Website URL on a flyer
Content
https://coddy.tech
The simplest, most useful QR code. Use error correction *M* and a pixel size large enough to scan from a comfortable distance — for a flyer at arm's length, 10–12px per module is plenty.
QR Code Generator
Generate QR codes for URLs, Wi-Fi, vCards, email, and any text - runs locally.
Last updated
Content18 chars
QR codev2 · 25×25 · mask 4
What is a QR code generator?
A *QR code* (Quick Response code) is a square barcode that encodes text inside a grid of black and white modules. Anyone with a phone camera can scan it and the encoded content opens in seconds — no app, no manual typing. That makes them perfect for sharing URLs on flyers, joining a Wi-Fi network without typing the password, exchanging contact details on a business card, or linking a paper menu to its online version.
QR codes have *error correction* built in. A small amount of damage — a stain, a fold, even part of the code being covered by a logo — can still be decoded. There are four error correction levels (L, M, Q, H) that trade data capacity for resilience: L recovers about 7% damage, H recovers about 30%. Higher levels make the code denser but more robust.
Coddy's generator is hand-written in JavaScript using the ISO/IEC 18004 specification. It runs entirely in your browser — your text never leaves your machine, nothing is uploaded, no account is required, and the codes have no expiration. Download as scalable SVG (best for print) or PNG (best for slides and social posts).
What to know about QR codes
- The three large squares in the corners (*finder patterns*) tell scanners where the code is and how it is rotated. They are not optional decoration.
- QR codes come in 40 *versions* (sizes) from 21×21 to 177×177 modules. The generator picks the smallest version that fits your data — shorter text → smaller, easier-to-scan code.
- Error correction level (L/M/Q/H) trades capacity for resilience: L lets you encode the most data but tolerates the least damage. Use H if you plan to overlay a logo or print on a surface that may scuff.
How to make a QR code
Type or paste the content
Most QR codes are just URLs. Use the *Quick fill* buttons for Wi-Fi, vCard, email, or SMS — they pre-fill the right format you can edit.
Choose an error correction level
*M* is a sensible default for most uses. Pick *H* if the code will be printed on a surface that may get scuffed, or if you plan to overlay a logo. Pick *L* if you need to encode a lot of text and the code will be on a clean digital surface.
Tune size and colors
The *Pixel size* slider controls how big each module renders. The two color pickers let you set foreground and background — keep contrast high (dark on light) for reliable scanning.
Test before printing
Always scan the code with at least two different phones before printing or publishing it. If a scanner struggles, increase contrast, increase size, or bump the error correction level.
Download SVG or PNG
*SVG* scales to any size without loss — pick it for print, posters, and large displays. *PNG* is best for slides, social posts, and emails. The download buttons save the file directly.
QR code content formats
The exact text patterns QR scanners recognize as structured content. Copy a row, paste it into the tool, edit the values.
| Type | Text format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| URL | https://example.com/page | Most common; any standard URL works |
| Wi-Fi | WIFI:T:WPA;S:Network;P:password;; | T = WPA / WEP / nopass; S = SSID; P = password |
mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hi&body=Hello | Subject and body are optional; spaces must be URL-encoded | |
| SMS | SMSTO:+15555550123:Hi there | Pre-fills both the recipient and the message body |
| Phone | tel:+15555550123 | Opens the dialer with the number filled in |
| vCard | BEGIN:VCARD\nVERSION:3.0\nFN:Name\n…\nEND:VCARD | Use literal newlines, not \n; keep it short — H-level capacity is limited |
| Plain text | Any UTF-8 string | Scanners display the text and offer to copy it |
QR code examples to try
Wi-Fi for a coffee shop
Content
WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeGuest;P:welcome2026;;
Scanning this on iOS or Android prompts to join the network automatically. The T field is the security type (WPA / WEP / nopass), S is the SSID, P is the password — wrap any special characters in quotes if they appear.
Contact card for a business card
Content
BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:3.0 FN:Ada Lovelace ORG:Coddy TEL:+15555550123 EMAIL:ada@example.com URL:https://coddy.tech END:VCARD
Scanning this offers to save the contact. Use error correction *H* if the card might get scuffed in a wallet. vCards get long fast — keep fields to essentials so the code stays scannable.
Common QR code mistakes
- Inverting the colors (light foreground on dark background). Most scanners can handle inverse codes, but many older or built-in cameras cannot. Dark-on-light is the safe default.
- Making the code too small to scan from realistic distance. A rough rule: the code should be at least 1/10 the typical scanning distance — at arm's length (~30cm), that's 3cm; on a wall poster scanned from 2m, that's 20cm.
- Generating a QR for a long URL when a shortened URL would work. Long content makes the code denser and harder to scan — use a short link service first, then encode the short URL.
QR Code Generator FAQ
How do I make a QR code?
Type or paste the content (usually a URL) into Coddy's generator, pick an error correction level (M is a safe default), choose colors and size, and download as SVG or PNG. The whole thing happens in your browser — no upload, no account.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes (the kind this tool generates) never expire — they are just text drawn as a barcode. *Dynamic* QR services encode a short URL that redirects through their server; if the service shuts down or you stop paying, the redirect stops working. For permanence, encode a URL you control.
What error correction level should I pick?
*M* (15%) is the default and works for most uses. Use *H* (30%) if the code will be printed on a surface that may scuff, or if you plan to put a logo in the middle. Use *L* (7%) only when you need to encode unusually long text on a clean digital surface.
Are these QR codes free to use commercially?
Yes. QR Code is an open standard (ISO/IEC 18004) with no licensing fees. The codes Coddy generates have no watermark, no tracking, and no usage limits — use them in any product, print, or campaign.
Is the QR code generated locally?
Yes. The encoder runs entirely in your browser — your content is never uploaded or sent to a server. Safe for Wi-Fi passwords, private contact details, and any other sensitive content.
Can I customize the colors or add a logo?
You can pick any foreground and background color in the tool. For best scanning, keep dark-on-light with strong contrast. The tool does not currently overlay a logo, but you can do this in any image editor afterward — just use error correction level *H* and keep the logo small (under 20% of the code's area).
