QR Code Generator
Turn a website link, a message, a phone number or a UPI payment link into a QR code that any phone camera can scan. Type or paste the content, choose the error-correction level and download the code as a PNG image or a scalable SVG.
Last reviewed:
The code is generated on your device. What you type is never uploaded, and the codes do not expire or track scans.
How to use this calculator
- Type or paste the text or link you want to encode.
- Choose an error-correction level. Medium is a good default.
- Check the preview, then scan it with your phone to test it.
- Download the PNG for sharing or the SVG for printing at any size.
Formula and variables
Text → bytes (UTF-8) → data bits → error-correction codewords (Reed–Solomon) → placed in a square grid → best of 8 masks chosen
- Version - the grid size, from version 1 (21 × 21 modules) to version 10 (57 × 57) in this tool.
- Error correction - L recovers about 7% of damage, M 15%, Q 25% and H 30%. Higher levels make bigger codes.
- Quiet zone - the blank border of 4 modules that scanners need around the code.
At the Medium level this tool can encode up to 213 bytes, which is enough for most links.
Worked example
Make a QR code for a short website link.
| Text | https://www.example.com |
|---|---|
| Error correction | Medium |
| Size | Version 2, a 25 × 25 module grid |
| Capacity used | 23 of 26 bytes available |
- The link is 23 bytes long.
- Version 1 at the Medium level holds only 14 bytes, so version 2 (26 bytes) is chosen.
- Error-correction data and a mask are added, and the code is drawn.
What changes the result
- Length of text. Longer text makes a denser code that is harder to scan when printed small.
- Error correction. Higher levels survive scratches or logos but make the code larger.
- Print size and contrast. Print dark on light, keep the white border and make the code at least 2 cm wide.
- Link type. Prefer a short URL for printed codes. Test the finished code on more than one phone.
Benefits and practical uses
- Free, with no sign-up or watermark.
- Private: no data leaves your device.
- PNG for sharing and SVG for sharp printing.
Assumptions and limitations
- Byte-mode encoding of UTF-8 text, so any language and emoji work.
- Supports up to 271 bytes at the Low level and 213 bytes at the Medium level.
- Codes are static: the content is fixed once printed.
- Always test a code before printing or sharing it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a QR code for a link?
Paste the link into the box. The code appears instantly. Download it as PNG or SVG.
Can I make a UPI payment QR code?
Yes. Enter a UPI link such as upi://pay?pa=name@bank&pn=Shop and scan the result to confirm it opens your payment app. Check the payee name before accepting payments.
Do QR codes expire?
These codes do not expire, because the text is stored in the picture itself and not on a server.
What is the error-correction level?
Extra data that lets a scanner read a code even if part of it is dirty or damaged. Higher levels are more robust but larger.
Why is my text too long?
This tool supports versions 1 to 10. Shorten the text, use a short link or choose a lower error-correction level.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The code is generated in your browser and nothing is uploaded or stored.
References
Page last reviewed on . This calculator gives estimates for planning only; it is not financial advice and not an offer from any lender.