What is a QR code?
A QR code (“quick response” code) is a square barcode that any smartphone camera can read in under a second. It was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave in Japan to track car parts, and today it is the fastest way to move someone from paper to your website, payment page or contact details.
Unlike a traditional barcode, which stores data in one direction, a QR code stores it in two dimensions. That lets a small square hold a full web address, a Wi-Fi password or a business card. Three large squares in the corners — called finder patterns — tell the camera where the code is and which way up it sits, which is why QR codes scan from almost any angle.
QR codes also include built-in error correction. Part of the pattern is duplicated so that a code can still be read when it is scratched, smudged or partly covered by a logo. There are four levels: Low (about 7% of the code can be damaged), Medium (15%), Quartile (25%) and High (30%).
How to make a free QR code
- Choose the type. Pick what the code should open: a website, UPI payment, Wi-Fi network, WhatsApp chat, email, phone call or plain text.
- Enter the details. Type your link, UPI ID, network name or message. The preview updates as you type.
- Style it. Choose dot and corner shapes and your colours. Keep dark dots on a light background so every phone can read it.
- Test, then download. Point your phone camera at the preview to check it, then download PNG, JPEG or SVG.
That’s it — no account, no email address and no watermark. The code is generated in your browser, so the information you type is not sent to or stored on our servers.
Static vs dynamic QR codes
Every QR code is one of two kinds, and choosing the right one before you print saves money later.
| Static QR code | Dynamic QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| What it contains | Your content itself (the link, UPI ID or Wi-Fi details) | A short link that forwards to your content |
| Expires? | Never | Works while the short-link service runs |
| Edit after printing | No — reprint to change it | Yes — change the destination any time |
| Scan statistics | No | Yes — scans, devices, locations and times |
| Pause or schedule | No | Yes — pause, set an expiry date or a scan limit |
| Best for | Wi-Fi, UPI, contact cards, permanent links | Campaigns, menus, packaging, anything you may update |
The generator on this page makes static codes, which are completely free and permanent. When you need to edit codes after printing or count scans, the PixQR studio creates dynamic codes that are checked on every scan before the visitor is sent to your page.
Popular ways to use QR codes
UPI payment QR codes
In India, a UPI QR code lets anyone pay you from Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM or their bank’s app. Enter your UPI ID (it looks like name@bank) and the payee name. You can also fix an amount — useful for invoices and set prices — or leave it empty so the customer enters the amount.
Design tips that keep codes scannable
Contrast comes first
Phones look for dark modules on a light background. Navy, black, deep green or maroon on white all work well. Avoid light colours on dark backgrounds — many phones, especially older ones, cannot read inverted codes.
Leave a quiet zone
Keep a clear margin around the code, ideally at least four modules wide (the width of four of the small squares). Text, borders and photos that touch the code make scanning slower.
Logos: small and centred
A logo can cover up to roughly a quarter of the code when error correction is set to High. Keep it centred and well clear of the three corner squares.
Add a call to action
A short label such as “Scan for menu” or “Scan to pay” tells people what they get, and labelled codes are scanned far more often than bare ones. The PixQR studio has 16 sticker designs for this.
Keep the content short
The more data a static code holds, the denser and harder to scan it becomes. Use short links where possible, or a dynamic code, which always stays light and simple.
QR code size guide for printing
A reliable rule: the code should be about one tenth of the scanning distance, and never smaller than 2 cm.
| Where it is printed | Scanned from | Minimum code width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, label, packaging | 15–25 cm | 2–2.5 cm |
| Flyer, brochure, receipt | 25–40 cm | 3–4 cm |
| Table tent, menu, counter stand | 40–60 cm | 5–6 cm |
| A4 poster, shop window | 1–1.5 m | 10–15 cm |
| Standee, banner, hoarding | 2 m and more | 20 cm and up |
Which file format should you download?
PNG is the best all-rounder for websites, slides, WhatsApp and social media, and supports a transparent background. JPEG gives a smaller file for email and documents. SVG is a vector file: it stays perfectly sharp at any size, so it is what printers and designers prefer. If a printer asks for EPS or PDF, open the SVG in Illustrator, CorelDRAW or Inkscape and export it, or use the PDF download in the studio.
How to scan QR codes safely
QR codes are safe in themselves, but anyone can print one, so a little care helps.
- Read the link your camera shows before you tap it. Be wary of misspelled brand names and unexpected short links.
- Be careful with codes stuck over other codes on posters, parking meters or counters.
- Never enter passwords or OTPs on a page you reached from an unknown code.
Frequently asked questions
Is this QR code generator really free?
Yes. Static QR codes made here are free, need no sign-up, carry no watermark and can be used for commercial purposes.
Do free QR codes expire?
No. A static QR code stores its content inside the pattern itself, so it keeps working as long as the link, number or network it points to exists.
What is the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?
A static code holds the content directly and can never be changed or tracked. A dynamic code holds a short link, so you can change the destination after printing, pause the code and count scans.
Can I make a UPI payment QR code?
Yes. Enter your UPI ID, payee name and optionally a fixed amount. The code opens any UPI app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or BHIM with the details filled in.
What size should a printed QR code be?
At least 2 cm wide. As a rule of thumb, make the code about one tenth of the distance people will scan it from, so a poster read from 1.5 metres needs a code about 15 cm wide.
Which file format should I download?
Use PNG for screens and social media, JPEG for documents and email, and SVG for printing, because SVG is vector and stays sharp at any size.
Can I add my logo to a QR code?
Yes. The full PixQR studio adds logos, stickers with a call to action, gradients and print-ready PDF downloads.
Is it safe to scan QR codes?
Check the link preview your camera shows before opening it, and never scan a QR code to receive money. UPI QR codes are only ever needed to pay, not to receive.
