QR Code Generator

What Are QR Codes and How Do They Work?

QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional matrix barcodes that were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, to track automotive parts during manufacturing. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that store data in a single row of lines, QR codes store information in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to hold significantly more data in a smaller space.

How QR Codes Store Information

A QR code consists of black modules (squares) arranged on a white background in a square grid pattern. The data is encoded using a specific arrangement of these modules. Key structural elements include:

• Finder patterns: The three large squares in the corners help scanners locate and orient the code, regardless of the angle at which it is scanned
• Alignment patterns: Smaller squares that help correct distortion when the code is printed on a curved surface or scanned at an angle
• Timing patterns: Alternating black and white modules that help the scanner determine the size of the data grid
• Data and error correction: The remaining modules encode the actual data along with error correction information

QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, the more data encoded, the more complex (and larger) the code becomes, which is why keeping encoded content concise -- such as using short URLs -- improves scan reliability.

How Scanning Works

Modern smartphones have built-in QR code scanning capability through their default camera apps (both iOS and Android). When you point your camera at a QR code, the software identifies the finder patterns, determines the code's size and orientation, reads the data grid, applies error correction, and decodes the content. The entire process takes less than a second. No special app is required on smartphones manufactured after 2018.

Types of QR Codes: Static vs Dynamic

Understanding the difference between static and dynamic QR codes helps you choose the right approach for your needs.

Static QR Codes (What This Generator Creates)

Static QR codes encode data directly into the code pattern. The data is permanent and cannot be changed after creation. Our generator produces static QR codes, which have these advantages:

• Never expire -- they work indefinitely as long as the encoded content (e.g., a URL) remains valid
• No tracking or third-party servers -- the code links directly to the content
• Work offline -- text and contact information codes work without internet
• Completely free -- no subscription or ongoing costs

Dynamic QR Codes (Not Generated Here)

Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL that points to a tracking server. The destination can be changed later without reprinting the code. These are typically offered by paid QR code services and are used by businesses that need to update destinations, track scan analytics (location, time, device), or A/B test different landing pages. The trade-off is that they stop working if the provider's servers go down or if the subscription lapses.

Choosing the Right QR Code Content Type

Our generator supports seven content types, each formatted to trigger specific actions on the scanning device:

• URL: Opens a website in the device's browser. The most common QR code type, ideal for marketing, product information, and digital-to-physical linking
• Text: Displays plain text on the scanner's screen. Useful for product serial numbers, short messages, or reference codes
• Email: Opens the email app with a pre-filled recipient address. Add a subject line and body text for one-tap email composition
• Phone: Initiates a phone call to the encoded number. Perfect for business cards, customer service signage, or emergency contact information
• SMS: Opens the messaging app with a pre-filled phone number. Useful for text-to-join campaigns or quick-contact scenarios
• WiFi: Automatically connects the scanning device to a WiFi network using the encoded SSID, password, and security type. Eliminates the need to share or type complex passwords
• vCard: Adds a contact with full name, phone, email, and company details directly to the device's address book. Widely used on business cards and conference badges

Business Uses for QR Codes in the UK

QR code adoption in the UK accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained high. Here is how businesses across the UK are using QR codes effectively in 2025 and beyond.

Hospitality: Restaurants, Pubs, and Cafes

Digital menus accessed via QR codes became standard during the pandemic and many establishments have retained them. Benefits include instant menu updates (no reprinting costs when prices or dishes change), the ability to include detailed allergen information and nutritional data, multilingual options for tourist areas, and reduced printing costs. Place QR codes on table tents, at the bar, and near entrances for maximum accessibility.

Retail and Product Packaging

UK retailers use QR codes on product packaging to link to instruction manuals, warranty registration, video tutorials, recipe ideas (for food products), and sustainability information. Since October 2021, Great Britain has had separate product marking requirements from the EU, and QR codes provide a space-efficient way to deliver required product information without cluttering packaging with dense text.

Contactless Payments

While contactless card payments dominate in the UK, QR code payments are growing through services like PayPal QR codes, bank app QR payments, and international payment systems used by tourists. Small market stall traders and sole traders find QR code payments convenient as they require no card terminal hardware.

Events and Ticketing

UK venues, festivals, cinemas, and transport operators widely use QR code tickets. Advantages include faster entry processing, reduced fraud (each code is unique), paperless ticketing (better for the environment), and the ability to embed additional event information. Platforms such as Eventbrite, Ticketmaster, and National Rail all issue QR code tickets as standard.

Marketing and Advertising

Print advertising, billboards, business cards, brochures, and direct mail all benefit from QR codes that bridge the physical-digital gap. Best practices include placing the QR code where it is easily scannable (not too high on a billboard, not too small on a flyer), including a clear call-to-action explaining what scanning the code will do, and ensuring the destination page is mobile-optimised since nearly all QR scans occur on smartphones.

Best Practices for QR Code Design

Creating a QR code that scans reliably every time requires attention to a few key design principles:

Size and Placement

The minimum recommended print size is 2cm x 2cm for close-range scanning (business cards, menus). For posters and signage scanned from further away, use the 1:10 ratio rule -- the QR code should be at least 1/10th of the expected scanning distance. For example, a code on a poster viewed from 1 metre away should be at least 10cm x 10cm.

Contrast and Colour

Always use high contrast between the code modules and the background. The standard black-on-white combination provides the best scan reliability. If you need to use brand colours, ensure the code modules are always darker than the background and maintain at least a 40% brightness difference. Never invert the colours (light modules on a dark background) as many older scanners cannot read inverted codes.

Quiet Zone

The "quiet zone" is the white space surrounding the QR code. This border is essential for scanners to detect where the code begins and ends. Maintain a quiet zone of at least 4 module widths on all sides. Our generator includes this automatically in the downloaded image.

Testing Before Publishing

Always test your QR code before printing or distributing it. Scan with at least two different devices (one iOS, one Android) and verify that the correct content appears. Test the destination URL to ensure it loads correctly on mobile devices. If the code will be printed, do a test print and scan from the expected viewing distance.

QR Code Scanning Statistics

According to recent UK consumer surveys, approximately 45% of smartphone users in the UK have scanned a QR code in the past month. Usage is highest in the 25-44 age group, but adoption among over-55s has grown significantly since 2020. The most common scanning contexts are restaurant menus (31%), product information (24%), payments (18%), and event tickets (15%). These figures demonstrate that QR codes have moved firmly into the mainstream and are a reliable communication channel for reaching UK consumers.