How to Create QR Codes for Free — Complete Guide

What Is a QR Code?

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a grid of black and white squares. Originally invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive parts, QR codes have become ubiquitous in daily life — from restaurant menus to event tickets, payment systems, and marketing materials.

Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one dimension (horizontal lines), QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, allowing them to hold significantly more information — up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters in a single code.

Types of QR Codes by Content

URL QR Codes

The most common type. Scanning opens a website URL in the user's browser. Use these for:

• Website links on business cards, flyers, and posters
• Product pages linked from physical packaging
• Landing pages for marketing campaigns
• App download links (App Store / Google Play)

Plain Text QR Codes

Store plain text that displays when scanned. Useful for:

• Short messages or instructions
• Serial numbers or product codes
• One-time passwords or verification codes

WiFi QR Codes

Encode WiFi network credentials (SSID, password, encryption type). When scanned on a smartphone, the device automatically connects to the network. Popular in:

• Hotels and Airbnb properties
• Coffee shops and restaurants
• Conference venues
• Home guest access

vCard QR Codes

Encode contact information (name, phone, email, address) in vCard format. Scanning adds the contact directly to the phone's address book. Essential for modern business cards.

Email and SMS

Pre-fill an email (mailto:) or SMS message (sms:) when scanned. Useful for customer support, feedback collection, and event RSVPs.

Error Correction: Why It Matters

One of QR codes' most powerful features is built-in error correction using Reed-Solomon encoding. This means a QR code can still be read even if part of it is damaged, obscured, or stylized.

There are four error correction levels:

• Level L (Low): ~7% of the code can be damaged and still scan. Smallest QR code size. Best for clean, digital environments.
• Level M (Medium): ~15% damage tolerance. The default and most commonly used level. Good balance of size and resilience.
• Level Q (Quartile): ~25% damage tolerance. Good for printed codes that may get slightly damaged.
• Level H (High): ~30% damage tolerance. Required if you plan to place a logo or image in the center of the QR code, as the logo effectively "damages" that portion. Also best for outdoor or industrial use where physical damage is likely.

Higher error correction means a denser (larger) QR code, since more redundant data must be stored. Choose the level based on your use case.

How to Create a QR Code with ToolPix

1. Open the generator: Go to our QR Code Generator.
2. Enter your content: Type or paste the URL, text, or other content you want to encode.
3. Preview: The QR code updates in real-time as you type.
4. Download: Download the QR code as a high-quality PNG image.

Everything processes in your browser — your data is never sent to any server.

Sizing QR Codes for Print

QR code size directly affects scan reliability. The general rules are:

• Minimum module size: Each individual square (module) in the QR code should be at least 0.75mm (about 2px at 300 DPI) for reliable scanning.
• Scanning distance formula: The QR code width should be at least 1/10th of the expected scanning distance. For a poster scanned from 1 meter (3.3 feet), the code should be at least 10cm (4 inches) wide.
• Business cards: 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) — scanned at very close range.
• Flyers and brochures: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches).
• Posters: 8-15 cm (3-6 inches) depending on viewing distance.
• Billboards: 30+ cm (12+ inches) for scanning from several meters away.

After creating your QR code, use our Image Resizer to scale it to the exact print dimensions you need at the appropriate DPI (typically 300 DPI for print).

QR Code Design Best Practices

Contrast Is Critical

QR codes rely on high contrast between the dark modules (data) and light background. Dark on light is the standard — and the most reliably scannable. You can customize colors, but maintain at least a 70% contrast ratio. Avoid:

• Light colors on light backgrounds
• Low-contrast color combinations (yellow on white, light gray on white)
• Inverting colors (light modules on dark background) — some scanners struggle with this

Quiet Zone

Every QR code needs a "quiet zone" — an empty border around the code. This is typically 4 modules wide. Without sufficient quiet zone, surrounding design elements may confuse scanners. Never place other visual elements right up against the QR code edge.

Adding Logos

If you place a logo in the center of a QR code, use error correction Level H (30%) and keep the logo under 20% of the total QR code area. Always test the code with multiple scanner apps after adding a logo.

Always Test

Before printing or distributing, test your QR code with at least three different scanner apps under various conditions — different lighting, distances, and angles. Test the linked URL or content to ensure it works correctly.

Common QR Code Use Cases

Marketing and Advertising

QR codes on print ads, billboards, product packaging, and direct mail connect physical marketing to digital experiences. Track campaign performance by using UTM-tagged URLs.

Restaurants and Hospitality

Digital menus via QR codes became standard during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained popular. They allow real-time menu updates, reduce printing costs, and can link to ordering systems.

Events and Ticketing

QR codes on event tickets enable quick scanning for entry. They can encode ticket IDs, seat assignments, and attendee information.

Education

Teachers use QR codes to link physical worksheets to online resources, videos, and interactive content. They bridge the gap between paper-based and digital learning.

Payments

Mobile payment systems worldwide use QR codes. From Apple Pay and Google Pay to dedicated systems like WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Pix, QR codes have become a primary payment method in many countries.

Product Authentication

Unique QR codes on products allow consumers to verify authenticity by scanning and checking against a database. This combats counterfeiting in luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Create Your QR Code Now

Our free QR Code Generator creates high-quality QR codes instantly. Enter your content, download as PNG, and use in your projects. Everything happens in your browser — your data stays private. You can also create favicons from your QR codes for digital use, or generate placeholder images while designing your print layouts.