Design a QR code for free with live preview: pick content type, size/margin/ECL, logo, colors/gradients, then export framed PNG or SVG.
This free QR Code Generator & Designer helps you create QR codes that look good and still scan fast. It’s made for real use: sharing a website link, connecting to Wi-Fi without typing, saving a contact card, opening WhatsApp with a preset message, or placing a scannable code on a poster. The preview updates instantly, so you can adjust the design and see the result right away.
Table of Contents
What you can generate
QR content types
You can build QR codes for common actions:
- Link: open any URL (landing pages, menus, booking links, maps).
- Text: display a message after scanning (instructions, short notes).
- E-mail: open the mail app with a prefilled recipient, subject, and message.
- Call: tap to call a phone number.
- SMS: open messages with a preset text.
- V-card: save contact details (name, company, phone, email, website, address).
- WhatsApp: open a chat to a number with a ready message.
- WI-FI: connect to a wireless network automatically.
- PDF / App / Images / Video: share a link to your file or page.
- Social Media: generate profile links for major platforms.
- Event: create a calendar event payload that users can add after scanning.
2D Barcode (non-QR) formats
If you need something other than QR, the tool can also create DataMatrix, PDF417, and Aztec. These are often used in tickets, logistics labels, or systems that require a specific barcode standard.
Design controls that help scanning
A QR that looks nice is useless if it doesn’t scan. These settings matter most:
Size and margin
- Size (px) changes how large the code exports. Bigger is safer for print.
- Margin (px) is the “quiet zone” around the code. Too little margin is a common reason for scan failures, especially on posters and packaging.
Error correction (ECL)
Error correction helps the QR survive small damage or a center logo:
- L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%)
If you use a logo, Q or H is usually the safer choice.
Shape, corners, color, and gradients
You can choose dot styles (square, dots, rounded, etc.) plus corner styles. Solid color is the most reliable, but gradients can work if you keep strong contrast. Avoid light colors on white backgrounds.
Transparent background
If you place the QR on a colored design, you can enable transparency. For printing, test it on the real background color and keep enough contrast between the code and the surface behind it.
Logo support (without breaking the QR)
You can add a logo in three ways:
- Upload a logo (PNG/JPG/SVG)
- Pick from built-in icons
- Use a logo URL
You can also enable Remove background behind Logo, which keeps the center area clean. If scanning becomes unreliable after adding a logo, reduce the logo size, increase error correction, and add a bit more margin.
Templates and frames for posters and cards
The tool includes frame templates that mimic popular “scan me” layouts:
- A rounded card frame, outline style, badge style, or no frame at all
- Custom CTA text (example: “SCAN ME”, “MENU”, “BOOK NOW”)
- CTA font and weight, plus frame colors and padding/radius controls
This is useful for menus, clinic flyers, product labels, business cards, and event signs where you want the QR to look intentional, not like an afterthought.
Export options (what to use and when)
PNG
Best for quick sharing, Word documents, social posts, and most website uploads.
SVG
Best for print and design tools because it stays sharp at any size.
Framed PNG + Copy
Framed PNG captures the QR together with the frame and CTA. Copy lets you paste the final image directly into design software, a document, or a chat.
FAQ
Why does my QR stop scanning after I add a logo or gradient?
The usual causes are low contrast, too small margin, or the logo covering too much. Try Q/H error correction, reduce logo size, keep the background simple, and increase margin.
When should I use 2D Barcode (DataMatrix/PDF417/Aztec) instead of a QR?
Use 2D Barcode when a system requires that standard (tickets and boarding passes often use PDF417 or Aztec; industrial labels may use DataMatrix). For general “scan to open a link,” QR is typically the best option.