This page is an online two dimensional code generator which is written in PHP. It can generate QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec Code and Micro QR Code.
Using the form on this page, you can create two dimensional code images that trigger various actions on the scanner device. Don’t forget to install Qrafter or Qrafter Pro (why two versions?) to scan and generate QR Codes if you have an iPhone or iPad. So far, this page created 4,998,675 codes since I started counting in January, 2010.
Please be sure to read the Notes and FAQ sections below before requesting help in the comments if you encounter any problems with code generation (Especially for Micro QR Codes or backslash characters you may encounter on some codes!).
This page is very popular and because of that, it gets an incredible amount of comment spam. Sometimes legitimate comments can get caught as spam and I can miss them, so if your comment does not appear after some time, you can contact me from the email address on my contact page.
READ THIS FIRST:
I am getting many questions about scanning the codes created on this generator. Most of them are about some problem with the scanner not detecting the content of the code properly. This generator follows established standards strictly and most scanner apps except Qrafter and Qrafter Pro for iOS don’t follow those standards completely. So, if you somehow end up with an unexpected result after scanning a code, it is because that your scanner was developed lousily. If you are on iOS, use Qrafter or Qrafter Pro for guaranteed standards compatibility. For other platforms, please contact the developers of your scanner app to tell them to start following the standards that were established for a reason.
Notes:
You can follow me or Qrafter on Twitter.
QR Code is far more widespread than Data Matrix, Aztec Code or Micro QR Code. Actually Micro QR Code is rarely used and is only given here as a technology preview. If you want to create a campaign for your products using a 2D Code, make sure that you are using QR Codes, not the other types.
Data Matrix and Aztec Code have significantly lower capacity (4096 alphanumeric characters for QR Code, 3067 for Aztec Code and 2335 for Data Matrix), so if you would like to encode a lot of text, select QR Code.
To create the best readable code for long URLs, use one of the URL shortening services so that the resulting code is as small as possible. I personally prefer bit.ly over the others.
Micro QR Code cannot hold more than 35 numeric and 21 uppercase alphanumeric characters, and it can hold even less characters when you use lowercase characters. When encoding a URL into a Micro QR Code, try using all uppercase characters for longer URLs. I don’t know of a scanner that supports Micro QR Code though.
If your input cannot be encoded, the generator will give a warning. In that case, lower the character count in your input and try again.
If your device cannot interpret the encoded 2D Code properly, it probably means your scanner program is written poorly or does not have the capability of decoding that particular code format; or your device does not accept that action, because all codes created by this script and the content within them are compliant to all necessary published standards (vCard standards, URL encoding schemes, NTT DoCoMo standards, etc.).
While we are talking on standards, let me open the topic up a little bit more. Sadly most scanners out there do not follow special character escaping standards. Characters like “:” or “;” are special characters in vCard, meCard or vEvent specifications, and they should be properly escaped for the input to be interpreted correctly. This generator follows these standards correctly, and so a URL field like “http://example.com” becomes “http\://example.com” after escaping. The problem is, some scanners do not know how to handle this escaped character and break altogether. If you encounter such problem, select No for Escape Special Characters in vCard, meCard or vEvent creation. But while you will be able to read those QR Codes in broken scanners, be aware that, your 2D Code will not be standards compliant and you may not be able to add a URL that includes a second colon (for example as a port number separator) or semicolon when you do that. If you are on iPhone or iPad, I strongly suggest that you ditch your broken scanner and download Qrafter or Qrafter Pro. They are fully compliant to said standards. This way, I hope that developers will be forced to create scanners that obey standards that were established for a reason.
Data Matrix, Aztec Code and Micro QR Code do not support characters other than ASCII because of their spec, so if your input has international characters, always use QR Code. Another caveat of Micro QR Code is that, it is not supported by most of the scanner programs out there. As for Kanji and Cyrillic characters, again, only QR Code should support them.
Always use dark colors for foreground color and light colors for background color. If there is not enough contrast between foreground and background colors, your device will most probably fail to decode the code. Another warning: The EPS version I had to use does not support transparency, so you should use another format if you are going to have transparent foreground or background in your codes.
Twitter Profile Image Overlay option overlays your Twitter profile image onto a code that includes your Twitter profile URL. Images created with this option will behave very oddly with vector image formats. You have been warned! 🙂
Currently you can do the following actions with 2D codes generated with this form:
- You can browse to a website.
- You can bookmark a website.
- You can make a phone call.
- You can send a short message.
- You can send an e-mail.
- You can create a vCard (v2.1 or v3.0) with coordinates to add a contact to your device.
- You can create a meCard to add a contact to your device.
- You can create a vCalendar event to add to your calendar.
- You can create iTunes app and review URLs for iOS devices.
- You can create
market://URLs for searching for publishers or packages on Market app for Android. - You can create Foursquare venue URLs.
- You can create special
youtube://URLs for YouTube app on iOS. - You can fetch and encode the latest tweet of a Twitter user.
- You can overlay a Twitter profile image over the code.
- You can create a mobile URL to tweet on Twitter.
- You can connect to a WIFI network on Android devices.
- You can read plain or free formatted text on your device.
You can change the block size of the generated image to make it bigger or smaller. Also, you can change the margin size of the image to add more quiet zone if your decoder cannot decode it (Especially Data Matrix seems to need bigger margin sizes). Error correction level for QR Code (ignored for other code types) can be set to 4 different values and higher values may cause the image to be decoded slightly slower. The 4 values can be explained like this:
- Low (L): Up to 7% of errors can be corrected.
- Medium-Low (M): Up to 15% of errors can be corrected.
- Medium-High (Q): Up to 25% of errors can be corrected.
- High (H): Up to 30% of errors can be corrected.
You can choose PNG, PDF, SVG or EPS outputs. SVG will output a vector image XML file, and you can edit it in applications like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
Please be aware that while I make checks for illegal characters to protect my server, I do not check your input for a meaningful value.
The image generation is done using third party encoders. I have only written a handy PHP front end that formats your input and passes it to these encoders.
A note about printing from Roy, a fellow user of this generator: When codes are generated, they are created in RGB (my note: yes even if they are black and white, they are in RGB colorspace) and if they are used in printing, they should be converted to grayscale or CMYK so that, when printed, only the black plate is used. This ensures the highest edge resolution, particularly in smaller sizes.
QR Code Scanners:
The best scanner apps for iPhone and iPad are Qrafter and Qrafter Pro. They are available on the App Store. They are designed for both iPhone and iPad and Qrafter is free with advertisements, while Qrafter Pro is paid with no advertisements. They are able to understand all actions on this generator (and more) and are the most advanced scanners for QR Codes on iPhone and iPad.
For Android, the best option seems to be the Barcode Scanner app from ZXing.
For Nokia Maemo/Meego, you can use Mbarcode according to Ryks, another commenter.
For other devices, you may find one, suitable for your device from Kaywa or QuickMark.
QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in the United States and other countries.
Qrafter is a registered trademark of Kerem Erkan in the United States, European Union and other countries.
FAQ:
Here is an updating list of frequently asked questions.
Q: Can I change the content of a code I created if I find a mistake?
A: The codes generated on this generator are standalone, which means they have no connection to this generator after being generated. This also means they include the content directly inside them, and if the content needs to change, the generated code image will change. Please test your code images with as many devices and scanner apps as possible to avoid any problems after printing the codes.
Q: Why do I get unwanted characters like a backslash (\) or semicolon (;) in the result when I scan a QR Code?
A: You are using a QR Code reader that cannot parse the contents of QR Codes correctly. Many readers are especially weak at parsing vCards. Use a proper app from the QR Code Scanners list on this page.
Q: Do you harvest the information I enter into this form?
A: No, I don’t use the information you enter to this form in any means. After you create your 2D Code, the information is removed from my server.
Q: Can I track the scan information for the 2D Codes I create on this generator?
A: You can’t track the 2D Codes you create on this generator unless you create your own trackable URL (for example a bit.ly URL) and then enter that URL to generate a QR Code for it on this page.
Q: Do the 2D codes that were created on this generator have an expiration date?
A: No, all codes generated on this generator can be used as long as you want.
Q: Can I use the codes I create on this generator commercially? Do I need to pay any fees?
A: You can use the codes created on this generator both commercially and personally. There are no fees to pay. The only favor I ask back is the promotion of Qrafter or Qrafter Pro on your site as your recommended reader app for iOS devices. But it is only a request, you are not obliged to do that. 🙂
Q: What is the minimum size for a QR Code so that it can be scanned with all devices?
A: The answer to this question cannot be given with exact proportions. New devices with autofocus cameras can scan very small QR Codes, but old devices that don’t have autofocus cameras will have problems with scanning codes smaller than one or two inches. Also it depends on the size of the information that you put into the QR Code. You need to test your QR Code with many devices, old and new to find the best compromise.
Q: Can I overlay an image on top of the QR Code like the one in “Twitter Profile Image Overlay” action of this generator?
A: Yes you can. Create a QR Code with highest error correction and select a vector output. This way, using your preferred image editor, you can overlay an image that’s up to 30% of the QR Code. Be careful not to overlay the image on top of the 3 alignment squares though.
Hi,
How do I change the colors? I would like to create one with a lime green backround and black foreground.
Thank you for your assistance,
Dawn
Dawn, you can change the colors using the color swatches on the generator form.
Hi there,
I’m a Dutch designer and I used the generetor fot the very firtst time today. The QR code I had to generate was a link to visit a website. The output I had chosen was Encapsulated Postscript (EPS). I opened the file In Adobe Illustrator and it looked very well! TIP for Photoshop users: choose output EPS en place the code in your Photoshop file as a smart object. After that you can change the measurements of the code if you like, without loss of sharpness. Great generator Kerem, thanks!
Thanks Kerem, worked great!
Hi Kerem, I see an option for foreground and background colors. Other than strong contrast, are there rules about colors you can use. I played around a bit with my qr code in blues and oranges, but it did not work. I have never seen any other qr codes in anything but black and white. Thanks!
You may be using similar luminance colors (Blue and orange are colors that have similar luminance. Try converting your final image to black and white, because scanners only see black and white). Use light vs dark colors.
Kerem, one more item – I am looking for a simple tracking system for QR codes. We are an agency so we would like to monitor this plus give our clients a way to see their use. Any recomendations?
I wanted to know how you create vector codes instead of bitmap.
thanks
I use a serverside tracing program to convert the bitmap.
Here is a tip about resizing bitmaps (tiff, jpg, etc) using Photoshop. Will save you a lot of frustration if you want to maintain the crisp edgelines – critical for scans. Here is what I do and works 100% of the time with a properly created QR code:
1. Open QR file in Photoshop (any version)
2. Use: Image, Image Size tool
3. Change dpi to 300
4. Change pixel size to whatever you need (2″ = 600pixels for example). Both width and height must be exaclty the same.
5. Go to the pulldown at the bottom and select “Nearest Neighbor” instead of default Bicubic.
6. Hit OK
7. Change Image, Mode to Grayscale to remove RGB.
If you follow this exactly how I have outlined above, you can make any bitmap QR code to any size you want (increase or decrease) without compormising the edge hardness.
Thanks Roy!
Seems like I missed to reply your last comment. Did you want to know how I convert the PNG file to vector? Or did I misinterpret your question?
Hi Kerem – looks like you have a very useful site here, thanks for that.
I’ve noticed that QR codes generated using different generators look different even though it is the same url/text . I am generating a QR code but want to ensure that it is going straight to my url and not passing through some other site on the way (like a short code). How can I tell which ones are ‘pure’ and which are not? It looks like your site is creating the pure ones. Any light you can shed on this would be grateful because I’ve had a few people ask me about this. Many thanks if you can help – cheers Andy
Hi Andy,
That’s generally not a feature of the generators. That’s the feature of readers. Some readers try to log all your actions (examples include ScanLife, i-nigma, QuickMark, Kaywa), while others try to be more respectful to your privacy. So, even though you create a URL for your site on my generator, if you scan it with one of the readers mentioned above, the scanner will go through its own site first. Try to use one that respects your privacy. Qrafter, which I wrote, is one of them. I only know about readers on iOS though. On other platforms on Android, you’ll need to find a reader yourself.
Thanks so much for your feedback. I guess my only query was then why different generators created different patterns for the same url even though they seem to be the same type of qr code?
They may be using different character encodings or error correction levels. This generator uses UTF-8 so that the QR Codes it creates can be used with almost any reader without problems.
Don know why I hesitated trying it out, nor questioning the ability of the programs working together – seems I just turned four years old again for 10 minutes only having the knowledge of ATARI tv-games:-)
it goes further down in pixels 150×150 is working out fine:-).
Can I save the file and use it in photshop – created all the cards there…. Perhaps a stupid stupid question:-)
Yes you can. 🙂
seems that 210×210 pixels is the lowest possible…
You definitely could so far – created, downloaded and opened directly in to illustrator…. How to shrink it? I am dragging the corner and i that way shrinking it, but the code stays in the same size….
Just select to save it for web and devices from File menu, then select the pixel size you need in the opened window.
Using iphone 4, i have acces to illustrator but i am more then rookie using it – have yet to discover the universe of the CS5.5 package which my work bought to me.
I will try to open illustrator – will generate a new code firstly and then try if it works out. Will get back to you later.
So far – thank you so much for being so helpful Kerem.
Hope I could help. Illustrator will create much cleaner edges when shrinking codes, so you’ll have a much better chance of reading them.
Hi Kerem,
The card measures 5,5cm in the height and and 8,5 in the length.
I have made the QR 3×3 cm
Perhaps you need to use a vector editing program instead of Photoshop. If you have access to Adobe Illustrator, try generating an EPS or SVG output and then shrink that code. It will give a much cleaner output. Also, when you shrink the codes too much, old devices won’t be able to scan them. Are you using an iPhone 3G?
Dear Kerem,
I generated some codes from the absolutely wonderful site of yours – thank you for making this so easy:-).
Downloade the codes and brought them into photoshop – minimized them to fit the card and they stopped working!
Do you by any chance have the ability to help me out on this one? Have to send them for print today, and If the codes do not work I may unfortunately have to leave them out!
Have an fantastic day
Allan
Hi Allan,
Did you make them too small? That may be the problem.
Hi Kerem,
Do you have a program that you recomend when you are making QR codes that generate a vector file? thanks!
QR Code and 2D Code Generator
if you would like to encode a lot of text, select QR Code.
(4096 alphanumeric characters for QR Code, 3067 for Aztec Code and 2335 for Data Matrix), so
1 page 30 line x 60 caractewrs ar about 2k or QR code QUICK READ 2 PAGES WITH TEXT
( more useful for visitors of museum’s for detailed info abouth every exponats , also in other scripts- cyrylic and two version of info –in both, or three languages, also with links to on-line translator )
–from msc Peter Branekov- member of ICOM
Hi, Kerem.
Many people speak about interest in using qr to connect to FB or ‘Like’ on FB, particularly small business owners using FB as commercial vehicle for their services or products.
Any thoughts on adding this to your generator?
Thanks!
Hi Dave,
To create a FB like QR Code, a custom web page is required. I don’t yet have such backend to serve custom pages.
Kerem,
Great and very informative site! Quick question: some time ago I saw a QR code that incorporated a picture of a plane in the middle of the code. I also saw one that included some letters in the middle of the code.
Which brings me to my question: is it possible to create a QR code that includes the above and that would still function? If so, how difficult would this be? Does a standard resolution QR code, that contains (for example)a url, have enough data storage capability/resilience that this would still work? Keep up the good work!
Please see the FAQ Hank, I updated that section with the answer to your question.
Hi Kerem. You gave me great advice about a month ago and I got everything to work. I’m grateful. I have a new question. Is there a way to not have the URL exposed in your QR application after scanning? Also, is there a strategy for how to find my previous posts? Thanks and keep up the great work!
Hi Kelly,
No you can’t hide a URL from the users. You can only create a short URL using URL shortening to obfuscate it (I don’t see why that would be necessary though). For the older comments, there is no search facility as I use a blog software. I’ll change the site in the future.