How to Make a QR Code

5 min read · Updated September 26, 2026 · by the SolveCalcPro editorial team

A QR code is just text — a link, a Wi-Fi login, a note — printed as a pattern a phone camera can read. Making one takes seconds, but making one that scans reliably when printed takes a little care. This guide covers what to encode, how to choose settings and how to test.

Step 1: decide what the code should contain

Website link: keep it short; a long address with tracking parameters makes a dense, harder-to-scan code.
Wi-Fi: the code holds the network name, password and security type so guests can join without typing.
Plain text or email: for notes, codes or a contact address.

Step 2: choose error correction

Level	Recovers up to	Use for
L	7%	Clean screens
M	15%	General use
Q	25%	Print
H	30%	Stickers, outdoor, logos

Higher correction adds redundancy, so the pattern becomes denser. Choose the lowest level that survives your use.

Step 3: generate and download

Use the QR code generator: enter your content, pick the level and download a PNG for documents or an SVG for print. The code is built in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

Step 4: size, contrast and testing

Keep dark modules on a light background with a blank border of at least four modules.
Scanning distance is roughly ten times the code’s width: 2 cm scans from about 20 cm.
Test with at least two different phones before printing a batch.

Frequently asked questions

Do QR codes expire?

Static codes like these never expire, because the content is in the pattern itself. A code that links to a web page works as long as that page does.

Is it safe to put a Wi-Fi password in a QR code?

It is convenient, but anyone who can scan it can read the password. Use it where that is acceptable, such as a guest network.

Why will my QR code not scan?

Common causes are low contrast, too small a print size, too much data or a missing blank border. Make it larger, shorten the link or raise error correction.

PNG or SVG?

PNG for screens and documents; SVG for print because it stays sharp at any size.