How to Create a QR Code (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Pick the QR type that matches your goal (link, WiFi, contact, email, message, location, or text).
2. Prepare the content so it is short, clear, and easy to scan.
3. Generate the QR code in the QR Generator or a specific tool page.
4. Choose a size and error correction level suitable for your use.
5. Test the QR code with at least two devices and apps.
6. Download the QR code as PNG for screens or SVG for printing.
7. Share the QR code or print it with enough contrast and spacing.

Pick the right QR type for your goal

A QR code can hold many kinds of content. Choosing the right type keeps the scan fast and the result clear to the person who scans it. The QR Generator wizard helps you choose, but you can also go straight to a specific tool if you already know what you need.

• Website link: share a page, product, menu, or document.
• WiFi: let guests join a network with one scan.
• Contact card: save a name, phone, and email to a device.
• Message or chat: open WhatsApp with a prefilled message.
• Email: open a new email with subject and body filled in.
• Location: open a Google Maps pin using coordinates.
• Text: share notes, instructions, or a short message.

If you are unsure, start with the wizard at /qr and pick a card. You can always switch tools later without retyping everything.

Prepare content that scans fast

The best QR codes are short and focused. Use clear text, avoid long paragraphs, and keep links tidy. For URLs, make sure they start with http:// or https:// so phones know it is a link. If your content is too long, the QR will become dense and hard to scan, especially on printed materials.

• Keep URLs short and remove extra parameters when possible.
• Use simple wording for text or messages.
• Double-check spelling for emails and phone numbers.
• Avoid adding unrelated data to one QR code.

As a rule, shorter payloads scan faster. If you need more context, put it on the landing page instead of inside the QR code.

Choose a size and error correction level

Size and error correction are the two settings that matter most. For on-screen use (like social posts or emails), 256 or 512 pixels is usually enough. For print, use 512 to 1024 pixels to keep the edges sharp. Higher error correction helps QR codes survive smudges, but it also makes the code denser.

• Use ECC M for everyday use and a balanced code size.
• Use ECC Q or H for posters that might get scratched.
• Choose SVG when printing so the code stays crisp at any size.

If you are unsure, stick with the default size and ECC M, then test the scan before you share it.

Test the QR code before sharing

Testing is the fastest way to avoid bad prints. Scan the QR with your phone camera and a second device if possible. Make sure the action is correct, the app opens quickly, and the content looks right. If the QR fails to scan, shorten the payload or increase the size.

For WiFi or contact cards, confirm the fields populate correctly. For links, verify the destination page loads and is mobile friendly. A 10-second test can save a lot of reprints.

Share or print with confidence

Once you are happy with the QR, download it and share it. PNG is good for quick use on screens. SVG is best for print because it stays sharp at any scale. Keep a quiet margin around the code so scanners can detect the edges. Use high contrast, like black on white.

If you plan to print multiple codes at once, use the A4 Print Sheet tool. It lets you choose columns and sizes, and it adds labels for easier identification.

Text-only layout idea

If you are adding a QR code to a flyer or sign, keep it clean. This is a simple, text-only layout you can copy when designing your print:

+-----------------------+ |      [ QR CODE ]      | |  Scan to open the link| |  example.com/menu     | +-----------------------+

The label tells people what they will get after scanning, which increases trust and improves scan rates.