What is a QR Code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D barcode that smartphones can scan to instantly access information — a URL, contact card, WiFi password, or any text. They were invented in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary and have exploded in popularity since smartphones became universal.
QR Code Types Available
- URL: Link directly to any website. Most common use case.
- Text: Encode any plain text — a message, instructions, or address.
- Phone: Opens the dialer with your number pre-filled on scan.
- Email: Opens an email compose window with your address and optional subject.
- WiFi: Lets guests connect to your WiFi without typing passwords — encode SSID + password.
How to Create a QR Code Online Free
1Open the QR Code Generator.
2Select the QR type (URL, Text, WiFi, Phone, Email).
3Fill in the required fields (e.g., the URL, or WiFi SSID/password).
4Choose size and error correction level.
5Download the QR code as a PNG image — ready to print or share.
💡 Error Correction Levels:
• L (7%) — small, light scanning environments only
• M (15%) — standard for most uses (recommended)
• Q (25%) — for QR codes with a logo overlay
• H (30%) — use when printing small or on rough surfaces
• L (7%) — small, light scanning environments only
• M (15%) — standard for most uses (recommended)
• Q (25%) — for QR codes with a logo overlay
• H (30%) — use when printing small or on rough surfaces
Creative Uses for QR Codes
- Restaurant menus: Link to your online menu — easy to update without reprinting
- Business cards: Scan to add contact info directly to phonebook
- Product packaging: Link to product page, user manual, or video demo
- Real estate: Property listing QR on for-sale signs
- Events: Ticket QR codes, event schedule links
- Education: QR codes on worksheets linking to video explanations
FAQ
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes (like ours) never expire — they encode the data directly. If the linked URL goes offline, the QR code still works but the destination won't load.
Can I track QR code scans?
Static QR codes don't have built-in analytics. To track scans, use a UTM-tagged URL (e.g., ?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print) to track traffic in Google Analytics.