QR Code Generator — Free, Offline, Custom Colours, PNG + SVG

Error Correction Buys Damage Tolerance, and Costs You Space

QR codes embed error correction through redundancy. The four levels—L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%)—indicate what fraction of damage the code can recover from and still scan. This generator defaults to M, the practical choice: a QR code scanned in a photo, worn at the edges, or slightly obscured still works.

The catch: higher levels pack more recovery data into the same square, densifying the pattern. A level H code has substantially more modules than L encoding the same URL. Dense codes fail at small sizes or low contrast. If you intend to print at 1 inch or smaller, test L or M; if you expect significant wear and tear, use H and print larger. Choose based on your real scan scenario, not maximum protection.

Quiet Zones and Contrast Determine Real Scanning

Scanners look for dark modules on light backgrounds. This tool defaults to black (#0a0a0a) on white (#ffffff)—maximum contrast. Custom colours work if contrast stays high; avoid light on dark or grey on grey. Dim lighting kills low-contrast codes instantly.

All QR codes require a quiet zone, a blank margin at least four modules wide on every side. This generator emits the full four modules, so the downloaded PNG and SVG already carry the margin the specification asks for. What you still have to protect is that margin in your own layout: cropping the image tight, or placing artwork right up against it, takes the quiet zone away again, and a code butted directly against surrounding design often fails on the first scan attempt.

Static Codes Require Foresight for Mass Production

A QR code encodes its payload once. If you print https://example.com/sale on 50,000 product boxes and that URL later moves, all 50,000 copies are dead links. For anything mass-produced—packaging, signage, merchandise tags—point the code to a domain you control, then use redirects to move the destination. One URL redirect rule lets you retarget millions of printed codes without reprinting a single box.

Five Input Modes, Two Export Formats, Full Customization

Encode plain text, URLs, Wi-Fi credentials (WPA, WEP, open networks), email with subject line, or phone numbers. All output meets standard QR specifications. Download as PNG (raster) or SVG (vector); choose PNG for photos and web, SVG for print and scaling. Size ranges 150–600 pixels; both foreground and background colours are fully customizable via colour picker or hex input. All generation happens client-side—your data never touches a server. Test your codes before deployment with our QR Code Reader.