‘How to create a QR Code’ is a question we often see online. In fact, we received a similar question in our community.
A look at Google Trends also shows that the popularity of this query is on the rise.
This means more people are curious about how to make QR Codes.
We’ve created this post inspired by your questions. We aim to help you set up a QR Code for any use case you need.
Table of contents
- How to create a QR Code in 5 steps
- How to create a free QR Code with The QR Code Generator
- Free or paid: Which type of QR Code to create (and why)?
- How to create a paid QR Code with The QR Code Generator
- Frequently asked questions
How to create a QR Code: A 5-step process
Making your own QR Code is an easy process. Here are the five steps in brief:
Step 1: Choose a QR Code maker
Step 2: Choose your QR Code type
Step 3: Customize your QR Code
Step 4: Download and print your QR Code
Step 5: Deploy your QR Code
Here are the detailed steps:
Step 1: Choose your tool
There are three different tools you can use to generate a QR Code:
- A QR Code generator
- Your browser (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge)
- A design tool (Adobe or Canva)
A QR Code generator is a tool or software that lets you create QR Codes. Apart from basic QR Code creation, it offers additional features, such as tracking and customizing as well. A QR Code generator can be free or paid. Some of the popular QR Code generators (both free and paid) are:
- The QR Code Generator
- QR Code Generator
- Uniqode
- QR Tiger
- QRCode Monkey
- Flowcode
- Scanova
- Adobe
- Canva
- Shopify
You can also generate QR Codes from your browser. Both Google and Microsoft Edge let you create quick and simple QR Codes and share pages through them. We’ll show you how in the following sections.
If you’re using a design tool, such as Adobe or Canva, you can add a QR Code to your design from these platforms. These are free and fast to create.
Here are the pros and cons of each tool:
| Tools | Pros | Cons |
| QR Code Generators | 1. Easy to create 2. Offers many free options 3. Has a variety of features, such as inserting a logo, tracking your QR Codes, and creating dynamic QR Codes 4. Ideal for professional or semi-professional use cases | 1. Some customization options come in paid plans 2. Some sites may run ads |
| Browsers | 1. Readily available in the browser and convenient to use 2. Simple option for sharing QR Codes for a link or URL 3. Ideal for informal use cases | 1. Limited functionality with minimal customization options 2. Not available in all browsers 3. Not possible to create dynamic QR Codes |
| Design Tools | 1. Extensive design tools for creating attractive and branded QR Codes 2. Can integrate the QR Code into your design projects 3. Ideal for design-specific use cases | 1. Can require design knowledge and familiarity to operate, hence may have a learning curve 2. Design software can be expensive (subscription or one-time costs) 3. Creating visually appealing QR Codes can take more time |
Step 2: Input your content
Once you have chosen the tool, the next step is to decide the type of content you want to input into the QR Code.
You can create various types of QR Codes based on the content input. Here is a detailed list:
| Type of QR Code | Use case | Industry |
| Website | Direct users to a specific webpage | Any individual or industry, especially retail, education, and marketing |
| Download a PDF document | Individuals or solopreneurs and industries such as education, government, and legal | |
| Business Card | Share contact information digitally | Any industry |
| App | Download and install a mobile app | Marketing, entertainment, gaming, and ecommerce |
| Social Media | Link to a social media account | Marketing and influencers |
| Landing Page | Direct users to a specific promotional page | Any industry, especially real estate and marketing and advertising |
| Phone | Call a phone number | Any industry |
| SMS | Send a pre-written SMS message | Any industry, especially marketing and customer service |
| WiFi | Connect to a WiFi network | Hospitality, events, and retail |
| Text | Display plain text | Any industry, especially consumer packaged goods, retail, and ecommerce |
| Video | Play a video online | Marketing, education, real estate, and entertainment |
| Image | Open an image online | Marketing, art, and photography |
| Audio | Play an audio file online | Music, museums, education, and podcasts |
| Restaurant | Access restaurant menus and order online | Hospitality and food and beverage |
| Coupon | Redeem a discount or promotion | Retail, marketing, and ecommerce |
| Feedback | Provide feedback through a form | Education, marketing, and customer service |
| Event | Manage event booking and registration | Event management and marketing |
| Payment | Make a secure payment online | ecommerce, retail, and finance |
| Location | Open a map app to a specific address | Hospitality, events, and retail |
Once you’ve selected your QR Code type, add it to the tool. Based on the input type, you can copy-paste a URL or attach a PDF.
Step 3: Customize your QR Code
If you’re using a browser to create QR Codes, you won’t get an option to customize.
However, both QR Code generators and design tools let you customize your QR Code.
Some essential reasons why you should customize your QR Code are:
- Making it on-brand and easy to recognize and relate to
- Boosting scan rate and specific activities with call-to-actions (CTAs)
- Tracking QR Code scans and monitoring campaign performance
- Updating the destination URL and content as and when required
You can’t modify the functional aspects of a QR Code, such as finder patterns or data modules. However, you can tweak the visual aspects of QR Code:
- Foreground and background color: The color of the background and data modules
- Shape: Experiment with square, circle, or custom shapes
- Logo: Add a logo and plan its placement
- Frame: Add borders or decorative frames
- Eyes: The color and shape of the three squares at each end, or the position markers
- Call-to-action: Add text to your QR Codes, such as ‘Scan Me’ or ‘Learn More’
- Background image: Add images or patterns to the background
- Templates: Saved formats you can reuse
Before you head off to explore the customization options, here are a few design tips to keep in mind:
- Prioritize scannability: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the foreground and background.
- Maintain brand consistency: Ensure your logo, color palette, and typography are in line with your brand
- Prompt action: Use clear visual cues to direct attention to the QR Code and short and crisp CTAs to guide users to take action
- Mobile-friendliness: Optimize your QR Codes and landing pages for mobile viewing
- Error correction: Ensure your QR Code can be scanned even when damaged
Step 4: Download and print your QR Code
Your QR Code is ready to download.
You can choose to download your QR Code in various formats. Find out which one works for you from the list below:
| File format | Description | Use case |
| PNG | Portable Network Graphics, supports compression without loss of quality and transparency | Best for digital use, especially on websites and social media. Ideal for sharing QR Codes online |
| JPG | Joint Photographic Experts Group, compression with some data loss | Suitable for print media with lower resolution requirements, such as flyers and brochures. Good for sharing QR Codes via email |
| SVG | Scalable Vector Graphics, scalable without loss of quality | Best for print media and digital designs that require high resolution and scalability. Ideal for logos, business cards, and other print materials |
| Portable Document Format, suitable for preserving document formatting | Ideal for sharing QR Codes with multiple pages or additional information, such as product catalogs or event programs | |
| EPS | Encapsulated PostScript, often used in professional design software. | Best for high-quality printing and complex designs. Suitable for printing QR Codes on merchandise or packaging |
Ready to print your QR Codes? Take these considerations into account:
- Resolution: Aim for a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality printing.
- Size: Use large enough QR Codes so that they can be easily scanned; a rule of thumb: the smallest dimension of the QR code should be at least 1 inch.
- Printing surface: Choose smooth, high-quality paper or cardstock for optimal scanning.
- Ink quality: Aim for darker ink to contrast with the background.
- Placement: Ensure the QR Code is in an uncluttered area for better scannability.
Step 5: Deploy your QR Code for your use case
It’s time to take your QR Codes live.
Have you thought about where you want to deploy your QR Codes? Here are some ideas.
| Material | Use case | Industry |
| Printed materials (Flyers, brochures) | Direct users to a product landing page, offer discounts or provide additional product information. | Retail, ecommerce, real estate, marketing and advertising |
| Business cards | Share contact information, social media profiles, or a personal website. | Any industry |
| Stickers and labels | Provide product information, track inventory, or promote offers. | Retail, manufacturing, logistics, automobile |
| Product packaging | Offer product information, customer support, or exclusive content. | Consumer packaged goods, electronics |
| Emails | Direct users to a specific landing page, share discount coupons or provide additional information. | Marketing, education, ecommerce |
| Billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertising | Direct users to a website or app for more information or offer a mobile coupon. | Advertising, real estate, automotive |
| Newspapers and magazines | Promote advertisements and additional content, such as videos or interactive experiences. | Media, publishing |
| Clothing | Link to a brand’s website, social media, or exclusive content. | Fashion, apparel |
| Posters and banners | Direct users to a website, app, or social media profile. | Events, marketing, retail, ecommerce |
| Tickets | Provide event information, booking or registration options, or share exclusive offers. | Events, entertainment, sports |
| Vehicles | Promote a brand, product, or service. | Automotive, marketing, transportation |
| Websites | Link to social media profiles, product information, or customer support. | Any industry |
| Giveaways | Offer coupons or discounts | Marketing, promotions, events |
| TV commercials | Direct viewers to a website, app, or social media account. | Marketing and advertising |
| Digital signage | Showcase products or lead viewers to additional content, such as videos or interactive experiences. | Retail, hospitality, transportation |
| Menus | Display menu items, nutritional information, or support online ordering. | Food and beverage and hospitality |
| Invitations | Provide event details, RSVP information, or a virtual tour. | Events, weddings, parties |
| Resumes | Share work profile and portfolio or video resume. | Job seekers |
| Books | Provide author information, showcase titles, and offer discounts. | Publishing, education |
Read more: 30 QR Code examples for inspiration
How to create a free QR Code with The QR Code Generator
You can create a QR Code for free without an account with The QR Code Generator.
Here’s how you can do it in three steps:
Step 1: Choose your content type and add details
Head on to the tool and select the type of content you want to embed into your QR Code from the panel.
Once done, add your details.
In this example, we’re creating a QR Code for a link or URL.
Step 2: Customize your QR Code
Use the paint icon to create a custom QR Code that fits your preferences. You can choose the type of pattern, colors, and more.
Step 3: Download your QR Code
Your QR Code is ready to download.
Rename it for convenience, choose your download format, and select a size based on the material.
Download and deploy once done.
Free or paid: Which type of QR Code to create (and why)?
As shown in the process above, you can create a free QR Code without signing up.
You can also create a free QR Code after signing up and creating an account on a QR Code generator.
A third option is going for a paid plan on a QR Code generator.
Let’s look at the differences between all three. We’ve taken the example of The QR Code Generator to highlight the differences.
| Free QR Code without signup | Free QR Code with signup | Paid QR Code with signup and subscription |
| Quick and easy to create | Easy to create with the only requirement to create an account | Simple creation process with signup, account creation, and plan selection |
| No upfront cost | No upfront cost | Pricing as per plan |
| Basic customization options for color and patterns | Advanced customization options with logo addition, pre-built templates, and trackability | Professional options to choose the number of users, dynamic QR Codes, and detailed analytics |
| Option to create static QR Codes | Option to create both static and dynamic QR Codes | Option to create unlimited static QR Codes and a fixed number of dynamic QR Codes (as per chosen pricing plan) |
How to create a paid QR Code with The QR Code Generator
Ready to create professional dynamic QR Codes that move the bottom line? You can do that with the paid options of The QR Code Generator.
Here is the process to create one:
Step 1: Sign up and create an account
Select an option to sign up, and you’ll reach the dashboard.
Step 2: Choose the ‘Create QR Code’ option
Select the ‘Create QR Code’ option.
Choose your content preference from the dashboard and add details.
Click ‘Next’ once done.
Step 3: Customize your QR Code as per choice
Choose from customization options, such as logos or pre-made templates.
Click ‘Save’ once done.
Step 4: Download your QR Code
Rename your QR Code as per choice, select your download format, and choose your image size.
Click ‘Download’ once done.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where can I create free QR Codes?
You can create free QR Codes using QR Code generator tools, Google, Microsoft, or other browsers, or design tools, such as Canva or Adobe.
2. How to make a QR Code scannable?
You can customize your QR Code to improve its scannability. Some ways to do this are:
- Allow contrast between foreground and background
- Keep module sizes big enough
- Maintain a quiet zone around the QR Code
3. How to scan a QR Code with a phone camera?
You can use your phone’s in-built camera to scan a QR Code using this process:
- Open the camera app and point the camera at the QR Code
- Your phone will scan the QR Code and display a notification on the screen
- Open the URL to display the information
4. How to create a QR Code for a website link?
You can create a QR Code for a link using the following process:
- Choose a tool for QR Code generation
- Choose URL as the QR Code type and paste the website URL
- Customize the QR Code
- Download and deploy the QR Code
