QR Code Generator & Scanner

Create QR codes and scan them from camera or image

QR Code Generator & Scanner

Generate a QR code from text or a URL.

No QR generated yet

Scan a QR code using your camera or from an image file.

How to use the QR Code Generator & Scanner

  1. •To generate a QR code, type or paste any text, URL, or data into the input field. The QR code is rendered instantly as you type.
  2. •Configure options such as size (in pixels), error correction level (Low, Medium, Quartile, High), and foreground/background colors.
  3. •Download the QR code as a PNG image for use in presentations, websites, print materials, or physical labels.
  4. •To scan a QR code, switch to the scanner tab and either upload an image containing a QR code or use your device's camera to scan one in real time.
  5. •Copy the decoded data from a scanned QR code for use in your workflow.

What are QR codes?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, originally for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional barcodes which store data in one dimension (horizontal lines), QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, allowing them to hold significantly more information.

QR codes use a matrix of dark and light modules (squares) arranged in a square grid on a white background. Three distinctive square finder patterns in three corners help scanners locate and orient the code. The data is encoded using one of four modes: numeric (most efficient for digits), alphanumeric (digits, uppercase letters, and some symbols), byte (any 8-bit data), and Kanji.

A key feature of QR codes is error correction, based on Reed-Solomon coding. This allows a QR code to remain readable even if part of it is damaged or obscured. There are four error correction levels: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). Higher error correction means the QR code can survive more damage, but also requires more modules (making the code larger or denser for the same data).

The maximum data capacity depends on the version (size) and error correction level. The largest QR code (version 40, 177x177 modules) can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. For most practical uses like URLs and contact information, much smaller versions suffice.

Common use cases

  • •Website URLs and marketing: QR codes on posters, business cards, and product packaging link directly to websites, landing pages, or app download pages.
  • •WiFi network sharing: Encoding WiFi credentials (SSID, password, encryption type) in a QR code lets guests connect to a network by scanning rather than typing a password.
  • •Contact information (vCard): QR codes can encode vCard data so that scanning adds a contact directly to the phone's address book.
  • •Two-factor authentication (TOTP): Apps like Google Authenticator use QR codes to share the secret key for time-based one-time passwords during 2FA setup.
  • •Event tickets and boarding passes: Digital tickets often use QR codes for fast scanning at entry points.

FAQ

What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can hold? The maximum capacity is 7,089 numeric digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, more data means a denser (and harder to scan) QR code. For URLs, keep them under 300 characters for reliable scanning.

What error correction level should I use? Use Level M (15%) for most digital use cases. Use Level H (30%) if the QR code will be printed on materials that might get scratched, folded, or partially covered, or if you want to place a logo over part of the code.

Can QR codes contain viruses? QR codes themselves are just data. They cannot contain executable code. However, they can encode URLs that lead to malicious websites. Always check the decoded URL before visiting it, just as you would with any link.

Is my data safe?

Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to our servers. QR code generation and scanning both happen locally on your device using JavaScript libraries running in your browser.

How to use the QR Code Generator & Scanner

  1. To generate a QR code, type or paste any text, URL, or data into the input field. The QR code is rendered instantly as you type.
  2. Configure options such as size (in pixels), error correction level (Low, Medium, Quartile, High), and foreground/background colors.
  3. Download the QR code as a PNG image for use in presentations, websites, print materials, or physical labels.
  4. To scan a QR code, switch to the scanner tab and either upload an image containing a QR code or use your device's camera to scan one in real time.
  5. Copy the decoded data from a scanned QR code for use in your workflow.

What are QR codes?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, originally for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional barcodes which store data in one dimension (horizontal lines), QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, allowing them to hold significantly more information.

QR codes use a matrix of dark and light modules (squares) arranged in a square grid on a white background. Three distinctive square finder patterns in three corners help scanners locate and orient the code. The data is encoded using one of four modes: numeric (most efficient for digits), alphanumeric (digits, uppercase letters, and some symbols), byte (any 8-bit data), and Kanji.

A key feature of QR codes is error correction, based on Reed-Solomon coding. This allows a QR code to remain readable even if part of it is damaged or obscured. There are four error correction levels: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). Higher error correction means the QR code can survive more damage, but also requires more modules (making the code larger or denser for the same data).

The maximum data capacity depends on the version (size) and error correction level. The largest QR code (version 40, 177x177 modules) can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. For most practical uses like URLs and contact information, much smaller versions suffice.

Common use cases

  • Website URLs and marketing: QR codes on posters, business cards, and product packaging link directly to websites, landing pages, or app download pages.
  • WiFi network sharing: Encoding WiFi credentials (SSID, password, encryption type) in a QR code lets guests connect to a network by scanning rather than typing a password.
  • Contact information (vCard): QR codes can encode vCard data so that scanning adds a contact directly to the phone's address book.
  • Two-factor authentication (TOTP): Apps like Google Authenticator use QR codes to share the secret key for time-based one-time passwords during 2FA setup.
  • Event tickets and boarding passes: Digital tickets often use QR codes for fast scanning at entry points.

FAQ

What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can hold? The maximum capacity is 7,089 numeric digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, more data means a denser (and harder to scan) QR code. For URLs, keep them under 300 characters for reliable scanning.

What error correction level should I use? Use Level M (15%) for most digital use cases. Use Level H (30%) if the QR code will be printed on materials that might get scratched, folded, or partially covered, or if you want to place a logo over part of the code.

Can QR codes contain viruses? QR codes themselves are just data. They cannot contain executable code. However, they can encode URLs that lead to malicious websites. Always check the decoded URL before visiting it, just as you would with any link.

Is my data safe?

Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to our servers. QR code generation and scanning both happen locally on your device using JavaScript libraries running in your browser.