QR Code Generator

What Is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a grid of black and white squares. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, QR codes are now used universally — from restaurant menus and product packaging to digital payments and marketing campaigns. Any smartphone camera can scan a QR code to instantly open a URL, join a WiFi network, or save a contact.

Why Use PDFJolt's QR Code Generator?

100% client-side, zero server cost. PDFJolt generates QR codes entirely in your browser using the open-source qrcode.js library. Your data — URLs, WiFi passwords, email addresses — never leaves your device. Unlike generators that require accounts or display ads, PDFJolt is free, private, and works offline after the initial page load.

Supported QR Code Types

• URL — Link to any website. When scanned, the user's browser opens the URL directly.
• Plain Text — Encode any text message, note, or code snippet up to ~4,296 characters.
• WiFi — Generate a QR code that automatically connects a phone to your WiFi network. Supports WPA, WEP, and open networks. Perfect for guest access without sharing passwords verbally.
• Email — Create a QR code that opens a pre-filled email with recipient and subject. Ideal for business cards, event materials, and customer support.

Customization Options

Colors

Customize the foreground (module) and background colors to match your brand. The default black-on-white provides the best scan reliability, but any high-contrast combination works.

Error Correction

QR codes include redundant data that allows them to be read even when partially damaged or obscured:

• Low (7%) — Smallest QR code, least redundancy. Use for digital-only displays.
• Medium (15%) — Default. Good balance for most use cases.
• Quartile (25%) — Recommended if you plan to add a logo overlay.
• High (30%) — Maximum redundancy. Best for printed materials that might get worn.

Size

Choose from 200px to 2000px output size. Use 200-400px for screens, 800-2000px for print. SVG output scales to any size without quality loss.

Output Formats

• PNG — Raster image at the selected pixel size. Best for websites, social media, and presentations.
• SVG — Vector image that scales infinitely. Ideal for print — business cards, posters, and packaging.

QR Code Generator vs. Competitors

Feature	PDFJolt	QR Code Monkey	QR Code Generator	Adobe Express
Price	Free	Free (limited)	Free (limited)	Free (limited)
Privacy	100% client-side	Server-side	Server-side	Server-side
Custom colors	Yes	Yes (paid)	Limited	Yes
SVG output	Yes	Paid	Paid	No
WiFi QR codes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
No account	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Works offline	Yes	No	No	No

Best Practices for QR Codes

• Test before printing. Always scan your QR code with at least two different phones before printing.
• Maintain contrast. Dark modules on a light background scan best. Avoid low-contrast color pairs.
• Use short URLs. Shorter data means fewer modules, making the QR code simpler and easier to scan from a distance.
• Add a quiet zone. Leave white space around the QR code. PDFJolt includes a 2-module margin automatically.
• Size appropriately. A QR code should be at least 2cm x 2cm for reliable scanning. Scale up for signs viewed from a distance.