QR codes are on restaurant tables, posters, business cards, packaging and event tickets. Making one takes seconds — but not all codes are equal. Some services create codes that quietly stop working when a free trial ends. A good qr code generator makes static codes that work forever, look sharp in print and scan first time.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
| Static QR code | Dynamic QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| What’s inside | Your link or text directly | A short redirect link owned by the service |
| Expires? | Never | Stops working if the subscription ends |
| Editable later? | No — make a new code | Yes, change the destination |
| Scan tracking | No | Yes |
| Privacy | No middleman | Every scan passes through the service |
For most uses — a website link, Wi-Fi details, a menu — static codes are simpler, private and permanent.
How to Use the QR Code Generator (Step by Step)
With our free QR Code Generator:
- Type or paste your link or text.
- Choose a size: 256, 512 or 1024 pixels.
- Pick an error correction level: Low, Medium, Quartile or High.
- Set the foreground and background colours.
- Choose PNG or SVG and download.
The codes are static, with no expiry, no sign-up and no tracking.
What Can a QR Code Contain?
- Website links — the most common use.
- Plain text — a message, serial number or instructions.
- Wi-Fi details — enter
WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;and phones join by scanning. - Email and phone links —
mailto:hello@example.comortel:+441234567890. - Map locations — a Google Maps or Apple Maps link.
Error Correction Explained
QR codes include backup data so they still scan if part of the code is dirty, damaged or covered.
| Level | Recovers up to | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Low (L) | about 7% | Clean screens, short links |
| Medium (M) | about 15% | Most uses — a good default |
| Quartile (Q) | about 25% | Outdoor signs, packaging |
| High (H) | about 30% | Codes with a logo in the middle, rough surfaces |
Higher levels make the pattern denser, so keep links short when using High.
PNG or SVG?
Use PNG for websites, documents and social posts. Use SVG for print: it’s a vector, so it stays razor-sharp at any size — on a business card or a billboard. Most print designers prefer SVG.
How Big Should a QR Code Be When Printed?
A common rule of thumb: the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance. For something scanned at arm’s length (a flyer or menu), 2–3 cm is the minimum; 3–4 cm is comfortable. For posters read from a few metres away, go much bigger. Always leave a clear margin (the “quiet zone”) around the code.
Colours and Contrast
Custom colours can match your brand, but scanners need strong contrast. Keep the code dark on a light background — reversing it (light on dark) confuses some scanners. Avoid low-contrast combinations like yellow on white or grey on black.
Test Before You Print
- Scan with several phones, both iPhone and Android.
- Test at the actual printed size and distance.
- Check the link works on mobile data, not just Wi-Fi.
- Make sure the destination page loads quickly on phones.
QR Code Ideas for Businesses
- Restaurant menus and table ordering.
- Product packaging linking to instructions or videos.
- Business cards linking to your website or LinkedIn.
- Event posters linking to tickets.
- Guest Wi-Fi cards in cafés, hotels and offices.
- Feedback forms on receipts.
Adding a Logo to a QR Code
Branded QR codes with a logo in the centre are popular. They work because of error correction: the logo hides part of the code, and the backup data fills the gap. If you add a logo in a design tool, generate the code with High (H) error correction, keep the logo to no more than about 20% of the code’s area, and test it thoroughly on several phones.
Keep the Destination Working
A static code always points to the same link, so the page it opens needs to stay online. Before printing thousands of flyers, use a stable URL you control — a page on your own website rather than a temporary campaign link. If the content changes, update the page rather than the code.
Is a QR Code Generator Safe?
Static codes contain your data directly, so there’s no third party in the middle and nothing to expire. Be cautious scanning unknown QR codes yourself — they can link to phishing sites, so check the URL your phone previews before opening it. For the technology’s history, see QR code on Wikipedia.
Related Tools
Need to put special characters in a link? Encode it first with URL Encoder. Want to recolour or resize the code image? Try Resize Image or edit the SVG.
Final Thoughts
A good qr code generator makes static codes that never expire, with the right error correction, strong contrast and a print-ready SVG option. Keep links short, test at real size and leave a quiet zone. Try the free QR Code Generator for codes that keep working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a QR code for free?
Type your link or text into a QR code generator, choose size and colours, and download a PNG or SVG. Static codes are free and never expire.
Do free QR codes expire?
Static codes never expire. Dynamic codes from some services stop working when the subscription ends.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
Static codes contain your data directly; dynamic codes use a redirect that can be edited and tracked.
How do I create a QR code for Wi-Fi?
Enter WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; and generate the code.
What error correction level should I use?
Medium for most uses; High if you add a logo or the code will be printed on rough surfaces.
Should I download my QR code as PNG or SVG?
PNG for screens and documents; SVG for printing at any size.
How big should a printed QR code be?
At least 2–3 cm for close scanning, and about a tenth of the scanning distance.
Can I change the colour of a QR code?
Yes, but keep a dark code on a light background with strong contrast.
Can I edit a static QR code after printing?
No. Make a new code, or use a dynamic code if you need to change the link later.
Are QR codes safe to scan?
Check the URL your phone previews before opening, as malicious codes can link to phishing sites.
