Question 1

What is a QR code?

Accepted Answer

A QR code ("Quick Response") is a square 2D barcode your phone can scan to open something instantly — a website, a WiFi password, a contact card, a payment, or plain text.

Question 2

How do QR codes actually work?

Accepted Answer

QR codes encode data in a grid of small squares. Your camera reads the pattern, decodes it via the QR standard, then performs an action like opening a link. They also include error correction so they keep working even if slightly damaged or if you add a logo.

Question 3

What’s the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

Accepted Answer

Static QR codes store content directly inside the pattern (simple, free, permanent). Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL managed by a service, which can be edited later and offers scan analytics. Create QR generates static QR codes by default.

Question 4

Do QR codes expire?

Accepted Answer

Static QR codes never expire. They keep working forever as long as the content they point to (like a website URL) is still online.

Question 5

Are QR codes free to create?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Create QR lets you generate, customize, and download QR codes for free — no signup, no watermark, no credit card.

Question 6

How do I create a QR code?

Accepted Answer

Pick a QR type (URL, WiFi, vCard, etc.), enter your info on the left, customize colors / logo / frame in the middle, then download as PNG on the right. The whole flow takes under a minute.

Question 7

What types of QR codes can I create?

Accepted Answer

Create QR supports 30+ types including URL, WiFi, vCard contacts, email, SMS, phone, location, calendar events, UPI/PayPal/Venmo payments, plain text, and popular social platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more).

Question 8

Can I add a logo to my QR code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload your logo and keep it under ~25% of the QR’s width so the code stays easily scannable. We automatically bump error correction to "H" when a logo is added so the code remains reliable.

Question 9

What file formats can I download?

Accepted Answer

PNG, in your choice of size (256, 512, 1024, or 2048 px). PNG works for web, social media, packaging, posters, and most print jobs. Use larger sizes for big formats.

Question 10

Will my QR code scan reliably after customizing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you keep good contrast (dark foreground on light background), keep any logo modest in size, and test on a few real phones before printing. A few seconds of testing saves a reprint.

Question 11

Can I customize the colors of my QR code?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Customize the foreground (dots), background, corner squares, and corner dots independently. You can also apply gradient colors for richer designs. For best results, maintain high contrast — the foreground should always be noticeably darker than the background.

Question 12

What patterns and styles are available?

Accepted Answer

Multiple dot patterns including square, rounded, dots, extra-rounded, classy, and classy-rounded. Corner squares can be square, dot, or extra-rounded. Mix and match to create unique QR codes that match your brand.

Question 13

What is the minimum size for a QR code?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb: scan distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR width. For business cards or phone screens, 2 cm is fine. For flyers and brochures, 3–5 cm. For posters, at least 10 cm. For billboards, 50 cm+.

Question 14

Which color combinations should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Avoid low-contrast pairs and any light-on-light combination. Specifically avoid yellow on white, pastel on pastel, or light gray on white. Never invert (light dots on dark background) — cameras struggle to lock on. Red, deep blue, and dark green all work well on a white background.

Question 15

How do I make sure my QR code is scannable?

Accepted Answer

Five rules: 1) High contrast (dark on light). 2) Big enough for the scan distance. 3) Keep logos under 25% of the QR area. 4) Always leave a white "quiet zone" margin. 5) Test on at least one iPhone and one Android before printing.

Question 16

How do I scan a QR code?

Accepted Answer

On most modern phones, just open the camera and point it at the QR — a notification appears tap-to-open. iPhone (iOS 11+) and Android (8+) all have built-in scanning. Older phones may need a free QR scanner app.

Question 17

Why is my QR code not scanning?

Accepted Answer

Most common causes (in order): low contrast, code too small for the scan distance, logo too large, glare from glossy paper, broken destination URL, or a damaged/blurry print. See our QR Troubleshooting guide for the full fix list.

Question 18

Is there a limit to how many times a QR can be scanned?

Accepted Answer

No. QR codes can be scanned an unlimited number of times. For static codes, the data is encoded directly into the pattern — there’s no server-side throttling involved.

Question 19

Do QR codes work offline?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the content. QR codes containing plain text, WiFi credentials, or vCard contact info work fully offline. QR codes that link to websites need an internet connection to load the destination after scanning.

Question 20

Do QR codes work in every country?

Accepted Answer

Yes — QR codes are a universal worldwide standard. Any smartphone camera in any country can scan them, regardless of language or device manufacturer.

Question 21

Are QR codes safe to scan?

Accepted Answer

QR codes themselves are just data — they can’t install anything on your phone. The risk is the link they open. Only scan codes from trusted sources, and preview the URL (most scanners show it before opening) when in doubt.

Question 22

Can QR codes contain viruses?

Accepted Answer

A QR code alone can’t infect your phone. The risk is the destination it opens. Be cautious with codes from unknown sources, and avoid downloading anything unexpected after a scan.

Question 23

Is my data secure when creating a QR code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Create QR generates static QR codes locally in your browser — your content is used to draw the QR pattern and download the image. No tracking pixels, no third-party analytics on the QR data itself.

Question 24

How do I make QR codes safer for the people who scan them?

Accepted Answer

Three habits: 1) Always link to your own trusted domain (not a random shortener). 2) Print a short call-to-action next to the code ("Scan to view menu") so users know what to expect. 3) Avoid linking directly to downloads — link to a page that explains the download first.

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QR Code Basics

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How can we help?

Read the full playbook

Browse by category

QR Code Basics

Still stuck? Just try the generator