Free Custom QR Code Generator Online
Generate QR codes from URLs, text and other content. Customize foreground and background colors, choose pixel dimensions and select error correction levels to suit your needs.
Your inputs
Your inputs and files stay on your device.
Your result
A little input. A useful answer.
Enter your values and run the tool to see your result here.
Create a QR Code That Fits Your Purpose
A QR code is a convenient way to share information without asking someone to type a long web address or copy text manually. A person can scan the code with a compatible smartphone camera or QR reader and access the information encoded inside it.
The free QR Code Generator from Tools Factory lets you create a QR code from the content you enter. You can customize its foreground and background colors, choose the output size in pixels and select an error correction level.
These options help you prepare QR codes for different uses, from simple website links to printed materials where size, contrast and scan reliability matter.
How to Generate a QR Code Online
Creating a QR code takes only a few steps. You do not need to create an account to use the tool.
- Enter your content: Type or paste the text, website URL or other information you want to encode into the text area above.
- Choose the foreground color: Select the color of the QR code's dark modules, which form the visible pattern.
- Set the background color: Choose a background that provides enough contrast for reliable scanning.
- Enter the size in pixels: Set the QR code dimensions according to how you intend to display or use it.
- Select error correction: Choose Low, Medium, Quartile or High depending on your requirements.
- Generate the QR code: Create your QR code using the selected settings.
- Test the result: Scan it with a smartphone before sharing, printing or publishing it.
What Is a QR Code Generator?
A QR Code Generator is a tool that converts information into a two-dimensional barcode called a Quick Response code. The encoded information is represented by a pattern of dark and light squares known as modules.
Unlike a traditional one-dimensional barcode, a QR code stores information across both horizontal and vertical directions. This allows it to hold more data in a relatively compact area.
When someone scans a QR code, compatible software decodes the pattern and interprets the stored information. For example, a QR code containing a website URL may allow the user to open that website.
QR codes can encode different types of text-based information, but the action performed after scanning depends on the content and the scanning application.
What Can You Put Inside a QR Code?
The content field in this generator accepts text. That makes it useful for encoding several types of information.
Website URLs
Enter a complete website address, such as https://example.com, to create a QR code that directs scanners to that URL.
Plain Text
Encode a short message, reference number, instruction or other text that someone can read after scanning.
Email Addresses
You can encode an email address as text. You can also use a properly formatted mailto link if you want compatible scanning applications to offer an email action.
Phone Numbers
Encode a phone number or use a tel: URI when you want compatible devices to recognize it as a telephone link.
Contact Information
Structured contact information, such as properly formatted vCard text, can be stored in a QR code. Whether it is recognized as a contact depends on the scanner.
Wi-Fi Connection Details
Some QR scanners recognize specially formatted Wi-Fi configuration strings. Simply entering a network name and password as ordinary text does not guarantee an automatic connection prompt.
For the best results, use the correct data format for the action you want the scanner to perform.
Understanding QR Code Foreground and Background Colors
QR codes are traditionally black on white because this combination provides strong contrast. However, you can customize the colors to suit your website, brand or printed design.
Foreground Color
The foreground color is used for the QR code's modules, including the squares that represent the encoded data.
Dark colors such as black, dark blue and deep green often work well when placed on a light background.
Background Color
The background color fills the area behind the QR pattern. Light backgrounds generally make it easier for scanners to distinguish the modules.
For example, a dark blue QR code on a white background is usually a safer choice than a pale yellow QR code on a white background.
Why Color Contrast Matters
QR scanners must distinguish the dark and light areas of the code. Poor contrast can make scanning unreliable, especially when the QR code is small, printed on textured material or viewed in weak lighting.
Avoid using foreground and background colors that are too similar. Also be cautious with inverted color combinations, such as white modules on a black background, because scanner support can vary.
How to Choose the Right QR Code Size in Pixels
Your QR Code Generator allows you to enter a size in pixels. This determines the dimensions of the generated QR code image.
The right size depends on where you plan to use the code and how much information it contains.
| QR Code Size | Possible Use | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 100 x 100 px | Small digital previews | May be difficult to scan with dense content |
| 200 x 200 px | Simple digital sharing | Often suitable for short URLs |
| 300 x 300 px | Website pages and digital graphics | Provides more room for module clarity |
| 500 x 500 px | Posters and larger digital designs | Useful when a larger raster image is needed |
| 1000 x 1000 px | High-resolution design assets | May help with some print workflows |
These sizes are illustrative examples rather than guaranteed scanning dimensions. A QR code's readability depends on its data density, module size, contrast, surrounding quiet zone, viewing distance and output quality.
For printed materials, pixel dimensions alone do not determine physical size. The printing resolution and final dimensions also matter.
What Is QR Code Error Correction?
Error correction allows a QR code to remain readable even when some parts of its pattern are damaged, obscured or difficult to detect.
QR codes use an error correction system based on Reed-Solomon coding. The selected level determines how much additional recovery information is included in the code.
Higher error correction improves tolerance to some forms of damage, but it also increases the amount of data required for the same content.
Your generator provides four error correction levels.
Low, Medium, Quartile and High Error Correction Explained
| Level | Code | Approximate Recovery Capacity | Typical Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | L | About 7% | Lower redundancy and greater data capacity |
| Medium | M | About 15% | Balanced option for general use |
| Quartile | Q | About 25% | More tolerance for partial damage |
| High | H | About 30% | Highest standard error correction level |
These percentages describe approximate error recovery capability, not a guarantee that the same percentage of any QR code can be covered or removed without affecting scanning.
Low (L)
Low error correction adds less recovery data, leaving more capacity for the information being encoded. It can be suitable for clear digital QR codes displayed in controlled conditions.
Medium (M)
Medium provides a practical balance between data capacity and error tolerance. It is a reasonable starting point for many everyday QR codes.
Quartile (Q)
Quartile offers additional recovery capability. It may be useful for QR codes that could experience some printing imperfections or wear.
High (H)
High provides the greatest standard error correction capacity. It can be useful where additional tolerance is desirable, although it may produce a denser QR code for the same content.
For most ordinary website links, Medium is a sensible starting choice. Choose higher correction when your use case justifies it, and always test the final code.
Does Higher Error Correction Make a QR Code Better?
Not necessarily. Higher error correction improves the ability to recover from some errors, but it can also require a larger QR code version to hold the same content.
A larger version contains more modules. If the QR code is displayed at a fixed pixel size, those modules may become smaller and harder for a camera to distinguish.
For example, a short website URL may work well with Medium error correction. A much longer text message combined with High correction could create a more complex pattern that needs additional display space.
The best setting balances content length, output size, scanning conditions and error tolerance.
Static QR Codes vs Dynamic QR Codes
QR codes are often described as static or dynamic, depending on how their destination information is managed.
| Feature | Static QR Code | Dynamic QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Stored content | Directly encoded | Usually a managed redirect URL |
| Change destination later | Requires a new code | Possible through the redirect service |
| External management service | Not inherently required | Usually required |
| Tracking scans | Not built into the QR code | May be offered by the service |
This generator creates QR codes from the content you enter. It does not, by itself, provide a managed redirect service, editable destinations or scan analytics.
If you encode a direct website URL and later change that URL, you generally need to generate a new QR code.
Why Is My QR Code Not Scanning?
Several factors can affect QR code readability.
Low Color Contrast
If the foreground and background colors are too similar, the scanner may struggle to identify the QR pattern. Try dark modules on a light background.
QR Code Is Too Small
A QR code containing a large amount of text may have many small modules. Increasing the pixel size can make those modules easier to distinguish.
Missing Quiet Zone
A QR code should have a clear margin around its pattern. This margin, called the quiet zone, helps scanners identify the boundaries of the code.
For standard QR codes, the recommended quiet zone is four modules wide on each side.
Too Much Encoded Content
Long text can produce a dense QR pattern. If possible, shorten the content. For website links, a shorter trusted URL can make the code less complex.
Distorted or Stretched Image
QR codes are square. Stretching the image horizontally or vertically can distort the modules and reduce scanning reliability.
Printing Problems
Blurry printing, reflective surfaces, poor ink coverage and damaged paper can make a QR code difficult to scan. Test a physical sample before printing large quantities.
Practical Uses for Custom QR Codes
Business Cards
Add a QR code containing your website or contact information to a business card. Recipients can scan it instead of manually typing the details.
Restaurant Menus
Restaurants can place a QR code linking to a digital menu on tables or printed materials. The menu remains accessible through the encoded link while it is valid.
Product Packaging
Brands can use QR codes to share product instructions, warranty information or support pages.
Event Materials
Event organizers can include QR codes linking to schedules, venue information or registration pages.
Educational Resources
Teachers can create QR codes for worksheets, reference materials, learning videos and classroom resources.
Marketing Campaigns
Businesses can add QR codes to posters, brochures and other promotional materials to connect printed content with relevant online pages.
QR Code Best Practices Before Printing or Sharing
- Use clear content: Double-check the URL or text before generating the QR code.
- Maintain strong contrast: Dark foreground colors on light backgrounds are generally reliable.
- Keep the code square: Avoid stretching or distorting the generated image.
- Leave enough white space: Preserve the quiet zone around the QR code.
- Choose an appropriate size: Make sure the modules remain distinguishable at the intended viewing distance.
- Select suitable error correction: Medium is a useful starting point for many everyday applications.
- Test on different phones: Verify that the code scans correctly with more than one device when possible.
- Check the destination: For URL-based QR codes, confirm that the link opens the intended page.
Are QR Codes Safe to Use?
QR codes are a way to encode and share information. They are not inherently secure or insecure, but the content they point to can introduce risks.
For example, a QR code may contain a legitimate website address or a link to a misleading page. Users should check unfamiliar destinations before entering passwords, payment details or other sensitive information.
If you are generating QR codes for your business, use trusted URLs and avoid unnecessarily encoding personal or confidential information.
Remember that anyone who can scan a QR code may be able to read the information stored inside it. Error correction does not encrypt the content.
Privacy and Browser-Based QR Code Generation
Tools Factory provides free browser-based utilities designed to help users complete everyday tasks without requiring account registration.
When QR code generation is performed locally in the browser, the entered content can be encoded on your device without sending it to a remote QR generation service.
However, a QR code is not a private storage method. Anyone with access to the generated code can potentially decode its contents.
For more information about the website, visit our About and Privacy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I create a QR code online for free?
Enter your content, select foreground and background colors, choose the pixel size and error correction level, then generate the QR code using the tool above.
Can I generate a QR code for a website URL?
Yes. Enter the complete website URL, including https://, to encode it into a QR code that compatible scanners can recognize as a web address.
Can I change the color of my QR code?
Yes. The generator allows you to choose foreground and background colors. For reliable scanning, use a high-contrast combination.
What is the best QR code color combination?
Black on white is a widely reliable choice. Other dark-on-light combinations can also work well when they provide sufficient contrast.
What QR code size should I use?
The appropriate size depends on the amount of encoded data and the intended use. A simple URL displayed digitally may work at a few hundred pixels, while printed materials may require larger dimensions.
What is the best error correction level?
Medium is a practical starting point for many general-purpose QR codes. Quartile and High offer more error recovery capacity but may increase the density of the code.
What does Quartile mean in QR code error correction?
Quartile, represented by Q, is the QR code error correction level associated with approximately 25% codeword recovery capability under suitable conditions.
Does High error correction make the QR code easier to scan?
Not always. It improves recovery from some errors, but it can also make the code denser. Adequate size, contrast and a clear quiet zone remain important.
Can I generate a QR code containing plain text?
Yes. Enter the text into the content field. Compatible QR scanners can decode and display the stored message.
Can I create a Wi-Fi QR code?
You can encode a properly formatted Wi-Fi configuration string in the text field. Whether a device recognizes it as a connection request depends on the scanner and operating system.
Can I edit a QR code after generating it?
You can change the input content or design settings and generate a new QR code. A previously generated static QR code cannot have its encoded content changed without creating a new pattern.
Do QR codes expire?
A static QR code does not inherently expire. However, a website link encoded inside it may stop working if the destination is changed, removed or becomes unavailable.
Can I track how many people scan my QR code?
QR codes do not provide scan analytics by themselves. Tracking generally requires a suitable website analytics setup or an external managed-link service.
Can I use the generated QR code for business purposes?
QR codes can be used in business materials, including menus, packaging and promotional designs. Make sure you have permission to share the encoded content and that the destination remains accurate.
Why is my generated QR code not scanning?
Possible reasons include low contrast, insufficient size, excessive data density, a missing quiet zone, image distortion or printing problems. Try a larger size with dark modules on a light background.
Where can I report a problem with the QR Code Generator?
If the tool produces an unexpected result, report a problem with QR Code Generator. Include the selected colors, pixel size, error correction level and a description of the issue. Avoid sharing confidential information.