QR Code Generator
Generate QR codes from text, URLs, or any data. Download as PNG. Runs entirely in your browser.
What is a QR Code and How Do QR Codes Work?
A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional matrix barcode invented by Denso Wave in 1994. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one dimension, QR codes encode data in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric digits. QR codes include Reed-Solomon error correction, meaning they can be read even if up to 30% of the code is damaged or obscured.
Common Use Cases for QR Codes
- Website URLs and deep links — Share links to websites, app download pages, or specific content
- Wi-Fi network sharing — Encode SSID, password, and encryption type for one-scan Wi-Fi connection (
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;) - Payment and digital wallets — UPI, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses
- Contact information (vCard) — Share phone numbers, email, and address as a digital business card
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) — Apps like Google Authenticator and Authy use QR codes to set up TOTP secrets
- Event tickets and boarding passes — Airlines, concerts, and transit systems use QR codes for ticketing
- Restaurant menus — Contactless menu access became standard during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Product packaging and inventory — Track serial numbers, batch codes, and supply chain data
QR Code Error Correction Levels
- Level L (Low) — ~7% damage recovery. Smallest QR code size. Best for clean environments.
- Level M (Medium) — ~15% damage recovery. Default level, good balance of size and reliability.
- Level Q (Quartile) — ~25% damage recovery. Good for printed materials that may get scratched.
- Level H (High) — ~30% damage recovery. Best for QR codes with logos overlaid on the center.
How This QR Code Generator Works
This tool uses the open-source qrcode-generator library to create spec-compliant QR codes entirely in your browser. Your data is encoded into a QR matrix using Reed-Solomon error correction, then rendered to an HTML Canvas element. You can download the result as a PNG image. No data is ever sent to any server — all encoding happens locally using client-side JavaScript.