QR Code Generator — instant SVG and PNG
Generate a QR code from any URL or plain text in seconds — server-side, using the qrcode library. Choose SVG (scalable, embeddable) or PNG (downloadable image), set the size, and copy or download the result. Free, no signup required.
What is a QR code and when should you use one?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D matrix barcode that encodes text, URLs, contact information, or arbitrary data. Smartphones can scan them with the built-in camera app — no separate app required on iOS or Android. QR codes are used for contactless menus, event tickets, product labels, and marketing materials.
QR codes have four error correction levels (L, M, Q, H) that determine how much of the code can be damaged before it becomes unreadable. Higher correction means a larger, denser code but greater resilience to dirt, damage, or printing imperfections. Level M (15% correction) is the default and works for most use cases. Use Level H (30%) for codes on physical products.
Frequently asked questions
- QR codes can hold up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes of binary data at error correction level L. In practice, shorter content produces a simpler, more scannable code. URLs under 100 characters generate small, reliable QR codes. Very long strings produce dense codes that may be hard to scan on cheap scanners or in poor lighting.
- Yes. SVG QR codes can be embedded directly in HTML using an
<img src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,...">tag, an inline<svg>element, or saved as a .svg file and referenced by<img src="...">. SVG is resolution-independent — it looks sharp at any size and screen density, which makes it ideal for web pages. - Level M (15% correction) is the default and covers most use cases: digital screens, clean print, PDF documents. Use Level H (30%) for codes on physical products, packaging, or outdoor signage where the code might get scratched or dirty. Level H produces a larger, denser code but can survive up to 30% damage. Level L produces the smallest code — use it only for controlled digital environments.
- Generated QR codes are temporarily stored so you can reload them via the history list. We do not share them with third parties or use them for analytics. The encoded content is visible only within your session. For sensitive content, generate the QR code and delete the history entry after use.
Related tools
- → Link Checker — check all links on a page for broken URLs
- → Redirect Tracer — trace the full redirect chain for a URL
- → UTM Parameter Builder — build UTM-tagged URLs for campaign tracking
Related reading: How to Generate a QR Code — Free, No App Required