Are these QR codes free and permanent?

Yes. Every code is a static QR code generated in your browser, so the content is encoded directly into the pattern. There is no redirect through our servers, no account, no scan limit and nothing that can expire or be switched off later. Once you have downloaded the file, the code keeps working for as long as the content it points at exists.

What is the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?

A static code contains the final content, so it cannot be edited after printing but never depends on a third party staying online. A dynamic code contains a short redirect URL owned by a provider, which lets you change the destination and count scans, but it stops working if that provider disappears or starts charging. This tool makes static codes on purpose — they are the safer choice for labels, packaging and anything printed at volume.

What size should I print a QR code?

A common rule of thumb is that the code should be about one tenth of the expected scanning distance, so roughly 2 cm for a code scanned at 20 cm and 10 cm for one scanned across a metre. What matters more is the module size — the width of a single square. Keep it above roughly 0.4 mm on print and leave the quiet zone clear. The scannability panel warns you when your chosen size and content length push modules below that.

Why does more content make the code denser?

QR codes grow in fixed steps called versions. Longer content needs a higher version, which means more and therefore smaller modules at the same printed size. Shorten URLs where you can, avoid encoding long tracking parameters, and lower the error-correction level from H to M if the code will be scanned from a clean screen or an undamaged label.

Which error-correction level should I choose?

Level M is a sensible default and recovers around 15% of the code. Q and H recover more, which helps on labels that get scuffed, curved or partly covered by a logo, but they add data and make modules smaller. L keeps the code as sparse as possible and is best for on-screen use where nothing can damage it.

Can I add my logo to a QR code?

Yes. Upload a PNG or SVG and the tool clears a space in the middle for it, keeping the finder patterns intact. Error correction is what makes this possible, so raise the level to Q or H when you use a logo and always scan a printed sample. Keep the logo under about a quarter of the width — beyond that you are relying on error correction you may also need for print wear.

Can I change the colours?

You can set the module and background colours, and the tool checks the contrast for you. Dark modules on a light background is what scanners expect; light-on-dark works with most modern phone cameras but fails on some older or industrial scanners, so the panel flags it. Aim for a contrast ratio above 7:1 and avoid pale or low-saturation module colours.

How do I generate lots of QR codes at once?

Switch to bulk mode and either type rows in or import a CSV with a label column and a content column. Every row is encoded with the same design, and you can export the batch as a labelled print-ready PDF sheet, as individual SVG files, or as a CSV to keep alongside your product data. Up to 500 codes can be worked on at a time.

Which file format should I download?

Use SVG or PDF for anything printed — both are vector, so the code stays sharp at any size and the module edges land exactly where they should. Use PNG for screens, slides, email and social, and pick the larger sizes if the image will be scaled up. Avoid screenshots or re-compressed JPEGs, which soften module edges and cause scan failures.

Is my data uploaded anywhere?

No. The encoding, the logo you upload, the CSV you import and the files you export are all handled in your browser. Your rows and design are saved only in this browser's local storage, and nothing about your links, Wi-Fi password or contact details leaves your device.

Free tool

Free QR code generator

Make static QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, contact cards and more. Style them to match your brand, generate hundreds at once from a CSV and download print-ready vector files — free, no sign-up, and nothing expires.

Open a web page, product listing, menu or form.

URL

https:// is added automatically if you leave it out.

What the scanner reads

https://getstash.io/features/inventory

What is a QR code generator?

A QR code generator turns content — a link, a Wi-Fi network, a contact card or a batch number — into a two-dimensional pattern that any phone camera can read. This one creates static codes, which means the content is encoded directly in the pattern rather than routed through a third-party redirect, so the code works forever, records no scans and costs nothing.

How to make a QR code

1
Choose what the code should do
Pick a type — a link, Wi-Fi network, contact card, email, phone, SMS, plain text, location or calendar event — and fill in the fields. The preview updates as you type.
2
Style it to match your brand
Set the module and background colours, module and eye shapes, quiet zone, error correction and an optional centre logo. The scannability panel warns you before a choice makes the code hard to read.
3
Add the rest of your codes in bulk
Switch to bulk mode to paste or import a CSV of labels and content. Every row uses the same design, so a whole batch stays visually consistent.
4
Download and test one
Export SVG or PDF for print, PNG for screens, or a labelled PDF sheet for the whole batch. Scan one printed code with a phone before you produce the rest.

QR code types and what they are good for

Supported QR code content types, their encoding and typical uses
Type	Encoded as	Typical use
Website link	URL	Packaging, posters, shelf edge, product pages
Wi-Fi network	WIFI:	Guest access in shops, cafés and stockrooms
Contact card	MECARD / vCard	Business cards, trade shows, supplier contacts
Email	mailto:	Support, reorder requests, feedback forms
Phone / SMS	tel: / SMSTO:	Service labels, delivery notes, quick reorders
Plain text	Raw text	Batch numbers, bin locations, internal notes
Location	geo:	Pickup points, warehouses, delivery instructions
Calendar event	VEVENT	Stock counts, deliveries, launches

Printing QR codes that actually scan

Export vector SVG or PDF for print — a scaled-up PNG softens module edges.
Keep the quiet zone clear: at least four modules of empty space on every side.
Keep printed modules above roughly 0.4 mm; shorten the content if they fall below.
Use dark modules on a light background, with a contrast ratio above 7:1.
Raise error correction to Q or H when you add a logo or print on curved or textured surfaces.
Scan one printed sample with an ordinary phone before producing the full run.