What Is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that encodes text, URLs, contact information, and more into a scannable pattern. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can be read from any angle and store significantly more data.
Common Uses for QR Codes
- Website links — Scan to open a URL without typing
- Business cards / vCards — Scan to save contact details automatically
- WiFi passwords — Scan to connect to a network without entering credentials
- Payments — Merchant payment codes for mobile wallets
- Event tickets — Scan-to-enter passes at venues
- Product traceability — Scan to view product details, authenticity, or manuals
How to Generate a QR Code Online
Use the tool.tl QR Code Generator to create a QR code in under 30 seconds:
- Go to tool.tl/qrcode
- Choose the content type (URL, text, WiFi, contact, etc.)
- Enter the content to encode
- Select size and error correction level
- Click "Generate" and download as PNG or SVG
Choosing the Right Error Correction Level
Error correction determines how much of the QR code can be damaged or obscured while still being readable:
| Level | Recovery Capacity | Best For |
|---|
| L (Low) — 7% | Smallest size | Clean environments, digital screens |
| M (Medium) — 15% | Balanced (default) | General purpose |
| Q (Quartile) — 25% | Good tolerance | Industrial, outdoor use |
| H (High) — 30% | Maximum tolerance, larger size | QR codes with embedded logos, print |
Embedding a logo? Always use Level H. A centered logo covers ~15–20% of the code — Level H's 30% recovery capacity ensures it still scans reliably.
| Format | Characteristics | Recommended For |
|---|
| PNG | Raster image, fixed resolution | Web pages, presentations, small print |
| SVG | Vector, scales to any size losslessly | Business cards, large-format printing, signage |
For anything that will be printed, always download SVG — it stays sharp no matter how large it's printed.
Tips for a More Scannable QR Code
- Keep quiet zone margins — Leave at least 4 module widths of white space around the code
- Use high contrast — Dark modules on a light background; avoid color gradients
- Minimum print size — At least 2 cm × 2 cm for reliable mobile scanning
- Always test before publishing — Scan with your phone to verify the link and content
Frequently Asked Questions
Do QR codes expire?
The QR code itself never expires — it's just an image encoding data. If the QR code links to a URL, it works as long as that URL is live. Static QR codes (encoding text or contact info directly) never expire.
How much data can a QR code store?
Up to 7,089 digits, 4,296 ASCII characters, or around 1,800 Japanese/Chinese characters at maximum capacity. For URLs and short text, you're well within limits.
Is the generated QR code stored on your servers?
No. QR code generation on tool.tl happens entirely in your browser — no content is uploaded, stored, or tracked.
Can I create a QR code that tracks scan counts?
Static QR codes don't track anything. For scan tracking and analytics, you'd need a dynamic QR code service that redirects through a tracking URL.