How to create a QR code (free, step by step)
To create a QR code, open a QR code generator, pick what the code should do (a link, Wi-Fi, a file, a contact card and so on), enter your content, style it, and download it as a PNG or SVG. A basic code is free and never expires. If you want to edit the destination after printing or see scan statistics, use a dynamic QR code instead.
What you need
Nothing to install — a QR code generator runs in the browser. You only need the content you want to encode: a URL, Wi-Fi credentials, a PDF, a phone number, and so on. To make the code editable or trackable you also need a free account (QRBox uses a passwordless email link).
Step by step
- Open the generator and choose a type — Website/URL, Wi-Fi, File/PDF, vCard, App Store, and so on. The type decides what happens when someone scans.
- Enter your content. For a link, paste the URL; for Wi-Fi, type the network name and password; for a file, upload it.
- Style it (optional): add a logo or a background image, change the colours, dot and eye shapes, and a frame. Error correction is raised automatically so it still scans.
- Download it as a high-resolution PNG for screens or a vector SVG for print — SVG stays sharp at any size.
Static or dynamic?
A static QR code stores the data directly and can never be changed, but it never expires and needs no account. A dynamic QR code stores a short link you can re-point at any time and that records every scan — ideal for anything you might update after printing, like a menu or a campaign link. See static vs dynamic QR codes for the full comparison.
Design tips that keep it scannable
- Keep strong contrast — dark modules on a light background scan most reliably.
- Leave the quiet zone (the empty margin) around the code; do not crop it.
- When adding a logo or background, keep it under roughly 30% of the area and let the generator raise error correction.
- Test with two or three phones before you print anything.
If a code refuses to scan, our guide to why a QR code is not scanning covers the nine most common causes.
Which download format should I use?
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Print, large signage, resizing | Vector — stays sharp at any size |
| PNG | Websites, slides, email | High-resolution raster image |
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to create a QR code?
Yes. Creating and downloading a basic QR code is free with no watermark, in PNG and SVG. Dynamic (editable, trackable) codes and file hosting use a free account.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes never expire. Dynamic codes keep working while your account is active and can be re-pointed at any time.
Can I edit a QR code after printing it?
Only if it is dynamic. A dynamic code points to a short link whose destination you can change any time, so the same printed code shows new content.
What is the best format to download?
Use SVG for anything printed or resized because it is vector and stays sharp; use PNG for screens, slides and email.