QR Code Generator
QR Code Generator
QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by any modern smartphone camera. They were invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive parts and became globally popular for linking physical objects to digital content.
Conversion Formula
QR codes encode data in a matrix of black and white squares using Reed-Solomon error correction. The finder patterns (three square corners) let scanners detect position and orientation.
Step-by-Step Examples
https://calcsrc.com = Scannable QR code
Encoding a URL is the most common QR use case
Hello, World! = Text QR code
Plain text is encoded in byte mode
History
QR codes were invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave. They were originally used in automotive manufacturing. Smartphones with built-in QR scanning (iOS 11+, Android) drove mass adoption after 2017, and COVID-era menus accelerated mainstream use.
Common Use Cases
- Restaurant menus
- Business cards
- Product packaging
- Event tickets
- Wi-Fi sharing
- Marketing campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I encode in a QR code?
URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi credentials, vCards, and any other text up to a few hundred bytes. URLs are by far the most common use.
What does ECC Level mean?
Error Correction Capability determines how much damage a QR code can sustain and still be readable. Level L (7%) is lowest, Level H (30%) is highest. Higher ECC makes the code larger.
How do I scan a QR code?
Open your phone camera app and point it at the QR code. On iOS and Android, the camera app natively detects QR codes without a separate app.
How large can the encoded text be?
This generator supports up to approximately 270 bytes (characters). For longer content, host it on a URL and encode the URL instead.