How to make a QR code that actually works (free, no sign-up)
A QR code lets someone open a web page, join your Wi-Fi or save your details just by pointing their phone camera at it. Making one takes seconds. Making one that scans reliably once printed takes a little more care.
Make one in three steps
- Open the QR code generator.
- Paste in your link or text.
- Download the image and add it to your design.
Our generator makes the code in your browser, so nothing you type is sent anywhere, and the code doesn't expire.
Watch out for "free" codes that expire
Some sites make "dynamic" QR codes that point to their own server first. They're handy for tracking, but if you stop paying, the code can stop working, sometimes after you've printed thousands of flyers. A static code, like ours, contains your link directly and works for as long as the link does.
Printing tips
- Size. Aim for at least 2cm × 2cm on something held in the hand, and much bigger on posters viewed from a distance.
- Contrast. Dark code on a light background. Light codes on dark backgrounds and low-contrast colours often fail.
- Quiet zone. Leave a clear margin around the code. Text or graphics touching it confuse scanners.
- Short links. Long web addresses make dense, harder-to-scan codes. Use the shortest version of your link.
- Surface. Avoid shiny, curved or folded surfaces where glare or bends distort the pattern.
Always test before printing
Scan your code with two or three different phones, from the distance people will really use. Check it opens the right page and that the page works well on a mobile.
Add a line of text
A short instruction next to the code, such as "Scan to book" or "Scan for the menu", noticeably increases how many people use it, and tells people what to expect before they scan.