Free QR Code Generator (PNG & SVG Download)

Q: Why do some QR codes fail to scan?

Common causes include low contrast, printing too small, distortion on curved surfaces, glare from glossy materials, not enough quiet space around the code, or insufficient error correction for real-world wear.

Q: Can I make a QR code with a transparent background?

Yes—use PNG and choose Transparent. Make sure the QR code is placed on a light background with strong contrast. SVG downloads use a white background for predictable printing.

QR Code Generator

Generate a QR code for any URL or text. Pick your output size and format (PNG or SVG), preview instantly, and download.

Link or text to encode

QR size

Error correction

Auto picks: M

QR color

Background

Format PNG SVG

Tip: SVG is ideal for printing. PNG is great for quick sharing and most label workflows.

Output filename: qr-code.png

Preview updates when you click Generate QR. Download saves the selected format at the chosen size.

Free QR Code Generator (PNG & SVG Downloads)

Use this free QR code generator to create scannable QR codes for URLs, product pages, PDFs, menus, contact information, or any text. Choose a size, select PNG or SVG, preview instantly, then download a clean QR code you can place on labels, signage, packaging, or digital assets.

Packaging use case: If you’re adding QR codes to custom packaging, labels, or printed containers, you’ll usually want higher error correction (Q or H) and strong contrast. See options for custom printing solutions.

How to make a QR code that scans reliably

Start with a clean destination link

Use the exact URL you want customers to land on (for example, a product page, reorder page, instructions PDF, or a trackable campaign URL). Shorter links often produce simpler QR codes that scan faster.
Choose SVG for print and PNG for digital

SVG is best for printing because it scales without getting blurry. PNG is great for web pages, PDFs, email signatures, and internal documents.
Pick an appropriate size

For most uses, generate at least 512×512. If the QR will be printed small, generate larger and scale down in your design tool.
Use enough error correction

Error correction helps QR codes scan even if they’re smudged, scuffed, or partially covered. This tool defaults to Auto, and it will explain why it chose that level based on your settings—while still letting you override.
Keep contrast high and backgrounds simple

Most scan failures come from low contrast (light QR on a busy/colored background), tiny print size, or glare. For best results: dark QR + light background + clear “quiet zone” around the code.

Recommended settings by use case

Product labels & packaging

SVG, 512px+, error correction Q or H, dark QR on white. Add extra quiet space if the surface is curved.

Flyers, posters, signage

SVG, 768px+, error correction M or Q, high contrast. Print large enough for the expected scan distance.

PDFs, slides, web pages

PNG or SVG, 384–512px, error correction M. Avoid placing the QR on busy images or gradients.

Small QR codes

Generate larger than needed, then scale down. Use error correction Q or H and keep a clean background.

Common reasons QR codes fail (and how to avoid it)

Too small: Generate at 512px+ and avoid printing tiny. If you must print small, use Q/H.
Low contrast: Dark QR on a light background works best. Avoid light QR colors over transparent or busy designs.
Not enough quiet space: Keep a clean margin around the code so scanners can detect it quickly.
Curved or glossy surfaces: Curvature and glare can distort the code—print larger, add quiet space, and test on real materials.
Damage and scuffing: Increase error correction (Q/H) for packaging that gets handled or shipped.

More free tools

If you found this helpful, you may also like our other free packaging calculators and tools: Tools and Calculators.

QR Code Generator FAQ

What’s the difference between a QR code PNG and SVG?

PNG is a raster image and can look blurry if scaled up too much. SVG is a vector file that stays crisp at any size, which makes it ideal for printing.

What size QR code should I generate?

For most uses, generate at least 512×512. For small print or packaging, choose higher error correction (Q or H) and keep strong contrast.

What does “error correction” mean?

Error correction adds redundancy so a QR code can still scan if it’s partially damaged, dirty, or obscured. Higher levels are more forgiving but create a denser code.

Why do some QR codes fail to scan?

The most common causes are low contrast, printing too small, distortion on curved surfaces, glare from glossy materials, or not enough error correction for real-world wear.

Can I encode text that isn’t a URL?

Yes. QR codes can encode any text. Many scanners will display the text or interpret it depending on the app.

Can I make a QR code with a transparent background?

Yes—use PNG and choose “Transparent.” Just make sure the QR is placed on a light background with strong contrast. SVG downloads use a white background for predictable printing.

What is QR “error correction”?

Error correction is built-in redundancy that helps a QR code still scan if it’s scuffed, wrinkled, printed poorly, dirty, or partially covered. Higher levels are more forgiving but make the QR code a bit denser.

Level	Recovery	Best for
L	~7%	Clean digital use, large QR codes
M	~15%	General purpose (most common)
Q	~25%	Printed labels, packaging, light wear
H	~30%	Harsh conditions, very small QR codes, logos

This tool’s Auto setting chooses a recommended level based on your chosen size and output settings, but you can override it anytime.