QR codes are everywhere — on restaurant tables, product packaging, business cards, event posters. They give people instant access to a link, contact, or WiFi network with a single scan. And creating one takes about 10 seconds.
In this guide, you'll learn how to create a QR code for any purpose, customize it to match your brand, and download it in the right format for print or digital use.
What Is a QR Code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information — a URL, text, phone number, or other data. Any modern smartphone can read it using the built-in camera. No special app needed.
QR codes come in two types:
- Static — data is encoded directly in the QR image. Once created, it can't be changed.
- Dynamic — the QR points to a short redirect link. You can change the destination URL anytime and track how many people scan it.
If you're not sure which one you need, check out our guide on Static vs Dynamic QR Codes.
Step 1: Choose Your QR Code Type
Before generating a QR code, decide what kind of content you want to encode:
- URL — link to a website, landing page, menu, or any web address
- vCard — a digital contact card that saves directly to the phone's address book
- WiFi — lets people connect to your network without typing a password
- Email — opens a pre-filled email draft
- Phone — triggers a phone call
- SMS — opens a pre-filled text message
- Plain Text — displays any text on screen
The most common type is URL — it covers most use cases. But if you're making QR codes for business cards, go with vCard. For cafes and hotels, WiFi is a great option.
Step 2: Enter Your Content
Head to qree.app and select the QR code type at the top of the generator.
For a URL code, simply paste your link. If you enter a URL without https://, it will be added automatically.
For a vCard, fill in the contact fields: name, phone, email, company, job title, and website. Only the name is required — skip anything you don't need.
For WiFi, enter your network name (SSID), password, and select the encryption type (WPA/WPA2 is the most common).
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code
A default black-and-white QR code works fine, but customization makes it recognizable and on-brand.
You can adjust:
- QR color and background color — match your brand palette
- Dot style — square, rounded, dots, or more artistic options
- Corner style — change the look of the three large squares in the corners
- Frame with text — add a call-to-action like "Scan Me" or "Visit Us" around the QR
One important rule: keep high contrast between the QR code and the background. Dark QR on a light background works best. Avoid light-on-light or dark-on-dark — some cameras won't read it.
Step 4: Download Your QR Code
Choose the right format depending on where you'll use it:
- PNG — good for screens, social media, emails, and small print (stickers, business cards)
- SVG — vector format, scales to any size without losing quality. Best for large print: posters, banners, packaging
- PDF — ready to send to a print shop
If you're printing the QR code, always test it first. Print a sample, scan it with your phone, and make sure it works before ordering 1,000 flyers.
Step 5: Track Scans (Optional)
If you created a dynamic QR code, you can track every scan in your dashboard:
- Total scans and scans over time
- Geography — which countries and cities
- Devices — iOS, Android, or desktop
- Time — when people scan most often
This is useful for measuring campaigns. Put a QR on a flyer, and you'll know exactly how many people engaged with it — something you can't do with a static printed URL.
To use dynamic QR codes and analytics, sign up for a free account.
Tips for Using QR Codes
Size matters. The minimum scannable size is about 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 inches). For posters viewed from a distance, go bigger. A good rule of thumb: the QR should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance.
Test before printing. Always scan your QR code with at least two different phones before committing to print.
Add context. Don't just put a QR code on a surface without explanation. Add a short label: "Scan for menu", "Scan to connect to WiFi", "Scan to save contact". People need a reason to scan.
Don't put QR codes on screens people are already using. A QR code in a mobile app or on a website is usually pointless — the user is already on their device. QR codes work best as a bridge from the physical world to the digital one.
Start Creating
Head to qree.app and create your first QR code. No sign-up required for static codes. It takes seconds, it's free, and you can customize it however you want.
For dynamic QR codes with scan tracking, create a free account and unlock full analytics.