Everything You Need to Know About Free QR Codes
Our free QR code generator lets you create QR codes for URLs, plain text, Wi-Fi network credentials, vCard contact details, and email addresses — all completely free with no limits and no sign-up required.
URL QR Codes
Encode any website URL — paste a link and generate a QR that takes people to your page when scanned. Perfect for marketing campaigns, product pages, and social media profiles.
Text QR Codes
Encode plain text — notes, coupons, instructions, or any short message. The text displays directly on the phone screen when scanned, no internet connection required.
Wi-Fi QR Codes
Encode your network name, password, and encryption type. Guests scan to join your Wi-Fi instantly without typing — works with WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WEP, and open networks.
vCard QR Codes
Encode your contact details — name, phone, email, company, and address. When scanned, the phone saves your contact directly to its address book, no app needed.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
Free QR codes are static — the data is fixed and cannot be changed once generated. Paid plans give you dynamic QR codes with editable destinations, scan analytics, logo embedding, and password protection. Here is how they compare:
Want scan tracking and editable destinations?
Urlvy gives you both — with dynamic QR codes you can update anytime without reprinting. Add your logo, choose brand colors, and see who scans.
Types of QR Codes You Can Create for Free
Our free generator supports six types of QR codes. Each type encodes different data and behaves differently when scanned. Choose the one that fits your use case:
URL QR Code
Directs the scanner to a specific web page. Use this for linking to your website, e-commerce store, blog post, or any online destination. URL QR codes are the most common type and work with any smartphone camera without additional setup.
Text QR Code
Displays plain text on the screen when scanned. Useful for sharing notes, discount codes, Wi-Fi passwords verbally, instructions, or any information that does not require a web page. No internet connection is needed to read a text QR code.
Wi-Fi QR Code
Encodes your network credentials so guests connect by scanning. Supports WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WEP, and open networks. The device detects the network automatically and prompts to join — no password typing required.
vCard QR Code
Encodes contact information as a digital business card. Includes name, phone, email, company, job title, address, and website. When scanned, it saves directly to the phone address book — no app or manual entry needed.
Email QR Code
Pre-fills an email with recipient, subject, and body when scanned. Ideal for feedback forms, support requests, newsletter sign-ups, and event RSVPs. The scanner just taps send after reviewing the pre-filled message.
SMS QR Code
Pre-fills a text message with a phone number and message body. Great for appointment reminders, promotional offers, and two-factor authentication setup. The scanner sends the message with one tap.
How to Use Your Free QR Codes
QR codes work in three main contexts: print, digital, and display. Each context has specific requirements for size, format, and placement. Here is how to get the best results:
Print on materials
Print your QR code on business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, product packaging, signage, and menus. Ensure the QR is at least 2 cm (0.8 inches) wide for reliable scanning. High-contrast colors improve scan success rates — dark modules on a light background work best.
Share digitally
Add your QR code to email signatures, social media profiles, digital portfolios, slide decks, PDF documents, and website headers. PNG format works best for digital screens. Keep the QR in a consistent location so regular scanners know where to find it.
Display on screens
Show your QR code on digital signage, TV displays, checkout tablets, lobby monitors, and event screens. Ensure the display is bright enough and the QR is large enough to scan from a reasonable distance. Test the scan from the same distance a typical user would stand.