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QR Code Generator

Make a QR code for any link or text and download it as a PNG or SVG. Free, with no sign-up, no tracking and no expiry: the code is created in your browser and works forever.
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

Links, plain text, phone numbers or anything else up to a few hundred characters work best.

Medium suits most uses. Choose High if the code will be printed small, outdoors or with a logo over it.

Your QR code appears here as you type

How to use the QR Code Generator

  1. Type or paste a web address or any text. The QR code updates as you type.
  2. Keep Medium error correction for most uses, or choose High for codes printed small, outdoors or with a logo on top.
  3. Download a PNG for documents, slides and messages, or an SVG for print and design work. Scan it with your phone camera to check it before you share it.

Examples

  • https://chartovana.com makes a small version 2 code (25 × 25 modules) that scans instantly, even from a screen.
  • A menu, flyer or poster link: use the full address with https:// so phones open it as a link. A short link makes a simpler code that scans more easily from a distance.
  • Plain text, such as a reference number or a short note, is shown as text when scanned.

How QR codes work

A QR code stores your text as a grid of black and white squares called modules. The three large squares in the corners tell a camera where the code is and which way up it is. The more you store, the more modules the code needs: sizes go from version 1 (21 × 21 modules) to version 40 (177 × 177).

Error correction

QR codes store extra recovery data, so they still scan when part of the code is dirty, damaged or covered. Low recovers about 7% of the code, Medium 15%, Quartile 25% and High 30%. Higher levels make the code denser, so use the lowest level that suits where the code will be. The most a code can hold at Low is 2,953 bytes, which is about 2,900 plain letters; accented letters and emoji use more than one byte each.

Static codes never expire

The link or text is stored in the code itself, not on a server, so the code keeps working as long as the link does. Some sites make “dynamic” codes that point to their own redirect, which can stop working or be put behind a subscription. This tool only makes static codes.

Printing tips

Keep the white border around the code (the quiet zone), print dark on light, and make the code at least 2 cm wide, larger for long content or scanning from a distance. SVG files stay sharp at any size. To check how long your text is first, use the Character Counter.

Frequently asked questions

Do these QR codes expire?

No. They are static codes: your link or text is stored inside the code, with no redirect through our servers, so they work for as long as the content does.

Is my text sent anywhere?

No. The QR code is generated in your browser. Your text isn’t sent to CHARTOVANA or any QR service, and nothing is stored.

Should I download PNG or SVG?

PNG works everywhere: documents, slides, emails and messages. SVG is a vector file that stays sharp at any size, which is best for print and design software.

Why won't my QR code scan?

Check that it is printed large enough, with good contrast and its white border intact. Long content makes a dense code that is harder to read, so use a shorter link or a lower error correction level. Test it with your phone before printing many copies.

Can I make a QR code for Wi-Fi or a contact card?

Not with dedicated forms yet. This first version makes codes for links and text. Any text you enter is encoded exactly as typed.

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