QR Code Generator

The maximum capacity depends on the QR code version (1 through 40) and error correction level. At the largest version 40 with Level L error correction, a QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, higher error correction reduces capacity — Level H at version 40 holds only 1,273 bytes. In practice, most QR codes use versions 1 through 10, which comfortably hold URLs up to about 200 characters. For longer data like vCards with multiple fields, the code automatically scales to a higher version with more modules, which may require a larger print size to remain scannable.

Use deep links or universal links as your QR code URL. For iOS, use universal links in the format https://yourdomain.com/path that your app is configured to intercept. For Android, use App Links or intent URIs. Platform-specific URI schemes also work: use mailto: for email clients, tel: for phone dialers, sms: for messaging apps, and wifi: for network connections. This tool's Email, Phone, SMS, and Wi-Fi tabs automatically format these URI schemes correctly, so the scanned QR code triggers the appropriate app rather than opening a web browser.

Choose PNG for digital use cases like websites, social media posts, email signatures, and presentations. PNG is a raster format that renders at the exact pixel dimensions you select. Choose SVG for anything that will be printed, especially at large sizes like banners, posters, or vehicle wraps. SVG is a vector format that scales to any dimensions without pixelation or quality loss, making it essential for print production where the final size may differ from the screen preview. If you are unsure, download both — SVG files are typically smaller and can always be converted to PNG later.

QR scanners depend on contrast between the dark modules and light background. When you customize colors, ensure the foreground is significantly darker than the background — a contrast ratio of at least 4:1 is recommended. Avoid inverting the colors (light modules on dark background) because many older scanners expect dark-on-light. Also avoid transparency, gradients, or colors that appear similar under certain lighting conditions. Red foreground on white background works well, but yellow on white or light blue on white will cause scanning failures. Always test colored QR codes on at least three different devices before printing.

The minimum scannable size depends on the QR code version (module count) and the scanner's camera resolution. As a general rule, each module should be at least 0.33mm (about 1/76 inch) in print. A simple version 2 QR code (25x25 modules) encoding a short URL can be printed as small as 1 cm (0.4 inches) square. A version 10 code (57x57 modules) needs at least 2 cm (0.8 inches). For reliable scanning in real-world conditions — varying distances, angles, and lighting — add a generous quiet zone (blank border) of at least 4 modules around the code, and print at 1.5 to 2 times the minimum size.

Static QR codes like the ones this tool generates do not have built-in scan tracking because they encode data directly into the code pattern. However, you can achieve tracking by encoding a URL that passes through an analytics service. Append UTM parameters to your URL (utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign) and monitor scans in Google Analytics. Alternatively, use a URL shortener with analytics like Bitly, which counts each click. For dedicated scan analytics with features like location tracking and time-of-scan data, you would need a dynamic QR code service, which stores the destination URL on a server and can change it after printing.