QR codes · 4 min read

How to create a QR code for free

A QR code should match what you are asking people to do. The fastest path is: pick the type, use clean data, test one scan, then export for screen or print.

Updated May 12, 2026. Written by Kodotools, a free browser-only tools project. This guide links to tools that run locally in your browser with no signup and no file uploads.

1. Pick the right QR type

URL — any https link (menus, landing pages, PDFs hosted online).
WiFi — guests join without typing the password.
WhatsApp — opens a chat with your number (great for shops).
vCard — saves contact details after scan.
Location — opens Maps from an address or place name.

Kodotools splits some of these into fast pages (for example WiFi and WhatsApp) and keeps everything else in the full generator.

Free tool

Need to do this now?

Use the Kodotools QR tool. It runs in your browser, requires no signup, and keeps your files or data on your device.

Create a free QR code ->

2. Enter data that survives a scan

Use full https:// links. For phone numbers, include your country code. For WiFi, double-check SSID and security type (WPA vs open).

If your QR will be printed small, avoid stuffing enormous amounts of text into a single code — density makes scanning harder.

3. Customise and export

High contrast between “modules” (dark squares) and background scans best. Kodotools lets you download PNG and JPG for screens and photos, plus SVG for sharp print.

If you add a logo, keep it small and test on more than one phone — see our design tips.

Privacy

On Kodotools, QR generation runs in your browser. That matters when your payload is a WiFi password, personal phone number, or internal form link.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use a private Google Drive or PDF link unless anyone with the link can open it.
Do not make the QR too small for print; use the QR size guide before sending artwork to a printer.
Do not use low contrast colors just to match a design theme.
Do not skip testing. One scan on your own phone is not enough for business cards, posters, menus, or event material.

Best workflow for beginners

Create the QR, scan it, open the result, then download both a screen-friendly PNG and a print-friendly SVG. Keep the files named clearly, such as menu-qr.svg or wifi-guest-qr.png, so you do not accidentally print an old version later.