CalculatorFly

QR Code Generator Explained

Our QR Code Generator allows you to easily create custom Quick Response (QR) codes for various types of information such as URLs, text messages, contact details, Wi-Fi network credentials, and more. QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be quickly scanned by smartphones and other devices to access the encoded data.

🛠️ How to Use the QR Code Generator

Generating a QR code is simple:

1. Enter Data: In the "Data to Encode" field, type or paste the information you want your QR code to contain (e.g., a website link like https://calculatorfly.com, a phone number, or a short message).
2. Preview: The QR code will generate and update in real-time below the input field as you type.
3. Customize (Optional): Click "Show Customization Options" to adjust:
   • Size: Control the pixel dimensions of the QR code.
   • Error Correction: Choose a level (L, M, Q, H). Higher levels allow the QR code to be scanned even if part of it is damaged or obscured, but make the code denser.
   • Colors: Set custom foreground (dots) and background colors using color pickers.
   • Overlay Image: Upload a small logo or icon to be centered on the QR code. The "excavate" option (if available and enabled by default) ensures the area around the image is still scannable.
4. Download or Copy:
   • Click Download PNG to save the QR code as a PNG image file.
   • Click Copy Image to copy the QR code image to your clipboard (browser support varies).

Understanding QR Code Customization

• Size: Larger QR codes are easier to scan from a distance but take up more space. A common size for print is around 1-2 inches (e.g., 200-400 pixels at 300 DPI). Our default is 256 pixels.
• Error Correction Level:
  • L (Low): Recovers ~7% of data.
  • M (Medium): Recovers ~15% of data (Recommended default).
  • Q (Quartile): Recovers ~25% of data.
  • H (High): Recovers ~30% of data.
  Higher levels make the QR code more robust but also more complex (denser pattern).
• Colors: For best scannability, ensure high contrast between the foreground (dots) and background. Dark foreground on a light background is standard. Avoid very light foregrounds or backgrounds that are too similar to the foreground.
• Overlay Image: If adding a logo, keep it small (typically no more than 20-25% of the QR code area) and ensure the "excavate" option (which clears QR dots behind the image) is used if the image doesn't have a transparent background or if it covers critical QR code patterns. Test scannability thoroughly if using an overlay.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a QR code?

QR stands for "Quick Response." It's a two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of information. Unlike traditional barcodes, they can be scanned quickly from any direction by a smartphone camera.

What does 'Error Correction' do?

Error correction adds redundant data to the QR code. This allows the code to be successfully scanned even if a portion of it is dirty, damaged, or covered (for example, by an overlay logo). Higher levels provide more robustness but create a denser, more complex-looking code.