How to Create a QR Code for Free (URL, Wi-Fi, Email and vCard)

A QR code is a square barcode that a phone camera can read in a second. It can hold a web address, plain text, an email draft, Wi-Fi login details or a full contact card. You do not need an account or any software to make one. Here is how to do it properly so the code actually scans every time.

Step-by-step: create a QR code

1. Open the free QR Code Generator and choose the type: Text, Website URL, Email, Wi-Fi or Contact (vCard).
2. Fill in the fields. For a website, you can type just the domain and https:// is added for you.
3. Pick a size (200 to 500 px) and, if you like, custom colors.
4. Click Generate QR Code and check the preview.
5. Download the PNG and test it with your phone before printing or sharing.

Which QR code type should you use?

Website URL

Best for menus, portfolios, landing pages and social profiles. Use the final URL, not a redirect, and prefer https.

Wi-Fi

Guests scan and connect without typing a password. The code stores the network name, password and security type in a standard format that both Android and iPhone understand:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;

Email and vCard

An email QR code opens a draft with the address, subject and message already filled. A vCard QR code lets people save your name, phone number, email, website and company in one scan, which is handy on business cards.

Tips so your QR code always scans

• Keep strong contrast. Dark code on a light background is the safest combination. Avoid light-on-dark or low-contrast colors.
• Leave a blank margin around the code (the quiet zone). Do not crop it tightly.
• Do not print it too small. About 2 x 2 cm is a practical minimum for most print uses.
• Shorter content makes a simpler code that scans faster. Very long text creates a dense pattern.
• Always test on at least two phones before printing hundreds of copies.

Static vs dynamic QR codes

The codes made here are static: the information is written directly into the image, so they never expire and need no subscription. The trade-off is that you cannot change the destination later. If you need to edit the link after printing, use a short link that you control and put that in the code.

Is it private?

Yes. The QR code is generated in your browser, so the text, Wi-Fi password or contact details you enter are not uploaded to a server.

Note: Never put sensitive secrets in a QR code that you will display publicly. Anyone who scans it can read the content.