Website QR Code Generator
Create free website QR codes instantly. Generate custom QR codes for URLs with colors, logos, and advanced options. Download as PNG, SVG, or PDF.
What Is a Website QR Code?
A website QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that contains a URL or web address. When scanned with a smartphone camera, it automatically opens the encoded website in the device's browser. QR codes have become an essential tool for bridging the gap between physical and digital marketing.
How Website QR Codes Work
The technology works by encoding data in a pattern of black and white squares arranged in a grid. Modern QR codes can store various types of information, but website QR codes specifically encode URLs, making them perfect for directing people to your website, landing pages, or online content.
Why Website QR Codes Are Useful
Website QR codes are widely used across industries for marketing campaigns, business cards, product packaging, restaurant menus, event materials, and more. They provide a quick, contactless way for customers to access your online presence without typing long URLs.
Common Uses
- Business cards - Add your website to networking materials
- Restaurant menus - Link to online menus and ordering systems
- Events - Direct attendees to event pages, registration, or schedules
- Flyers and posters - Connect print materials to online content
- Real estate signs - Link to property listings and virtual tours
- Product packaging - Connect customers to product information, reviews, or support
How to Create a Website QR Code
- Enter your website URL: Type or paste your website URL into the input field. You can use any valid URL, including https://, http://, or even just the domain name.
- Customize your QR code: Optionally customize colors, add a logo, or adjust advanced settings like size, error correction level, and quiet zone to match your brand and use case.
- Preview and download: Your QR code generates instantly. Preview it to ensure it looks good, then download in your preferred format (PNG, SVG, or PDF) for use in your marketing materials, business cards, or digital displays.
- Test your QR code: Before printing or sharing, test your QR code by scanning it with your smartphone to verify it works correctly and directs to the intended website.
Best Practices (Do's & Don'ts)
Do's
- Ensure good contrast between foreground and background colors
- Use short URLs when possible for simpler QR codes
- Test your QR code before printing or sharing
- Maintain adequate quiet zone around the QR code
- Use appropriate error correction level for your use case
- Keep logo size reasonable (20-30% of QR code size)
Don'ts
- Don't invert colors (avoid light on dark or dark on light extremes)
- Don't make the QR code too small for its intended use
- Don't place text or graphics too close to the QR code
- Don't use low contrast color combinations
- Don't forget to test on multiple devices and scanners
- Don't use overly complex designs that obscure the code
Troubleshooting QR Code Issues
Low contrast
QR codes require sufficient contrast between the foreground and background colors to be scannable. If your QR code uses colors that are too similar (e.g., light gray on white or dark blue on black), scanners may struggle to read it. Use high-contrast color combinations like black on white, dark blue on light yellow, or dark green on white. Test your color choices by scanning the QR code before finalizing your design.
Missing quiet zone
The quiet zone is the white border around a QR code that scanners need to detect the code's boundaries. Without adequate quiet zone space (typically 4 modules on all sides), scanners may fail to recognize the QR code. Ensure your QR code has sufficient white space around it and avoid placing text, graphics, or borders too close to the code edges. Our generator automatically includes the proper quiet zone, but be careful when placing the QR code in your designs.
Logo too big
While adding a logo can make your QR code more branded, logos that are too large can interfere with the code's scannability. The logo should typically occupy no more than 20-30% of the QR code's total area. Larger logos can obscure critical data modules that scanners need to read. If your QR code isn't scanning, try reducing the logo size or removing it temporarily to test if that's the issue. Our generator includes error correction to help compensate for logo coverage, but keeping logos appropriately sized is still important.
Too small / too dense
QR codes that are too small or too dense (containing too much data) can be difficult to scan, especially from a distance. For print materials, ensure your QR code is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) square. For digital displays, 256-512 pixels is usually sufficient. If your URL is very long, consider using a URL shortener to reduce the QR code's complexity. Dense QR codes with long URLs may require users to get very close to scan them successfully.
Blurry prints / low resolution
Low-resolution or blurry QR codes will not scan reliably. When downloading for print, use the highest quality format available (PNG or PDF at maximum size). Avoid upscaling low-resolution images, as this creates pixelation. For professional printing, download the SVG format which is vector-based and scales perfectly, or use a high-resolution PNG (at least 300 DPI for print). Always test a printed sample before producing large quantities of materials.
Poor scanning environment
Even a perfectly generated QR code may not scan in poor conditions. Common issues include insufficient lighting, glare from glossy surfaces, curved or wrinkled surfaces, or scanning from too far away. Ensure adequate lighting when scanning, avoid reflective surfaces that create glare, and keep the QR code flat and unobstructed. For outdoor use, consider using weather-resistant materials and protective coatings that don't interfere with scanning.
Wrong URL
If your QR code scans successfully but takes users to the wrong website, the URL encoded in the QR code is incorrect. Double-check the URL you entered in the generator before downloading. Common mistakes include typos, missing 'https://' or 'http://' prefixes, or encoding a URL that has since been changed or deleted. Always test your QR code immediately after generation to verify it directs to the correct destination. If you need to update the URL, you'll need to generate a new QR code.
Wrong error correction
Error correction level determines how much of the QR code can be damaged or obscured while still remaining scannable. Higher error correction levels (H or M) allow for more damage tolerance and are better when adding logos or using the QR code in challenging environments, but they create denser codes. Lower levels (L or Q) create simpler codes but are less forgiving. If your QR code isn't scanning and you have a logo or expect wear, try regenerating with a higher error correction level. Our generator defaults to an appropriate level, but you can adjust it in advanced settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the website URL after generating the QR code?
Most website QR codes are static, meaning the URL cannot be changed once the code is printed. If you need the ability to update the destination later, you would need a "dynamic" QR code service, which typically requires a paid platform. Our generator creates fast, reliable static QR codes.
What is the best size for a website QR code on printed materials?
For business cards, a minimum of 0.8–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) is recommended. For posters, flyers, menus, or signs, 1.5 inches (4 cm) or larger ensures easy scanning from a distance. Always test your QR code before printing large batches.
Are website QR codes safe to use online and offline?
Yes — website QR codes simply point to a URL and do not store personal information. Always double-check the URL you enter and avoid linking to sites you don't control to prevent phishing or security concerns.
Can I track how many people scan my website QR code?
Static website QR codes themselves cannot collect analytics. To track scans, you must: use a tracking URL (e.g., Google Analytics UTM parameters), or route through a link-shortener with stats (Bitly, Rebrandly, etc.). We do not track scans; your QR code remains completely private.
Will my website QR code still work if I update my site later?
Yes. The QR code points to your URL, not the page content. As long as the URL stays the same, you can update your website or landing page freely without needing a new QR code.
Can I add a logo or brand colors to my website QR code?
Yes, but use customization in moderation. Keep strong contrast between foreground and background colors, and make sure your logo doesn't cover key scan patterns. We automatically select recommended values to ensure your QR code remains easy to scan.
Ready to Create Your QR Code?
Trusted by thousands of creators, businesses, and educators every day.
Generate a custom website QR code in seconds. No sign-up required, completely free, and ready to download.
Create Your QR Code Now