QR Code FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Quick Answer
Getting Started with QR Codes
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data such as URLs, text, or contact information. It can be scanned instantly using any smartphone camera. Learn more about QR codes →
How do QR codes work?
QR codes encode data into a grid of black and white squares. When scanned, your device reads the pattern and decodes it - typically opening a URL in your browser. Read the full technical guide →
Can I scan a QR code without an internet connection?
Scanning itself works offline since the camera just decodes a pattern locally. Whether the result needs a connection depends on the content: WiFi, vCard, and text codes open fully offline, but a URL code needs a connection once you open the link. Full scanning guide →
Can I make my own QR code for free?
Yes. Link2QR is a 100% free QR code generator with no signup required. Create unlimited QR codes for URLs, WiFi, vCards, and more - all processed directly in your browser. Create a free QR code now →
Creating QR Codes
How do I create a QR code for a URL/link?
Paste your URL into Link2QR, customize the design, and download your QR code as PNG or SVG. The entire process takes seconds. Step-by-step URL QR guide →
How do I create a QR code for WiFi?
Enter your network name, password, and encryption type into Link2QR's WiFi generator. Guests can scan to connect instantly. WiFi QR code generator →
How do I make a QR code for a PDF?
Upload your PDF to a hosting service, copy the public link, and paste it into Link2QR to generate a QR code that links directly to your PDF. Full PDF QR code guide →
How do I create a QR code for a business card?
Use Link2QR's vCard generator to encode your name, phone, email, and website. When scanned, contacts are saved directly to the phone. Business card QR guide →
How do I make a QR code for a Google Form?
Copy your Google Form's share link and paste it into Link2QR. Scanning the code takes users directly to your form. Google Form QR guide →
Can I create QR codes in bulk?
Yes. Link2QR's batch generator lets you create multiple QR codes at once by uploading a list of URLs. Each gets its own QR code, downloadable in a single ZIP file. Try the batch generator →
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QR Code Types & Features
Should I pick a static or a dynamic QR code?
Pick static if you're happy with the destination once it's set - free forever, no third-party dependency. Pick dynamic only if you genuinely need to change the destination after printing. Static vs dynamic comparison →
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes never expire - they work as long as the destination URL is live. Dynamic QR codes may expire if the redirect service shuts down or your subscription lapses. Learn about QR code expiration →
Can I edit a QR code after printing?
Static QR codes cannot be edited after creation because the data is encoded directly in the pattern. Dynamic QR codes can be updated via their redirect URL, but this adds a dependency on a third-party service. Understand static vs dynamic →
Will adding a logo make my QR code less reliable?
It can, unless you raise error correction to H. Link2QR warns you if a logo is added while error correction is set below H. Switch to H in Customize, keep the logo within roughly 20% of the code area, and test-scan before printing at scale.
Can I track QR code scans?
Link2QR is privacy-first and does not include built-in tracking or analytics. QR codes link directly to your destination. If you need scan analytics, consider using a URL shortener with tracking before generating your QR code.
Printing & Sizing
What size should my QR code be?
The minimum recommended size is 2 × 2 cm for close-range scanning. For posters and signage, scale up proportionally based on the expected scanning distance. Full sizing guide →
How do I print a QR code?
Download your QR code from Link2QR as a PNG for standard use or SVG for scalable, high-resolution printing. Insert the image into your design tool or print document. SVG is recommended for any print material.
What resolution do I need for printing?
For the best print quality, download as SVG - it scales to any size without losing quality. If using PNG, generate at the largest size available and ensure at least 300 DPI at your target print dimensions.
Security & Safety
Are QR codes safe to scan?
QR codes themselves are safe - they are simply encoded data. However, they can link to malicious websites, so always check the URL preview before visiting. QR code safety guide →
Is a QR code itself dangerous to scan?
No - a QR code is just encoded text, the same as typing a URL by hand. It can't run code or infect your device on its own. The only risk is where that text points, so treat an unfamiliar QR code the way you'd treat an unfamiliar link.
How do I check if a QR code is safe?
Use Link2QR's free QR code scanner to decode any QR code and reveal the destination URL before visiting it. Try the QR code scanner →
Is my data private when creating a QR code?
Yes. Link2QR processes everything directly in your browser - no data is sent to any server. Your URLs, WiFi credentials, and contact information never leave your device.
Sources
- ISO/IEC 18004:2024, QR code bar code symbology specification, ISO, 2024
- Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information, Federal Trade Commission, 2023