QR codes require a phone to be scanned, but understanding what they are much simpler.
Quick Response Codes (or QR codes) store and transmit data in square-printed square boxes. From ticketing to tracking, QR codes are most useful in certain situations.
Businesses and users have turned to this humble tool more than ever during the global pandemic. In fact, Forbes claims that if it weren’t for COVID-19, QR codes would probably be extinct.
Ahrefs reports that the term QR code was searched 60,000 times in Australia in 2021 alone, and the Brisbane Times reports that the Queensland government’s official COVID-19 check-in app has already been used 1 million times.
While QR codes are not just used as contactless solutions today, they are also used for product labeling. When consumers are in the actual store to find out more information or to compare prices, they increasingly turn to the internet for more information.
You can always take out your phone and scan a code instead of tracking down a sales representative.
In light of their versatility and consumer behavior, it makes sense to explore this option in the future (even after COVID-19 has faded from the headlines).
Continue reading to find out the best free QR code generators in 2022 to help you get started.
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What Is A QR Code?
QR Code is a two-dimensional version of the barcode, typically made up of black and white pixel patterns. Denso Wave, a Japanese subsidiary of the Toyota supplier Denso, developed them for marking components in order to accelerate logistics processes for their automobile production.
Now, it has found its way into mobile marketing with the widespread adoption of smartphones. “QR” stands for “Quick Response”, which refers to the instant access to the information hidden in the Code.
What Is A QR Code Generator?
It is a niche tool that is used to generate different types of QR Codes. Depending on your purpose, you can use our generator to create QR Codes to open a website, view a PDF file, listen to music, watch Youtube videos, store image files, connect to a WiFi network, and much more.
20 Best Free QR Code Generators for 2022
1. ForQRCode
ForQRCode uses an easy four-step process for creating custom QR codes with logos that will never expire. The first step is to enter your QR contents like website, location, Zoom, PayPal, email, or Bitcoin.
Then, after entering your QR contents, you can customize your design so that it stands out and matches your branding. You can, for example, use a transparent background or custom background or foreground color. You can also change the pattern, marker border, and add your own business logo or select a watermark. Once the design has been finalized, all that’s left to do is to generate and download the QR code as .png, .svg, or .pdf vector graphic.
All in all, it’s one of the most popular free QR code generator tools. Not only does it offer loads of customization, but you also don’t even have to register first before being able to download your codes.
2. QRCode Monkey
If you’ll be using the QR code in hard copies, the quality of the final product is critical. With QRCode Monkey, you can generate print-quality codes with high resolutions that will also be fit for print purposes. Just like ForQRCode, the codes generated don’t have an expiration date which means that you’ll be able to use them infinitely.
As every QR code has an error correction of as much as 30%, you can also use it to add a logo image as long as it doesn’t cover more than 30% or covers the corners. Other ways that you can use to let your QR codes stand out are by customizing the form and shape, using your own colors, and adding a gradient color.
All things considered, QRCode Monkey is a great choice if you’ll be running more than one marketing campaign at the same time as it also offers bulk creation and campaign folders features as well as scan statistics. This means that you can track your QR codes to gain a deeper understanding of how your codes are being used.
3. ZebraQR
Smaller bars or restaurants that want to create digital menus can check out ZebraQR. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many institutions to go as contactless as possible, more customers have grown used to the idea of using digital menus. Plus, this approach is also kinder to the environment. So, it’s truly a win-win.
In short, you can use it to create both your menu and QR code. There are eight different designs and unlimited color options which mean that you’ll be able to customize it to fit your branding. As you can also use it to make real-time changes and organize your items into categories, it’s overall very easy and straightforward to use if you need to make updates later.
While it’s not completely free like some of the other tools, it does have a decent Free plan. The main differences between its Free and paid plans are that you’ll get access to only some items in the menu and you’ll have to rely on community support instead of dedicated support.
4. free-qr-code
With free-qr-code, you can create customized QR codes in batches of 100 at a time. It works pretty much the same as similar free web tools. You start by selecting your QR code type, design your code, finalize any changes, and hit that download button.
One of its main advantages is that it offers bulk generation to make the process less time-consuming. So, if you know that you’ll need many QR codes at the same time, this is a good option to try.
It also offers a decent selection of customization options. You can, for example, use it to add your own business logo or change the color. Though, one con is that unlike some of other QR code generators discussed, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan if you want to get access to more customization options.
5. Visualead
Visualead is trusted by more than 500,000 businesses that include the likes of MasterCard, Unilever, BMW, and eBay. According to their website, their tool can help brands to get as much as 400% more scans and twice more leads and social engagements.
With the Free plan, you’ll be able to manage three active QR code campaigns and each QR code will be able to be scanned up to 500 times in total. You’ll also get access to visual QR codes, animations from its gallery, advanced QR code effects, and mobile landing pages. Though, to be able to remove Visualead’s ads and get access to dynamic QR codes editing and advanced scans analytics, you’ll need to sign up for one of its paid plans starting at $7.52 per month.
If you’re going to use your QR codes for print purposes, signing up for one of the paid plans can work out better in the long run. This way, you’ll be able to change what your QR code does after it has been printed. Considering that it costs less than $8 per month, it can make more financial sense as you’ll be saving on printing costs.
6. QR Stuff
When you land on QR Stuff’s website, you’re greeted by ample of white space which makes the process of creating a QR code much easier and more enjoyable. Without pointing fingers to any specific tools, we’ve found that too often free online tools neglect the user experience. With this tool, it’s not the case. After all, just because a function is free doesn’t mean that the web design should look outdated. And, while we’re on the topic of free, another huge advantage that deserves a shout-out is the fact that you can use it to create ad-free codes even with its Free plan.
Instead of having to click on endless buttons and scroll down chunks of text, it’s easy to see what you need to do next. You start by selecting a data type. From website URLs to events, the long list of different data types are neatly presented. As there’s no need to scroll up and down a drop-down menu, all the options are available at a glance.
It then gives you the option to select between an editable dynamic QR code or a static QR code. Not only do dynamic QR codes offer extra features like analytics, but they are also more reliable as the images are less dense.
The third and final step is to select the style. You’ll now be able to select the size and resolution, file type, level of error correction, dots, and corners. It will also give you the option to add an image or logo to your QR code.
7. QR Code Generator
With QR Code Generator, you may select from vCard, plain text, URL, Wi-Fi, email, SMS, Twitter, or Bitcoin. Not only is this list of data types rather limited, but the free QR codes are also not trackable or editable.
With regards to customization, it also doesn’t offer a lot. You can basically choose between a standard black-and-white design or one with more colors and different frames. For the ability to add your company icon or logo, you’ll need to sign up for its PRO plan.
Also, a word of warning is that its wording regarding pricing is not as clear. When they say that you can use it to create free QR codes, what they actually mean to say is that you can create a “free” account and try out the different features for free for 14 days. Nevertheless, if you have a one-time project that requires a QR code, this is still an option to consider.
8. QRTiger
According to their website, their customized QR codes have helped businesses to get as much as 30% more scans (though, this is not nearly as much as Visualead claims to achieve). Trusted by brands like KPMG, Marriott International, Samsung, and Universal, you can use the Free plan to create three active QR code campaigns.
If you opt for static QR codes, you’ll enjoy unlimited scans, while dynamic QR codes have a 100 scan limit. For the ability to remove the QRTiger logo popup and access the ability to track your scans, you need to sign up for one of its paid plans starting at $7 per year.
With regards to customization, you’ll need to get their custom QR code API. With it, you’ll be able to get custom QR code templates with a data tracking system, dynamic QR codes or QR codes in bulk. For brands working with CRM software, this can be an attractive option as it also lets them integrate the QR codes into their CRM.
9. TEC-IT
Based in Austria, TEC-IT has been creating software for barcoding, labeling, and printing for over 20 years. You can use it for raw data, URLs, phone numbers, SMS, Twitter, Wi-Fi, email, events, vCards, MeCards and SEPA payments. All you need to do is select the type of data, fill in the details, and download your QR code.
You can also download its free software, QR Code® Maker Freeware, for private projects of non-commercial use. This way the generated QR codes will be available as bitmap files or via the clipboard. It’s available for macOS, Linux and Microsoft Windows.
10. goQR.me
If we were to point fingers to tools that skimped on user experience, goQR.me would be a good textbook example. Though, it’s still free at the end of the day and, for that reason, deserves a mention.
What we don’t like about this tool is how the steps you need to complete are almost added as an afterthought. Instead, the website is text-heavy which just doesn’t allow for the most pleasant experience.
Also, unlike many of the offer tools that give you the ability to add your company’s logo free of charge, you need to send them your data and only then will they send you a quote which can be as much as $80. So, if customization is important to you, this is not the best pick.
Though, one unique feature is that you can use it to print your QR code on merchandise like a mug, bag, or T-shirt. If this is something that you might want to explore, this tool might interest you.
11. Beaconstac’s QR Code solution
Beaconstac offers a free option on its website that allows you to create a custom QR Code. The website also has informative material to help you get started. However, if you are evaluating it for a project/campaign and not one-time use, I’d encourage you to sign up for a free trial to experience its potential.
QR Codes created using this solution are flexible, which means it supports multiple languages and you can change the content linked to it as and when required (dynamic).
While the dashboard provides analytics about the QR Codes, its Google Analytics integration gives a sense of the users that scanned them. The solution has great reviews on G2 (4.9/5) and most reviews repeatedly talk about its ease-of-use and vigilant customer support.
12. Scanova
Comprehensive — that’s the first word that comes to mind upon visiting the Scanova website. The ease of navigation and use makes it a tool for everyone. But again, to download and use the code, you need to create a Scanova account.
To push things a little more from a comparison point of view, I tried creating a Geolocation QR code here as well, and it worked with pinpoint precision, accurately taking me to the location on the map.
However, Scanova does not allow creating a satisfactory mobile landing page. Apart from that, it works well.
It boils down to who your target audience is. For a one-off campaign, it may not matter much but for brands that strive for consistency, it may be a point of contention. Apart from that, it works well.
13. Shopify’s QR Code generator
Now, Shopify is a very diverse website and offers various solutions. While I’m a fan of many of their services, making a QR code is not one of them. It is relatively easy to create but static to a fault, only filling in the type of QR and point of redirection. The resulting QR code is sent to an email address filled in.
This is obviously not Shopify’s core product so if it’s a quick QR Code you’re trying to make, you can give it a go but don’t consider this if you’re looking to run QR Code campaigns.
14. QR Stuff
The website isn’t easy to navigate; apart from that, the QR codes can only be customized after signing up, and even the free QR code has a limit on the number of scans, i.e., 50. When I tried to switch to the dynamic QR, it failed to load. It looks like another one we can afford to skip.
15. ForQRCode
ForQRCode.com is the leading popular free QR Code Generator Tool to create your personal QR Code or business QR Code with quality as PNG and Vector (SVG, EPS, and PDF).
This Tool support input content such as Website, Location (Google Maps), E-mail, Text, Call, SMS, Whatsapp, Skype, Zoom, WI-FI, V-card, PayPal, and Bitcoin. ForQRCode.com with fully responsive design ready to look stunning on any device. You can not register and log in to make any QR code types with data input.
With tons of powerful customizations included like colors, design patterns, QR Code frame, and upload and insert your own logo to QR Code, and of course, it’s completely free. Enjoy it because it’s never limited!
16. QRzebra
QRzebra is one of the best and complete Free QR code generators I have tested, easy to use and you can really make some awesome custom designs that you can save as a template to reuse later. No need to sign up, really easy to use. On QRzebra you can also track data and make dynamic QR codes for more professional use. It’s great if you want to make a QR code with logo.
17. QRTiger
QRTiger is an option if you are looking for a solution to generate dynamic QR codes. QRTiger allows you to change the URL every time, as well as create codes with logos on the fly. QRTiger has been selected as one of the best and most complete QR code generators online to track data.
Making use of dynamic QR codes can help you easily track and edit any URL behind your QR codes. We also have a bulk QR code generator and QR code generator API for more professional needs. QR codes will become an important marketing tool for any business type as they are easy to use. It also allows you to churn QR codes that are customized and with different colors.
18. GOQR.me
Also free with an option for paid premium service, this generator allows you to “read” to text, URL, phone number, SMS, or vCard. Read on for an example of linking to a vCard, which allows people to save your contact information easily and immediately when “reading” the QR code.
19. Utterly
Utterly different from the other QR code generators on our list, QRickit only offers static codes. But they also provide a solution to dynamic tracking using additional services like bit.ly and Google analytics.
20. Delivr
Of all the QR code generator on this list, Delivr is one of the oldest and most established.
You might know them as one of the first link shorteners on the internet. Unlike most other code generators, you need to sign up first before you can even create a static code.
With Delivr, you can create QR codes with images behind them, like other generators on this list. But what Delivr also offers is Motion QR, a QR code with an animation behind it.
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CONCLUSION
If you want to make QR codes, you shouldn’t be afraid of it. QR codes play a big role in the adoption of contactless transactions and interactions.
Ensure that the QR Code generator you choose is suitable for your needs. If you have trouble defining your needs and aren’t sure how soon these campaigns will scale, use one of the twenty best QR Code generators that we listed.