Generate QR Codes & Barcodes in Seconds

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that stores information as a grid of black and white squares. When you scan it with a smartphone camera, the device decodes the pattern and performs an action — opening a URL, connecting to WiFi, saving a contact, or displaying text.

QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, which is why they can hold far more information than a traditional one-dimensional barcode. They also include built-in error correction, so they remain scannable even if part of the code is damaged or obscured by a logo.

Yes — generating, customizing, and downloading QR codes and barcodes is completely free for all users. You don't need to create an account to use the quick generator on this page. Free downloads are provided in PNG format with no watermarks.

Creating a free account gives you the ability to save and manage your codes. Pro features — including scan analytics, dynamic QR codes (editable after printing), and SVG/PDF exports — are available on our paid plans.

Static QR codes have the destination permanently encoded in the pattern itself. Once printed, the information cannot be changed — if you need to update the URL, you must generate and reprint a new code. Static codes are free, simple, and suitable for content that will not change.

Dynamic QR codes contain a short redirect URL that points to our server. You can log in and change the destination at any time without reprinting. They also support scan analytics (count, location, device type) and are ideal for marketing campaigns, menus, or any scenario where the underlying content changes frequently.

Static QR codes never expire on their own — they are simply a pattern that encodes data. As long as the physical code is readable and the destination (like a website URL) still works, the code will function forever.

Dynamic QR codes depend on our redirect service remaining active. As long as your account is in good standing, your dynamic codes will continue to work. If you cancel a paid plan, please check whether your dynamic codes are affected before doing so.

As a general rule, the minimum recommended print size is 2 cm × 2 cm (about 0.8 × 0.8 inches) when scanned at a normal arm's-length distance. For codes on posters or billboards, scale proportionally to the expected scanning distance — a billboard QR code viewed from 10 meters should be at least 40 × 40 cm.

Codes with more data (longer URLs, full vCards) have a denser pattern and need to be printed slightly larger. Always download the SVG or a high-resolution PNG — do not upscale a small PNG, as this introduces blurring. Test your printed code with multiple smartphones before mass-producing materials.

Yes! Our full QR code generator lets you change the foreground and background colors to match your brand palette, and you can upload a logo image to be embedded in the center of the code. QR codes include built-in error correction (up to 30% of the pattern can be obscured and still scan) — which is exactly what makes logo embedding possible.

Tips for branded QR codes: keep the logo covering no more than 20–25% of the code area; maintain high contrast between foreground and background; use the "High" error correction level when adding a logo; and always test the final code with several different scanning apps before printing.

Traditional barcodes (CODE128, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc.) are one-dimensional — they encode data in the widths and spacings of parallel vertical lines. They store roughly 20–25 characters maximum and must be scanned perpendicular to the bars by a laser or image sensor.

QR codes are two-dimensional, encoding data in both rows and columns of squares. They can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters — about 200 times more than a traditional barcode — and can be scanned from any angle. QR codes are ideal for consumer applications (scanning with a smartphone), while traditional barcodes remain dominant in retail POS systems and logistics where dedicated hardware scanners are used.

The right barcode format depends on your industry and use case:

• EAN-13 / EAN-8 — Selling products in Europe, Asia, or globally. Required for listing in most international retailers.
• UPC-A / UPC-E — Selling in the United States or Canada. Required by most North American retailers and grocery chains.
• CODE 128 — Internal logistics, shipping labels, and inventory management. Handles full ASCII and variable lengths.
• CODE 39 — Industrial, automotive, and military applications. Older format but very widely supported by hardware.
• ITF-14 — Outer cartons and shipping boxes (GS1 standard for trade units).
• QR Code — When end consumers need to scan with their smartphone for product information, support, or authentication.

No separate app is needed on modern smartphones. Both iPhone (iOS 11 and later) and Android (Android 9 and later, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and others) can scan QR codes directly using the built-in Camera app. Simply open your camera, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification banner that appears.

On older Android devices (Android 8 or earlier) you may need to install a free QR scanner app such as Google Lens. Traditional 1D barcodes (EAN, UPC, CODE128) generally still require a dedicated scanner app on smartphones, as most camera apps only natively decode QR codes.

For static QR codes and barcodes generated as a guest using the quick tool on this page, the data is processed entirely client-side in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is sent to or stored on our servers — complete privacy by design.

If you create an account and use the full generator to save codes to your dashboard, those codes and their content are stored in our database to enable the save/manage functionality. Dynamic QR codes also require server storage to handle redirects. Please review our Privacy Policy for full details on how your data is handled and protected.

If your QR code is not scanning reliably, here are the most common causes and fixes:

• Too small: The printed code is below 2 cm. Reprint at a larger size.
• Low contrast: Light gray on white, or dark colors on a busy background. Use black on white for maximum reliability.
• Damaged or partially covered: Use a higher error correction level (H) when generating. The code will be slightly denser but much more resilient.
• Poor print quality: Blurry or pixelated printing from a low-resolution file. Download SVG format and print at 300 DPI or higher.
• Missing quiet zone: There must be a clear white margin (at least 4 module widths) around all sides. Do not crop this border.
• Broken destination URL: The code scans but the link is offline. Test the URL itself in a browser.

Yes — all QR codes and barcodes generated on this platform, whether on the free tier or a paid plan, are yours to use for any personal or commercial purpose. You can print them on product packaging, marketing materials, business cards, signage, websites, and any other medium without attribution or licensing fees.

The QR code standard itself is an open standard maintained by ISO (ISO/IEC 18004), so there are no royalties associated with using QR codes commercially. Traditional barcode symbologies such as CODE128 and EAN are similarly open standards.