FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QR Code Generator FAQ

A few answers, before your next scan.Find answers about QR code privacy, file formats, scanning, logos, and supported content types.

Creating and sharing

Is QR Generator free to use?

Yes. All generators, design settings, and file exports are available without an account or subscription.

Do generated QR codes expire?

The static QR pattern has no built-in expiry. A website link, network password, or other destination may change or stop working independently.

Can I edit a QR code after printing it?

A static code cannot be rewritten remotely. The optional editable-link tool encodes a redirect whose destination you can update through your Google account or guest recovery file. That service requires an internet connection and an available backend.

Are QR contents uploaded?

The static generators build patterns and exports locally without uploading their contents or logos. Optional editable links store destinations, labels, and aggregate counts in the backend. Hosting, ads, and consent services may also process visitor information; see the privacy policy.

Why is my code not scanning?

Try the Classic preset with a white background, remove the logo, preserve the clear border, and test the downloaded file on a second phone. Some readers do not support every QR payload type.

Which export format should I use?

PNG suits screens and everyday documents. SVG and PDF preserve vector shapes for print. JPEG has a solid background; it is useful when another tool specifically requires it.

Can I add a logo?

Yes. Upload a PNG, JPEG, or WebP, or load a direct HTTPS image URL. Images must be at most 2 MB and 4096 pixels per side. If the image host blocks loading from another website, download the image and upload it instead. It is resized locally, and high error correction is enabled. SVG images are rejected to avoid active content.

How large should I print a QR code?

There is no universal minimum. A simple code around 25–30 mm wide is a reasonable starting point for close-range use, but dense codes, logos, distance, and material often need more space. Print a sample at final size and test it.

What is a quiet zone?

It is the empty border separating the QR pattern from surrounding artwork. This tool reserves at least four modules around the pattern. Keep adjacent text, borders, and images outside it.

Does error correction make any design safe?

No. Error correction helps recover some damaged data, but covering finder patterns, lowering contrast, or distorting the image can still prevent scanning. A logo uses H correction, and should remain small.

Can one QR code open different app stores?

Yes. The App Link generator creates one link that selects Google Play on Android, the App Store on iPhone/iPad, and an optional website fallback on other devices. Desktop visitors can select a store if no fallback is provided. Full App Links need this website, an internet connection, and JavaScript. Optional short App Links save destinations online and can be edited through Google sign-in or a guest recovery file.

Does the generator track scans?

Static codes contain the payload directly and have no service-provided scan counter. Optional editable links count aggregate redirect visits, excluding known bots, HEAD requests, and DNT/GPC requests. Counts are approximate, not unique people or verified camera scans. A linked website may process visitor information independently.

Can I generate without an internet connection?

Once the application and necessary export code have loaded, QR encoding runs locally. This site does not install an offline cache, so a fresh visit and some export modules still require a connection.

Website URL QR codes

Can I change the destination later?

The encoded address is fixed. You can update the page at that address, or generate and reprint a new code.

Will this QR code expire?

The QR pattern has no built-in expiry. Access depends on the website remaining online and any expiry rules on the destination.

Try the website url generator

Plain text QR codes

Can I include emoji and other languages?

Yes. Text is encoded as Unicode. Test your intended scanner because character handling varies across apps.

Can a text QR open a web page?

Some readers detect links in text. Use the URL tool when opening a website is the intended action.

Try the plain text generator

Wi-Fi network QR codes

Is the password encrypted by the QR code?

No. A QR reader can reveal the network credentials. Treat the image like a written password.

What about WPA3 or enterprise Wi-Fi?

This tool uses the common WIFI payload with WPA, WEP, or open security. WPA3-only and enterprise authentication are not universally supported by that format.

Try the wi-fi network generator

Contact card QR codes

Does scanning save the contact automatically?

Usually the phone asks for confirmation. The QR code does not silently write to someone’s address book.

Can I update a printed contact code?

The data is fixed. Generate a new code when details change, or use a URL code linking to a contact page you can maintain.

Try the contact card generator

Email message QR codes

Can this send an email by itself?

No. It prepares a draft. The user must review and send it from their email app.

Why does the email app not open?

Check that a mail application is installed and selected as the default handler for mailto links.

Try the email message generator

SMS message QR codes

Is SMS behavior the same on all phones?

No. This uses sms:number?body=message. Some versions of iOS and some third-party readers handle body parameters differently; test the intended devices.

Will scanning cost money?

Decoding the QR does not send a text. Carrier charges may apply if the user chooses to send the message.

Try the sms message generator

Phone number QR codes

Can it call automatically?

The site only generates a tel link. The phone’s dialer controls confirmation and call behavior.

Can I include an extension?

Extensions are interpreted inconsistently across phones. This tool accepts the main number; include extension instructions in adjacent printed text.

Try the phone number generator

Map location QR codes

Does this read my current location?

No. You enter coordinates manually. This site does not request device location permission.

Why does my camera show plain text?

Your reader may not support geo URIs. Use a compatible map-aware reader or create a URL QR for a web map link.

Try the map location generator

App Link QR codes

Does it open an already installed app?

This tool routes to store listings or your website. Opening installed app content requires the app publisher to configure verified platform links and domain associations.

What happens on a desktop computer?

It opens your website fallback if you supplied one. Otherwise, visitors can choose Google Play or the App Store.

Are these links editable or tracked?

Full App Links contain fixed destinations and do not count visits. Short App Links store destinations in D1, support editing through Google sign-in or a guest recovery file, and record approximate aggregate visits.

Try the app link generator

FAQs for social, document, and event QR codes

Find destination-specific answers on each generator page.