From ticketing and tracking to sharing and networking, QR codes have many use cases. But did you know that you can actually turn any link on the Internet into a QR code using a QR code generator? This guide discusses the best options if you are searching for a free QR code generator app.
Tip: it’s possible to scan a QR code using your Windows PC. Read on to learn more.
Content
- 1. The QR Code Generator
- 2. QR-Code Monkey
- 3. QR-Code Generator
- 4. QR Stuff
- 5. QRTiger
- 6. ForQRCode
- 7. ZebraQR
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. The QR Code Generator
The QR Code Generator creates instantly downloadable static and dynamic QR codes. While you can create a static QR code without logging in, you have to create an account to generate dynamic codes. The Customize Design option allows you to personalize your codes with different colors and styles. If you log in to create a dynamic QR code, you can also add a logo to your code. The service has a Free Text feature to share text via QR code. You can also share Virtual Contact Files via QR code, thanks to its vCards.
Pros
- Creates QR codes in the blink of an eye
- Unlimited QR codes and scans
- Shows real-time stats for scanned codes via Statistics tool
Cons
- Every scan has an ad
- Limited customization options
2. QR-Code Monkey
QRCode Monkey can generate QR codes for various sources, including URLs, text, Facebook posts, tweets, YouTube videos, crypto payments, and more. Its codes can be scanned unlimited times, even if you’re using it for commercial purposes. The service also allows you to make high-resolution prints of the QR codes generated through QRCode Monkey. You can add custom designs, colors, and images to your QR codes to give them a personalized touch and keep them consistent with your brand. But on the downside, you won’t find a free tool to create dynamic codes here, yet QRCode Monkey’s static QR code maker is free.
Pros
- Codes can be personalized
- Supports multiple vector platforms, including PDF, SVG, and EPS
- Provides detailed scan statistics
Cons
- Requires a paid subscription for QR-Code Generator to use dynamic codes
Tip: have you received an image containing a QR code? Learn how to scan it on your mobile.
3. QR-Code Generator
Generating QR codes on QR-Code Generator only takes seconds. It supports various formats, such as PNG, PDF, JPG, SVG, and EPS, to create and download QR codes for multiple platforms. You can customize your code to complement your branding by adding a frame or changing its shape and color. A drawback of QR-Code Generator is that you must subscribe to its Pro plan to add your company’s icon or logo. While the Pro plan can be convenient for professional use, auto-renewing subscriptions, infrequent upgrades, and subpar support are some of its major issues. It offers a free trial with access to advanced features, like adding a logo to your QR code. You can also display PDF files, alter code layouts, encode multiple URLs into a single code, and monitor different statistics.
Pros
- Straightforward and clean UI
- Allows QR code customization
- Lets you track the code’s performance
- Offers 14-day free trial
Cons
- Dynamic codes aren’t free
Tip: Do you know you can also
use Canva to create a QR code?
4. QR Stuff
QR Stuff has made it quick and effortless to generate enterprise-grade QR codes at scale. Unlike most other websites on this list, this one allows you to create dynamic QR codes for free. A major benefit of QR Stuff is that you can create ad-free codes even with its free plan, making it perfect for startups with a limited marketing budget. Plus, you can use this website for business purposes without registering or creating an account. With QR Stuff’s paid version, you can access unlimited dynamic QR codes at a reasonable price, allowing you to create and test customized QR code campaigns, track analytics, and create bulk codes for your business.
Pros
- Free QR codes are ad-free
- Affordable paid plan that includes access to full design capabilities and tracking spreadsheets
Cons
- Free version only supports PNG and JPG formats
- The number of scans is limited to 50 with the free version
Tip: seeing the “Your IP has been temporarily blocked” error on your PC? We can help you take care of it.
5. QRTiger
With QRTiger, you can create custom QR codes that can link to anything you want. You can enjoy a wide range of features with QRTiger and can even track how many people scan your code and when they scan it. Despite being free, neither static nor dynamic QR codes contain ads. In fact, the free version lets you access an unlimited number of static QR codes for three running QR code campaigns, although there is a 100-scan limit for dynamic codes. While QRTiger has an excellent free plan, the paid plan lets you track your scans, get personalized QR code templates, incorporate QR codes into your CRM, and more.
Pros
- Offers a variety of templates
- Both static and dynamic QR codes are free
- No ads in the free plan
Cons
- The accuracy of tracking data can be off sometimes
6. ForQRCode
ForQRCode generates a unique QR code in seconds. You can make the code consistent with your branding by customizing its color, design, logo, and frame. After creating your QR code, you can download it in PNG, SVG, or JPG format. You can print your generated code directly from the website, and it’s also possible to create free QR codes for various sources, such as websites, digital map locations, Zoom meetings, PayPal payment gateways, email addresses, and more. On top of that, generating a static, dynamic, or customized QR code is super easy, thanks to its well-organized user interface and clean web design.
Pros
- Provides high-resolution image export for printing
- No need to log in to download free codes
Cons
- No built-in QR code tracking or analytics features
7. ZebraQR
ZebraQR is a user-friendly platform to generate high-quality QR codes for digital menus and social media profiles. With its free plan, you can generate QR codes for menus with up to 30 items. Moreover, you can alter your QR codes to match your branding with unlimited color options and eight different designs. ZebraQR has an affordable Starter plan that allows you to add unlimited items to your menu and receive up to 300 orders a month through the QR code. One drawback of ZebraQR is that you must log in by sharing your email address and phone number, even for the free plan.
Pros
- Offers a menu creation tool to organize menu items into categories and make real-time changes
- Unlimited scans on the free plan
Cons
- Suitable only for businesses like small bars and eateries
- The free plan puts restrictions on the number of menu items
Good to know: want to make your own choices when browsing? Learn how to stop Windows links from opening Edge and Bing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use a QR code?
Using a QR code is generally considered safe as long as the code is scanned from a trustworthy source and leads to a secure website. However, you must be cautious and avoid scanning codes from untrusted sources, as they may lead to phishing sites or other malicious content.
What is the difference between dynamic and static QR codes?
Dynamic QR codes can be edited easily, while static QR codes cannot be changed once they are created and printed. If a link is broken, you have to reprint a static QR code, but you can edit the text and reuse the dynamic code as often as you would like.
Can errors occur in a QR code?
Of course. You can always run into an error if the QR codes are not created properly for various reasons, some of which are connected to file complexity. While QR codes can resist errors to a great extent due to their design, you can also use the error correction feature. Through error correction, QR codes can absorb up to 30 percent of structural damage and still work.
Image credit: Iconsout. All screenshots by Ojash Yadav.
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Ojash Yadav
Ojash has been writing about tech back since Symbian-based Nokia was the closest thing to a smartphone. He spends most of his time writing, researching, or ranting about Bitcoin. Ojash also contributes to other popular sites like MakeUseOf, SlashGear, and MacBookJournal.
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