Generate QR codes for URLs, text, phone numbers, email addresses and more. Download as PNG instantly.
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data — a URL, text, contact details, WiFi credentials — in a scannable square grid. Unlike a traditional one-line barcode, a QR code can be read from any angle and holds far more information, which is why it's become the standard for connecting printed material to a phone: menus, business cards, flyers, invoices, and WiFi access all commonly use one.
This generator builds a real, scannable QR code entirely in your browser — choose the content type, customise the size and colours, and the preview updates live. Download as PNG for immediate use in print or digital.
| QR Code | Barcode | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | 2D square grid | 1D line of bars |
| Data capacity | URLs, text, WiFi, contact details — up to thousands of characters | Typically a single number (product code) |
| Scan angle | Any angle | Must be scanned in line with the bars |
| Common use | Linking print to digital content | Retail product identification |
Need a traditional 1D barcode instead — for retail or inventory? Try the Barcode Generator.
| Use Case | Content to Encode |
|---|---|
| Business card → website | https://yourwebsite.com.au |
| Restaurant menu | PDF link or online menu URL |
| Invoice payment link | Payment URL or bank transfer details |
| WiFi guest access | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;; |
| Google My Business review | Your Google review link |
| Centrelink / Medicare claim | Document URL or reference number |
How do I create a QR code for my website?
Select 'Website URL' as the content type, paste your full URL (including https://), choose your size and colours, and click Download PNG. Test the QR code on your phone before printing — scan with your phone camera or a dedicated QR app.
What size QR code should I use for print?
Minimum reliable scanning size: 2.5cm × 2.5cm (approximately 1 inch square). For signage: 10cm+ for viewing from 1 metre away. General rule: minimum size = 1/10 of the intended scanning distance. For a business card, Medium (200px) setting saved at high resolution works well.
Can I change the colours of a QR code?
Yes. Choose any foreground and background colour. Important: maintain high contrast — light foreground on dark background or dark on light. Avoid very similar colours. Test the coloured QR code extensively before mass printing — unusual colour combinations can reduce scan reliability.
Do QR codes expire?
QR codes themselves do not expire — they are just encoded data. However, if the QR code points to a URL that goes offline or changes, the code will no longer work. For permanent QR codes, use a URL shortener service to redirect to new destinations without reprinting the code.
How do I make a WiFi QR code?
Select 'WiFi Network' as the content type, enter your network name and password, and choose the security type (WPA/WPA2 is standard for most modern routers). Scanning the generated code connects a phone to the network automatically — no typing the password required.
What's the difference between a QR code and a barcode?
A barcode stores data in a single line of varying-width bars, typically just a number (like a product's EAN/UPC). A QR code is a 2D grid that stores far more data — URLs, WiFi credentials, contact details — and can be read from any angle. Need a traditional barcode instead? Try the Barcode Generator.
How do I print a QR code correctly?
Download the PNG at Large or XL size for print (small sizes look fine on screen but can pixelate when scaled up for print). Keep a quiet zone (white space) around the code, use high contrast colours, and always test-scan the printed copy with a phone before running a full print job.
Is anything I generate sent to a server?
No. The QR code is drawn entirely in your browser using a local JavaScript library — the content you encode (including WiFi passwords) is never transmitted or logged anywhere.