How to Create a QR Code for Free — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What you will need

Nothing. QR Maker is completely free and you do not need to install anything. For static QR codes you do not even need an account — just open the website, fill in your content, and download. For dynamic QR codes (which you can edit later and track with analytics) you will need a free account, which takes about 30 seconds to create.

Step 1 — Open QR Maker and choose a type

Go to qr-maker.dev. The QR code generator is right on the homepage — you do not need to navigate anywhere. At the top of the generator you will see a row of QR code types: URL, Wi-Fi, vCard, Email, Phone, SMS, and more.

Choose the type that matches your goal:

• URL — sends people to any website or landing page
• Wi-Fi — lets people join your network by scanning, no password typing
• vCard — shares your contact details so people can save them instantly
• Email — opens a pre-addressed email on the scanner's phone
• WhatsApp — opens a WhatsApp chat with your number
• PDF — links directly to a PDF document URL
• Social — links to an Instagram, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn profile

Step 2 — Decide between static and dynamic

A static QR code encodes your content directly. Once you download it, it cannot be changed. It will work forever without any account. Use static codes for things that will never change.

A dynamic QR code uses a short redirect link managed by QR Maker. You can update the destination at any time, even after printing. Dynamic codes also unlock scan analytics. To create one, sign in to your free account first. Each account gets 5 dynamic QR codes for free.

Step 3 — Enter your content

Fill in the details for your chosen type. For a URL code, paste your link. For Wi-Fi, enter the network name (SSID), password, and security type. For a vCard, fill in your name, phone, email, and address fields.

Step 4 — Give it a name (optional)

If you are signed in, you can give your QR code a name so you can find it easily in your dashboard later. Something like "Homepage link" or "Office Wi-Fi" works well.

Step 5 — Customise the design

Click the Style tab to access design options. You can change:

• Dot style — square (classic), rounded, dots, or classy
• Corner style — square or rounded corner squares
• Colors — foreground and background colors, or a gradient
• Logo — upload your logo or icon to appear in the centre
• Frame — add a border with a call-to-action text like "Scan me"

Important: Always keep a strong contrast between the foreground and background. Dark dots on a light background is the most reliable combination. Avoid light-on-white or dark-on-dark.

Step 6 — Test scan before downloading

Before downloading, use the Scan Test tool or simply point your phone camera at the preview on screen. Make sure it scans correctly and takes you to the right destination. This takes five seconds and can save you from printing hundreds of unusable QR codes.

Step 7 — Download

Click the Download button and choose your format:

• PNG — best for digital use: websites, emails, presentations, social media
• SVG — best for printing: scales to any size without becoming blurry or pixelated

Step 8 — Track and edit (dynamic codes only)

If you created a dynamic QR code, open your dashboard from the menu. You will see all your dynamic codes listed with their scan counts. Click any code to see detailed analytics: total scans, unique scans, device types, countries, cities, and daily trends.

To update the destination, click Edit on any dynamic code. Change the URL and save. The printed QR code stays exactly the same — it just redirects to the new destination.