What Is a QR Code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that smartphones can scan to instantly open a URL, connect to Wi-Fi, save a contact, or display text. They were invented in 1994 and have exploded in usage — from restaurant menus to product packaging to event tickets.
What Can You Encode in a QR Code?
- URLs — The most common use. Link to any website, product page, or landing page.
- Wi-Fi credentials — Let guests connect without typing a password.
- Contact cards (vCard) — Share your name, phone, email, and company in one scan.
- Plain text — Short messages, coupon codes, or instructions.
How to Create a QR Code (Step by Step)
- Go to RoughTools QR Code Generator
- Select the type: URL, Text, Wi-Fi, or Contact
- Enter your content
- Customize foreground/background color and size
- Download as PNG or SVG
PNG vs SVG: Which Format Should You Download?
PNG is best for digital use — sharing on social media, embedding in emails, or displaying on screens. It's a fixed pixel image, so choose a large size (300px+) if you plan to print it.
SVG is best for print — business cards, flyers, merchandise. It scales infinitely without pixelation. Always use SVG when printing QR codes.
QR Code Best Practices
- Test your QR code before printing by scanning it with your phone
- Use a high-contrast color combination (dark on light)
- Leave adequate quiet zone (white border) around the code
- For print, use minimum 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 inch) size
- Add a call-to-action label: "Scan to visit", "Scan for Wi-Fi"
How Much Data Can a QR Code Hold?
| Data Type | Max Capacity | |---|---| | Numeric only | 7,089 characters | | Alphanumeric | 4,296 characters | | Binary/byte | 2,953 bytes | | Kanji/Kana | 1,817 characters |
For URLs, keep them short. Use a URL shortener if your URL is longer than 100 characters to keep the QR code simple and scannable.