | ~25% damage | Industrial, outdoor signage | Use for harsh environments |
| H | ~30% damage | Codes with logos, heavy branding | Required for logo embedding |
✅ Best Practices
Follow these guidelines to ensure your QR codes scan reliably across all devices and environments.
✓ Size Properly
Minimum 2cm × 2cm for print. Rule: 1cm per 10cm of scanning distance.
✓ High Contrast
Dark foreground on light background. Black on white works best.
✓ Test Before Print
Scan with multiple devices and apps before final production.
✓ Keep Quiet Zone
Maintain white space around the code equal to 4 modules minimum.
✗ Invert Colors
Light codes on dark backgrounds often fail to scan.
✗ Distort Shape
Stretching or skewing the code breaks scanner recognition.
✗ Low Resolution
Blurry or pixelated codes won’t scan reliably.
✗ Complex URLs
Longer data means denser codes. Use URL shorteners when needed.
📐 Size Guide by Use Case
🎯 Marketing Use Cases
QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital marketing, enabling trackable offline-to-online conversions.
Print Materials
Flyers, brochures, business cards
Product Packaging
Instructions, registration, reviews
Events & Trade Shows
Registration, schedules, contact exchange
Restaurants
Digital menus, ordering, payments
Retail & POS
Promotions, loyalty programs, reviews
OOH Advertising
Billboards, transit ads, posters
Tracking QR Code Performance
Combine QR codes with UTM parameters to track which physical placements drive the most conversions. For example:
utm_source=qr_code— identifies QR as the traffic sourceutm_medium=print— categorizes as print channelutm_campaign=spring_menu_2026— identifies the specific campaignutm_content=table_tent— differentiates placement locations
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Static QR codes encode the destination URL directly—once printed, they can’t be changed. Dynamic QR codes point to a redirect URL that you can update anytime, but require a paid service. This generator creates static codes, which are free, permanent, and don’t require any subscription.
SVG is ideal for print because it’s vector-based and scales to any size without quality loss. Use PNG for digital displays, emails, and web use. Always download at the largest size you might need.
Yes, but you’ll need to use H-level error correction (30%) to compensate for the obscured data. The logo should cover no more than 20-30% of the code area. Test thoroughly after adding any branding.
Common issues: insufficient contrast (light on dark), code too small, damaged quiet zone, blurry print, or reflective surface causing glare. Try printing larger, ensuring high contrast, and testing on multiple devices.
Static QR codes never expire—they work as long as the destination URL exists. However, if the linked page is deleted or the domain expires, the code becomes useless. Always use permanent URLs for printed materials.
As a rule of thumb: 1 cm minimum width per 10 cm of scanning distance. For business cards, 2×2 cm works well. For posters viewed from 1-2 meters, use at least 5×5 cm. Always test at the intended viewing distance.
Track Your QR Code Campaigns
Use our UTM Builder to create trackable URLs, then generate QR codes for them. This lets you measure exactly how many conversions came from each physical placement.