5/10/2026 · 5 min read
How to Make a QR Code (Free, Step by Step)
Making a QR code takes less than a minute and costs nothing. Here's exactly how to create one, customize it, and decide whether you need a static or a dynamic code.
What you need
All you need is a free QR code generator and the content you want the code to link to — a web address, your WiFi password, your contact details, or any of around twenty supported types.
You don't need to install anything. A good web generator lets you create and download a QR code directly in your browser.
Static vs dynamic — choose before you print
A static QR code stores the content directly and never changes. It's free, permanent, and perfect for things that won't change, like a WiFi password.
A dynamic QR code stores a short link you control, so you can change the destination later and see scan analytics. Choose dynamic if you're printing something you can't easily reprint, or if you want to measure performance.
Design tips so it actually scans
Keep strong contrast between the pattern and background, leave a quiet margin around the code, and if you add a logo, raise the error-correction level to High so it still scans. Always test with two or three phones before printing at scale.
Step by step
- 1
Open a QR code generator
Go to a free generator like QR Geni's — no sign-up needed to create and download.
- 2
Choose the type
Pick what the code should do: link to a URL, share WiFi, save a contact, open WhatsApp, and so on.
- 3
Enter your content
Type the link or details. Toggle 'Dynamic' if you want to edit it later or track scans.
- 4
Customize the design
Set colors, dot shapes, add your logo, and optionally a 'Scan me' frame.
- 5
Download and test
Export as PNG or SVG, then scan it with a couple of phones before you use it.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I make a QR code for free?
- Use a free generator like QR Geni: choose a type, enter your content, customize the look, and download a PNG or SVG — no payment or sign-up required to create static codes.
- What's the best app to make a QR code?
- A web-based generator is usually best because you can create, brand, and download codes from any device without installing anything. QR Geni works entirely in the browser.
- Do QR codes expire?
- Static QR codes never expire. Dynamic QR codes keep working as long as your account with the provider is active.
- Can I make a QR code with my logo?
- Yes — upload your logo and place it in the center. Set error correction to High so the code still scans reliably.
- How do I track how many people scan it?
- Create a dynamic QR code, which records each scan with device, OS, browser, and country in an analytics dashboard.
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