How to Create a Custom QR Code Online (Free)

Why Customize Your QR Code?

Default black-and-white QR codes work, but they're forgettable. A custom QR code with your brand colors and logo stands out on business cards, flyers, packaging, and presentations. Studies show that branded QR codes get scanned up to 80% more than plain ones.

The good news: you can create beautiful custom QR codes for free with QRCodeGen.ai — no account, no watermarks, no limits.

Step-by-Step: Create a Custom QR Code

Step 1: Choose Your QR Code Type

Visit QRCodeGen.ai and select the type of QR code you need:

  • URL — Link to any website (most common)
  • WiFi — Let guests connect to your network by scanning
  • vCard — Share your contact information instantly
  • Email — Pre-fill an email with recipient, subject, and body
  • Phone — Dial a number with one scan
  • SMS — Pre-compose a text message
  • Text — Encode plain text
  • Step 2: Enter Your Content

    Fill in the fields for your chosen type. For a URL QR code, simply paste your website link. For WiFi, enter your network name, password, and security type.

    Tip: Keep URLs short. Shorter data = simpler QR code = easier scanning. Use URL shorteners for long links.

    Step 3: Customize Colors

    Click the color options to set:

  • Foreground color — The color of the QR code dots (default: black)
  • Background color — The background behind the dots (default: white)
  • Important: Maintain high contrast between foreground and background. Dark dots on a light background works best. Avoid low-contrast combinations like yellow on white — scanners may struggle.

    Step 4: Choose Dot and Eye Shapes

    QRCodeGen.ai offers multiple dot shapes:

  • Square — Classic, traditional look
  • Rounded — Modern, softer appearance
  • Dots — Circular dots for a unique style
  • Classy — Elegant, refined pattern
  • Classy Rounded — Combines elegance with softness
  • You can also customize the corner eye shapes (the three large squares in the corners).

    Step 5: Add Your Logo (Optional)

    Upload your company logo or any image to place in the center of the QR code. QRCodeGen.ai automatically sizes it to maintain scannability.

    Tips for logos:
  • • Use a simple, recognizable logo
  • • Square logos work best
  • • Keep the logo small — it shouldn't cover more than 30% of the QR code
  • • PNG with transparent background gives the cleanest look
  • Step 6: Preview and Test

    QRCodeGen.ai shows a real-time preview as you make changes. Always test your QR code before printing:

  • 1. Open your phone's camera
  • 2. Point it at the QR code on your screen
  • 3. Verify it links to the correct destination
  • Step 7: Download

    Choose your export format:

  • PNG — Best for digital use, social media, and general printing
  • SVG — Vector format, scales infinitely. Best for professional printing and large signage
  • WebP — Smaller file size for web use
  • Select your preferred resolution (up to 2048×2048 for PNG) and click Download.

    Best Practices for Custom QR Codes

    Do's

  • • ✅ Maintain high contrast (dark on light)
  • • ✅ Test before printing
  • • ✅ Use SVG for large-format printing
  • • ✅ Add a call-to-action near the QR code ("Scan for menu", "Scan to connect")
  • • ✅ Keep encoded data short
  • Don'ts

  • • ❌ Don't use light colors on light backgrounds
  • • ❌ Don't make QR codes too small (minimum 2cm × 2cm for print)
  • • ❌ Don't cover more than 30% with a logo
  • • ❌ Don't use QR codes for very long text (use URLs instead)
  • Why QRCodeGen.ai?

  • Free forever — No limits, no watermarks, no account
  • Private — 100% browser-based, your data never leaves your device
  • Fast — Real-time preview, instant generation
  • High quality — Up to 2048×2048 PNG and vector SVG export
  • Create your custom QR code now at QRCodeGen.ai.

    Ready to Create?

    Try QRCodeGen.ai's free QR code generator — 100% private, runs in your browser.

    Generate QR Code