What Is a QR Code and How to Create and Use One Safely
How QR codes work, the right size and contrast, a pre-print checklist and safety tips.
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that holds text or a link. Point a phone camera at it and the content opens instantly. It was first developed in 1994 to track parts in car manufacturing.
How static QR codes work
Codes made with tools like ours are static: the data is stored in the image itself. They never expire, do not depend on a service and cost nothing. The trade-off is that you cannot change the content afterwards; new content needs a new code.
Rules for a good QR code
- Dark pattern on a light background; high contrast helps scanning.
- Leave a blank margin around the code.
- Very long text makes the code dense; use a short link where possible.
- For print, use at least 2–3 cm per side and a high-resolution image (1024 px).
Test before printing
Scan the code with several phones and from different distances before you print. A code that reads fine on screen can behave differently on paper.
A safety warning
Think before scanning QR codes in public places. Criminals sometimes stick their own codes over genuine ones. Check the link your phone shows before opening it, and be careful with pages that ask for personal or payment details.
Use our QR code generator to type your link and download it as a PNG; everything happens in your browser.