You see QR codes on restaurant menus, product packaging, posters, and business cards everywhere. But how do they work, what can they store, and how do you make your own? This guide answers everything.
What is a QR Code?
QR stands for Quick Response. A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by any smartphone camera to instantly access information. Unlike traditional barcodes which are one-dimensional (just a series of lines), QR codes store data in a 2D grid of black and white squares.
What Can a QR Code Store?
- Website URL — the most common use. Scan to open a web page instantly.
- Contact information (vCard) — name, phone number, email, address.
- Plain text — any message or information.
- Wi-Fi credentials — scan to join a network without typing the password.
- Email address — scan to open a pre-addressed email.
- Payment information — UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay QR codes.
- App store links — scan to download an app directly.
How to Generate a QR Code for Free
- Go to our QR Code Generator tool.
- Type or paste the URL, text, or information you want to encode.
- Click Generate QR Code.
- Download your QR code as a PNG image.
- Use it anywhere — print it, add it to your website, include it in a presentation.
How Big Should a Printed QR Code Be?
For reliable scanning, follow this general rule:
- Minimum size: 2cm x 2cm for a QR code scanned within 20cm.
- Business card: 1.5cm x 1.5cm is the practical minimum.
- Poster: 5-10cm x 5-10cm for scanning from 1-2 meters away.
- Billboard: 40cm+ for long-distance scanning.
Do QR Codes Expire?
Plain QR codes (like the ones we generate) never expire. The QR code simply encodes your URL or text — as long as the destination URL remains live, the QR code will work forever. Dynamic QR codes (offered by paid services) can be updated after printing, but standard static QR codes are permanent.
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