QR Code Generator

Can I use the generated QR codes commercially?

Yes. QR codes are an open standard (ISO/IEC 18004) with no licensing fees. The QR code format itself and any code generated by this tool are free for personal and commercial use without restriction.

Do the QR codes expire?

No. A QR code is simply a visual encoding of its content — it has no built-in expiry mechanism. A URL QR code remains valid for as long as the URL it encodes remains active. If the URL changes or goes offline, the QR code will scan but fail to load the destination. Always use stable, redirectable URLs (a link shortener with redirect capability, or a permanent page URL) for long-lived print materials.

What is the maximum amount of data I can encode?

The theoretical maximum is 2,953 bytes (2,953 ASCII characters) for byte-mode at Error Correction Level L. In practice, URLs are typically 20–80 characters, and vCards are 100–300 bytes, well within the limit. The tool shows a live byte counter so you can see remaining capacity. For large amounts of data (e.g. long JSON payloads), use a shorter URL that loads the data instead.

What is the minimum print size for a QR code?

The ISO 18004 standard recommends a minimum print size of 2 cm × 2 cm (approximately 0.8 inch × 0.8 inch) for QR codes scanned by standard smartphone cameras at typical distances (20–30 cm). For outdoor signage scanned from 1–2 metres, scale up proportionally. Always test at the intended print size before going to press.

Can I add a logo to my QR code?

Yes — but only if you use Error Correction Level H (30% recovery). A logo covering approximately 15–20% of the QR code area can still be read reliably at H level. Download the SVG, open it in a vector editor (Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or Inkscape), and place your logo centred over the QR. Never cover the three corner finder patterns.

Why does my coloured QR code fail to scan?

The most common cause is insufficient contrast. Scanners rely on the brightness difference between foreground and background modules. Dark foreground on light background is most reliable. Avoid red foreground on dark background (both are dark to cameras), and avoid light foreground on light background. As a rule: WCAG contrast ratio ≥ 4.5:1 is a good target. The preset colours in this tool are all scanner-tested.

SVG vs PNG — which should I use?

Use SVG for: web pages, print-ready artwork, business cards, and any context where the QR code needs to scale cleanly. SVG files are tiny (typically 5–20 KB) and infinitely sharp. Use PNG for: email campaigns, presentations (PowerPoint/Google Slides), social media graphics, or platforms that don’t render SVG. For PNG at print scale, set ‘Size’ to at least 600px before generating.

Is the data I enter stored or tracked?

No. Content is sent to the server only to generate the QR code and is never stored, logged, or associated with your session. QR code generation is stateless — each request is independent and discarded after the response is sent.