Free QR code generators
Four tools that draw a QR code in your browser and one that reads a code from an image. The codes are static, free to use and yours to keep.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
In this section
Static codes, and why that matters
A static QR code stores its content in the pattern of dark and light squares. A phone reads the content straight from the picture. Nobody stands in between, so the code cannot expire, cannot be switched off and cannot be counted.
Some services hand out dynamic codes instead. Such a code contains a short address of the service, which forwards the visitor to the real destination. That allows changing the destination later, but the code stops working when the service ends the forwarding. QR and Pick does not offer dynamic codes or short links, because they need a server that stores your links.
What decides the size of a code
QR codes come in 40 sizes, called versions. Version 1 has 21 by 21 squares, called modules, and every further version has 4 more modules per side, up to 177 by 177 in version 40. The tools pick the smallest version that holds your content.
Two things make a code larger: more content and a higher error correction level. Error correction lets a scanner rebuild parts of the code that are dirty, torn or covered.
| Level | Share that can be restored | Largest content |
|---|---|---|
| L | about 7% | 2,953 bytes |
| M | about 15% | 2,331 bytes |
| Q | about 25% | 1,663 bytes |
| H | about 30% | 1,273 bytes |
A byte is one letter or digit of plain English. Accented letters usually take 2 bytes, Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters 3 and most emoji 4. Short content gives a coarse code that is easy to scan; content near the limit gives a very fine pattern that needs a large print and a good camera.
Printing and sharing
- Keep the light margin. The standard asks for a margin of four modules on every side, and the downloaded files already contain it.
- Keep dark on light. The files are black on white in both the light and the dark appearance of this site. Inverted or pale codes are harder to read.
- Use the SVG file for print: it stays sharp at any size. Use the PNG file where SVG is not accepted.
- The printed width is the number of modules, margin included, multiplied by the size of one module. A code of 33 modules printed with modules of 0.5 mm is 16.5 mm wide. The further away people stand, the larger the modules must be.
- Scan the final print with at least one phone before you hand it out.
Sources
The facts about versions, error correction and the margin follow the descriptions of DENSO WAVE, the company that invented the QR code. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a licence to use the codes?
- No. DENSO WAVE states that QR codes which follow the standard can be used freely, without a fee and without a contract. The name QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED, which matters only if you use the name in your own publications.
- Which error correction level should I choose?
- M is a sensible default. Choose Q or H for codes that will get dirty or scratched, for example on packaging or outdoors. Choose L when the content is long and the code is shown in a clean place such as a screen.
- Can I put a logo in the middle of a code?
- The tools do not add logos. A logo covers modules, and the scanner has to rebuild them with the error correction, which leaves less reserve for real damage. If you add one yourself, use level H, keep the logo small and test the result.
- Why does my code look different when I change one letter?
- The content is mixed with error correction data and then combined with one of eight masks that avoid large single-coloured areas. A small change in the content therefore changes modules all over the code.
- Does the site see what I encode?
- No. The code is calculated by your browser. The content is not transmitted, and the downloaded files are created on your device.