How to Create Custom QR Codes for Business, WiFi & More (Free Generator)

• Website URLs: Direct users to landing pages, product info, or social profiles

• Plain text: Messages, instructions, serial numbers

• WiFi credentials: Network name, password, encryption type (auto-connect)

• Contact information: vCard format with name, phone, email, address

• Email addresses: Pre-filled recipient, subject, message

• Phone numbers: Tap to call

• SMS messages: Pre-written text messages

• Geo coordinates: Map locations

• Calendar events: Add to calendar with one scan

• Payment info: Cryptocurrency addresses, payment links

Maximum data capacity depends on error correction level:

• Numeric only: Up to 7,089 digits

• Alphanumeric: Up to 4,296 characters

• Binary data: Up to 2,953 bytes

• Practical URLs: Keep under 200 characters for reliable scanning

Longer data = more complex pattern = harder to scan. For large content, use URL shorteners.

QR codes have built-in redundancy to survive damage:

• Level L (Low): 7% damage recovery—use for pristine prints

• Level M (Medium): 15% recovery—standard for most uses

• Level Q (Quartile): 25% recovery—good for outdoor/rough environments

• Level H (High): 30% recovery—maximum durability for extreme conditions

Higher correction = larger QR code. Use Level M for most applications.

Select what your QR code will contain:

• URL: Most common—link to website, social media, video, PDF

• WiFi: Share network access without revealing password

• Contact (vCard): Share business card info

• Plain text: Any message or data

• Email/SMS: Pre-filled messages

For URLs:

• Paste full link (include https://)

• Test URL works before generating QR code

• Use URL shorteners for long links

For WiFi:

• Network name (SSID)

• Password

• Security type (WPA2, WEP, or open)

• Hidden network checkbox if applicable

For Contact:

• Full name

• Phone number(s)

• Email address

• Company name

• Physical address

• Website URL

Basic customization options:

• Size: Larger QR codes scan from farther away

• Error correction: Higher = more damage resistant

• Quiet zone: White border around QR code (required for scanning)

Advanced customization:

• Colors: Change black/white to brand colors (maintain contrast)

• Logo: Embed company logo in center (uses error correction space)

• Style: Rounded corners, dot patterns, custom shapes

1. Click "Generate QR Code"

2. Preview appears instantly

3. CRITICAL: Scan with multiple devices before printing

4. Test on different phone models (iPhone, Android)

5. Verify it opens correct content

6. Check scanning distance (should work from 6-12 inches)

Don't skip testing—printed QR codes can't be edited!

Download formats:

• PNG: Best for digital use (web, email, screens)

• SVG: Vector format for print (infinite scaling)

• PDF: Print-ready with margins

Recommended sizes:

• Business cards: 0.8-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)

• Posters/flyers: 2-3 inches minimum

• Billboards: 10+ feet (must scan from distance)

Rule of thumb: QR code size = scanning distance ÷ 10

• Product packaging: Link to instructions, videos, warranty registration

• Business cards: Full contact info without manual typing

• Print ads: Track offline marketing ROI with QR analytics

• Event tickets: Authentication and check-in

• Coupons: Scan for discounts at checkout

• Real estate signs: Property details, virtual tours

• Restaurant menus: Contactless ordering and viewing

WiFi QR codes are incredibly popular:

1. Generate QR code with network credentials

2. Print and display near entrance or reception

3. Guests scan to auto-connect (no password typing)

4. Perfect for: Offices, cafés, Airbnbs, events, coworking spaces

Security note: Only share guest networks, not admin networks.

• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin/Ethereum addresses for payments

• Payment apps: Venmo, PayPal, Cash App links

• Donation pages: Quick access for fundraising

• Point of sale: In-store payment systems

Always test payment QR codes to avoid sending money to wrong address!

• Share WiFi with guests without saying password aloud

• Emergency contacts: QR code on phone case, wallet, or ID

• Resume/portfolio: Link to online profile from paper resume

• Wedding websites: Share event details, RSVPs, registries

• Geocaching: Hide QR codes with clues or coordinates

✅ Do:

• Maintain high contrast (dark on light background)

• Include call-to-action text ("Scan for menu", "Scan to connect")

• Place at eye level when possible

• Ensure adequate lighting

• Keep surface flat (curved surfaces distort codes)

• Leave white space around QR code (quiet zone)

❌ Don't:

• Put QR code on moving objects (vehicles, rotating displays)

• Print too small (minimum 0.8 inch / 2 cm)

• Use low contrast (light gray on white)

• Place in direct glare or shadows

• Stretch or distort QR code

• Cover any part of the code

• Malicious links: QR codes can hide dangerous URLs

• Phishing: Fake QR codes on legitimate-looking materials

• Sticker attacks: Criminals cover real QR codes with malicious ones

Protection strategies:

• Preview URLs before opening (most camera apps show destination)

• Don't scan random QR codes from untrusted sources

• Verify QR codes in public places look official (check for stickers)

• Use QR scanner apps with link preview features

• Never scan QR codes for payments without verification

Static QR codes:

• Data embedded directly in QR pattern

• Cannot be changed after creation

• No tracking or analytics

• Work forever (no expiration)

• Free to create and use

• Best for: Permanent content (WiFi, business cards)

Dynamic QR codes:

• Contain redirect URL to editable content

• Update destination without reprinting

• Track scans (location, time, device type)

• Require subscription service

• May expire if service shuts down

• Best for: Marketing campaigns, temporary events

Free generators create static codes. Dynamic codes need paid services.

Rules for colored QR codes:

• Dark foreground + light background (not reversed)

• High contrast ratio (minimum 3:1, prefer 7:1+)

• Test extensively—color choice affects scanning

• Avoid: Red on green, yellow on white, similar shades

Safe color combinations:

• Black on white (best)

• Dark blue on light yellow

• Dark green on light gray

• Purple on cream

Avoid:

• Pastel colors

• Light text on dark background

• Gradients or patterns in background

Adding logos to QR codes:

• Center placement works best

• Logo should cover max 20-30% of code area

• Use high error correction level (Q or H)

• Test scanning after adding logo

• Keep logo simple (complex logos reduce scannability)

Many scanners struggle with logo QR codes—test thoroughly before printing thousands.

Creative QR code variations:

• Rounded corners instead of square pixels

• Dot patterns instead of blocks

• Frames with calls-to-action

• Artistic backgrounds (behind code, not blocking it)

1. URL shorteners with analytics

• Use bit.ly, TinyURL, or Rebrandly

• Shows: Number of scans, location, time, device type

• Free tier available

2. Campaign parameters

• Add UTM tags to URLs: `?utm_source=qr_code&utm_campaign=poster`

• Track in Google Analytics

• See which QR codes drive traffic/conversions

3. Unique landing pages

• Create separate page for each QR code

• Count page visits = QR scans

• Simple but effective

4. Dynamic QR code services

• Paid platforms (QR Code Generator, Beaconstac)

• Built-in dashboards with detailed metrics