How to Make a QR Code for a Link (Free, No Expiry)

To make a QR code for a link, open the QR Code Generator, keep the URL / Text tab, and paste the address. The code appears straight away. Style it with Foreground and Background colours, a Dot style, an Eye style and an optional Center logo, set the Size, and download a PNG or SVG. Scan it with your phone before you print it.

Make a QR code step by step

1. Open the QR Code Generator.
2. On the URL / Text tab, paste the link — https://example.com/menu — or any text.
3. Under Design, choose:
   • Foreground and Background colours (or a gradient).
   • Dot style and Eye style (the three corner squares).
   • Error correction — L — 7%, M — 15%, Q — 25% or H — 30%.
   • An optional Center logo.
   • The Size in pixels.
4. Check the preview, then press PNG or SVG.
5. Scan it with two different phones before printing or publishing.

Static codes never expire

Many "free QR code" websites create dynamic codes: the QR points to their short link, which redirects to yours — and stops working when a trial ends or the service closes. This generator makes static codes: your link is stored in the code itself. It works forever, with no account, no tracking and no redirect.

The trade-off: a static code can't be changed after printing. If the destination might change, link to a page you control (your own website's /menu page, say) and update that page instead.

Other kinds of QR code

The tabs make codes that phones understand natively:

• Wi-Fi — join a network without typing the password (see the guide to Wi-Fi QR codes).
• vCard — save a contact card with name, phone, email, organisation and website.
• Email — open a new email with the address, subject and message filled in.
• SMS — open a text message to a number, with a message.
• Phone — start a call.
• Location — open a map at a latitude and longitude.

Designing a code that scans

• Contrast is everything. Dark dots on a light background; avoid light-on-light or colours of similar brightness.
• Don't invert it (light dots on dark) unless you've tested many phones.
• Leave a quiet zone — a margin around the code at least four dots wide.
• Logos need error correction. With a centre logo, choose H — 30% and keep the logo under about 30% of the code.
• Shorter links make simpler codes — fewer, bigger dots that scan from further away.

How big should it be printed?

A good rule: the code should be about one tenth of the scanning distance. Scanned from 30 cm (a table menu), 3 cm wide is enough; from 2 metres (a poster), make it about 20 cm. Use the SVG for print — it stays sharp at any size.

Putting the code on a printout

To make the PNG an exact size for a flyer or a label template, use the Image Resizer; to add a caption such as "Scan for the menu", use Add Text to Image; and to put several codes on one printable page, combine the images with Image to PDF.

Where QR codes work well

• Restaurant menus and table cards.
• Posters, flyers and event tickets.
• Business cards (a vCard code).
• Product packaging and manuals.
• Slides — let the audience grab your link.
• Classroom handouts linking to resources.

Privacy

The code is generated in your browser; your link isn't sent anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

Do the codes expire?

No. Static codes contain the link itself and work as long as the link does.

Can I track how many people scan it?

Not with a static code. Use a link with tracking parameters (such as UTM tags) and check your website's analytics.

PNG or SVG?

PNG for screens, documents and quick sharing; SVG for print and design tools.