Free QR Code Generator — No Sign Up, No Watermark

QR code types and when to use each

• URL — the most common type. Links to any website, landing page, or online menu when scanned. Ideal for flyers, posters, packaging, and print advertising.
• WiFi — lets customers connect to your network without typing a password. Standard in cafés, hotels, co-working spaces, and waiting rooms across the UK.
• Contact (vCard) — encodes your name, mobile, email, company, and address so scanners can save you to their contacts instantly. Perfect for business cards and lanyards.
• Text — encodes a plain message, promo code, or reference number. No internet connection needed to read it.
• Email — pre-fills the recipient address, subject, and message body so the scanner only needs to tap Send.
• SMS — opens a pre-written text. Useful for opt-ins, appointment reminders, and customer service shortcodes.
• Phone — dials a number directly when scanned. Good for click-to-call on signage, vehicles, and print materials.
• Event — creates an iCalendar invite compatible with iPhone Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook. No third-party app required.
• App — sends iOS users to the App Store and Android users to Google Play automatically.

PNG vs SVG — which format to download

• PNG is a high-resolution raster image. Use it for websites, social media, email newsletters, and anywhere that only accepts standard image formats.
• SVG is a vector file that scales perfectly to any size. Always use SVG when sending artwork to a UK print supplier — business cards, menus, exhibition stands, or vehicle graphics — so the code stays sharp regardless of output size.
• Download both if in doubt. SVG is your master file; PNG is for quick digital sharing.

QR code best practices for UK print and signage

• Minimum size: 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm for standard print. Smaller codes may not scan reliably, especially on matte or recycled-stock paper.
• Always add a short call-to-action beneath the code — "Scan to view menu", "Scan to connect to WiFi", "Scan to save contact" — so people know what to expect.
• Test on both an iPhone (iOS Camera app) and an Android phone (Camera app or Google Lens) before your print run.
• Maintain a clear quiet zone — a white border of at least four modules — around all edges. Most design tools handle this automatically.
• For outdoor use, high-contrast black on white is most reliable. Avoid placing the code over images, gradients, or coloured backgrounds.
• For Royal Mail door drops and direct mail, test the code after printing on your chosen paper and finish before the full run.

Static QR codes vs dynamic QR codes

Every code generated here is a static QR code. The destination is encoded directly into the pattern — there is no redirect, no scan tracking, and no reliance on any third-party server. Your codes work permanently, even if this website is ever taken down.

Dynamic QR codes — available from various paid subscription services — allow you to update the destination after printing and provide scan analytics. They are worth considering for large print runs. For most UK small businesses, sole traders, and events, static codes are the simpler, more private, and entirely free option.

1. 1

   Choose your QR code type

   Select the type you need from the tab bar — URL, WiFi, Contact, Text, Email, SMS, Phone, Event, or App.

2. 2

   Enter your details

   Fill in the fields for your chosen type. Required fields are marked. The QR code preview updates live as you type.

3. 3

   Scan the preview to verify

   Point your phone camera at the on-screen preview to confirm the code encodes the correct information before downloading.

4. 4

   Download your file

   Click Download PNG for digital use or Download SVG for print. Both are free with no watermark or sign-up required.

5. 5

   Test in its final context

   After placing the code in your design or printing it, scan it one final time to confirm it is readable in its actual setting.

Frequently Asked Questions