QR Code Generator: How to Create QR Codes for URL, WiFi, Email & More

QR codes are everywhere — restaurant menus, business cards, product packaging, event tickets. Here’s how they work and how to create them for any purpose.

Types of QR codes you can create

URL QR Code

The most common type. Scanning opens a website directly in the phone’s browser. Perfect for:

• Business cards linking to your portfolio
• Product packaging linking to instructions
• Marketing materials linking to landing pages

WiFi QR Code

Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; Scanning auto-connects to the network. Perfect for:

• Guest WiFi at home/office
• Airbnb/hotel room WiFi
• Events and co-working spaces

Email QR Code

Format: mailto:user@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Message Opens the email app with pre-filled fields. Great for:

• Customer support contact
• Event RSVP
• Feedback collection

Phone / SMS QR Code

• Phone: tel:+1234567890 — scanning initiates a call
• SMS: sms:+1234567890?body=Hello — opens messaging app

QR code best practices

1. Size matters — Minimum 2×2 cm for print, larger for distance scanning
2. Contrast is critical — Dark foreground on light background works best. Avoid low-contrast color combinations.
3. Test before printing — Always scan your QR code with multiple phones before mass printing
4. Add a call-to-action — Text like “Scan for WiFi” or “Scan for menu” increases scan rates by 30%+
5. Don’t over-customize — Too much color change or logo overlay can make codes unscannable

How QR codes work (technically)

QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction, meaning they can be read even if up to 30% is damaged or obscured. The three large squares in corners help scanners orient the code regardless of rotation.

Data capacity:

• Numeric only: 7,089 characters
• Alphanumeric: 4,296 characters
• Binary/byte: 2,953 bytes
• Most URLs fit easily within these limits

Static vs Dynamic QR codes

• Static (what we generate): Data encoded directly in the pattern. Free, never expires, works offline. Cannot be changed after creation.
• Dynamic: Points to a redirect URL that can be changed later. Requires a paid service, tracks scans, but adds a dependency.

For most personal and small business uses, static QR codes are perfect.

Create QR codes instantly with our QR Code Generator — supports URLs, WiFi, email, phone, and SMS with custom colors.