QR code generator

Convert text, URLs, and contact info into PNG QR codes instantly.

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// about

About this Tool

Creates custom QR code images for website URLs, contact details, or text. Anyone can scan your QR code using a smartphone camera to open the link instantly.

How to use it

  1. Type your website link or text message.
  2. Pick your image size and error correction setting.
  3. Click 'Generate' to view and download your QR code.

Why people use this tool

  • Turn web links into scannable images for flyers, cards, or posters.
  • Adjust QR code size and error correction levels easily.
  • Download crisp, high-quality PNG images for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do generated QR codes ever expire?

No, static QR codes never expire and will work forever as long as your link works.

How big should a QR code be for printing?

For printed business cards or flyers, a size of 300x300 pixels or larger works best.

Can any smartphone scan these QR codes?

Yes, modern iPhone and Android camera apps scan them automatically.

Guides · QR & barcodes · 7 min read

Making QR Codes That Scan: Error Correction Levels, Print Size and Barcodes

QR codes are on flyers, business cards, menus and packaging—but printed codes that phones struggle to read are surprisingly common. Here is how to create codes that scan first time.

The QR code was developed in 1994 by Denso Wave in Japan to track car parts and is standardised as ISO/IEC 18004. The three large squares in the corners (finder patterns) let scanners read it quickly from any angle.

How QR codes work, choosing error correction (L, M, Q, H), minimum print size and quiet zone, why codes fail to scan, and QR vs product barcodes.
Read guide →
Build it with AI

Build this tool yourself with AI

Want your own version of this tool? Copy the work-order prompt into an AI chat, or save the skill file for an AI coding agent. Both describe the features, edge cases and test cases we used when building it.

AI work-order prompt

Paste it as-is into an AI chat such as Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini.

You are an experienced full-stack web developer. Build a web tool called "QR code generator" that meets the requirements below.

## Goal

Build a tool that creates print-ready QR codes from text, URLs, Wi-Fi details and more.

## Core features

- Types: URL, text, Wi-Fi, contact (vCard)
- Error correction level L/M/Q/H
- Size, quiet zone and colour settings
- Download PNG and SVG
- Optional centre logo (level H recommended)

## Inputs

- Content and type
- Error level, size, colours, logo

## Outputs

- QR preview
- PNG/SVG files

## Edge cases and handling rules

- Warn about low contrast between modules and background
- Explain capacity errors and how to shorten content
- Escape special characters (; ,) in Wi-Fi strings
- Warn when the quiet zone is under four modules

## Implementation requirements

- Build it as a single page (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that runs entirely in the browser, and never send the user's input to a server.
- Make the UI responsive and easy to use on mobile; label every input and keep everything keyboard accessible.
- Add a Copy button for results and show clear, friendly error messages for invalid input.
- Keep the core logic in functions separate from the UI so it can be unit-tested.

## Definition of done (test cases)

- 'https://example.com' decodes back to the same text with a scanner library
- Level H uses at least as many modules as level L
- SVG stays sharp when scaled

First outline your implementation plan in at most five lines, then write the complete code, and finally explain how to check the test cases above.

Skill (SKILL.md)

Save it as .claude/skills/build-qr-code-generator/SKILL.md for AI coding agents such as Claude Code to reuse whenever you build or change this tool.

---
name: build-qr-code-generator
description: Use when building or changing a QR code generator tool. Build a tool that creates print-ready QR codes from text, URLs, Wi-Fi details and more.
---

# Build: QR code generator

## Goal

Build a tool that creates print-ready QR codes from text, URLs, Wi-Fi details and more.

## Workflow

1. Review the required features, inputs and outputs below and ask about anything missing first.
2. Implement the core logic as pure functions separate from the UI.
3. Check the logic against the test cases in the verification list.
4. Build a responsive UI with an input form, a result area and a Copy button.
5. Reproduce each edge case listed under Rules and refine the error messages.

## Core features

- Types: URL, text, Wi-Fi, contact (vCard)
- Error correction level L/M/Q/H
- Size, quiet zone and colour settings
- Download PNG and SVG
- Optional centre logo (level H recommended)

## Inputs

- Content and type
- Error level, size, colours, logo

## Outputs

- QR preview
- PNG/SVG files

## Rules

- Warn about low contrast between modules and background
- Explain capacity errors and how to shorten content
- Escape special characters (; ,) in Wi-Fi strings
- Warn when the quiet zone is under four modules
- Build it as a single page (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that runs entirely in the browser, and never send the user's input to a server.

## Verification

- [ ] 'https://example.com' decodes back to the same text with a scanner library
- [ ] Level H uses at least as many modules as level L
- [ ] SVG stays sharp when scaled

Tips for working with AI

  • Tell the AI your stack (for example React, Vue or plain HTML) on the first line so the code matches your project.
  • Ask it to run the listed test cases and show the results before you accept the code.
  • Never paste real secrets, customer data or API keys into the prompt; use sample values instead.