Documentation
Follow this comprehensive guide to generate a QR code with the QR Forge generator form. Whether you're creating codes for marketing, inventory management, event ticketing, or personal use, this documentation will walk you through every step and feature available.
Create a QR code in minutes
- Choose a data type from the dropdown (Link / URL, Text, vCard, or WiFi). Switching types resets the fields so you only fill what is needed. Each data type has different requirements and produces different results when scanned. Think about your use case before selecting—are you directing people to a website, sharing contact information, or providing network access?
- Fill the visible fields for your chosen type:
- Link / URL: Add a valid link (e.g., https://example.com). The URL must be properly formatted with the protocol (https:// or http://) to work correctly. This is perfect for marketing campaigns, social media sharing, or directing people to landing pages.
- Text: Paste any text content. This can be up to several hundred characters depending on the error correction level. Text codes are useful for sharing addresses, phone numbers, or any information that doesn't require a clickable link.
- vCard: Add first name (required) plus optional last name, email, phone, and organization. vCards are digital business cards that automatically populate contacts when scanned. They're perfect for networking events, business cards, and professional settings.
- WiFi: Enter SSID (the network name), password, and pick encryption type (WPA/WPA2, WEP, WPA3, or Open). WiFi codes are incredibly convenient for events, offices, or any location where you want guests to easily connect to your network without typing complex passwords.
- Adjust styling: set QR Color, Background Color, and Size (100–1000 px). The styling options let you match your brand colors and ensure the code fits your design needs. Remember that contrast is critical for reliable scanning.
- Click Generate QR Code. The preview updates instantly when the form is valid. You'll see a real-time preview of your QR code so you can verify it looks correct before downloading. If validation errors appear (shown in red), fix them before generating.
- Use Download to save the generated PNG. Keep the page open if you want to regenerate with new settings. The PNG format works with all modern applications and printing equipment. If you need to regenerate the same code with minor changes, you don't need to re-enter all data.
What each value means
- Link / URL: The full web address that scanners will open. Must include the protocol (http:// or https://). URLs are the most common QR code type and work universally across all devices and applications.
- Text: Free-form text that displays directly when scanned without requiring clicking a link. Useful for sharing information that doesn't need to be a URL. Can include special characters, line breaks, and Unicode characters.
- vCard: Contact information that creates a digital business card. When scanned, devices typically offer to save the contact directly. Required: First Name. Optional: Last Name, Email (valid email address format), Phone (digits and + symbols only), Organization. This format is widely supported by modern smartphones and contact management apps.
- WiFi: Network join card that allows devices to connect to WiFi networks automatically. One of the most practical QR code uses, especially for events and public locations.
- SSID: Your WiFi network name as shown in device WiFi lists. This is case-sensitive and must match exactly. The SSID can be up to 32 characters long.
- Password: The WiFi password (leave blank only if using Open encryption). Passwords are case-sensitive and must match your router's configuration. Consider using strong passwords for security.
- Encryption: Security type to match your router configuration. This is critical for the QR code to work correctly:
- WPA/WPA2: Most common and recommended for home and office networks. This is the standard for modern routers and provides good security.
- WPA3 (SAE): Newest encryption standard, more secure than WPA2. Pick this if your router supports it. Increasingly common on modern routers.
- WEP: Legacy encryption that is outdated and less secure. Only use if your router still uses WEP, though we recommend upgrading to newer encryption.
- Open (No Password): No password required or encryption. Use only on guest networks or public WiFi where no security is needed.
- QR Color: Foreground color of the QR modules (the dark squares). Dark colors work best for scanning reliability. Black is the default and most reliable choice.
- Background Color: Canvas behind the QR code; keep high contrast versus QR Color for reliable scanning. White is the default and most reliable choice. Avoid colors that are too similar in brightness.
- Size: Output image dimension in pixels (100–1000 pixels). Larger codes are better for print or when encoding dense data like vCards or WiFi credentials. Minimum 1 inch (96 pixels at 96 DPI) is recommended for print.
Tips for reliable scans
- Keep strong contrast between QR Color and Background Color for easy scanning. Aim for at least a 50% difference in brightness values.
- Use larger sizes when printing or when adding a lot of data (vCard or WiFi codes require more modules). Minimum 2cm x 2cm (1 inch) is recommended for print.
- Validate inputs shown in red—required fields must be filled before generating. Pay attention to error messages that indicate what needs to be corrected.
- Test the QR code with a phone camera before sharing widely. Use multiple devices to verify scanning works consistently across different phone models and operating systems.
- Avoid placing logos or images over critical areas of the QR code. If you must add a logo, keep it small and centered, covering no more than 10% of the code.
- Ensure there is a quiet zone (white space) around the QR code. Most QR codes need at least 4 modules of white space on all sides to scan reliably.
- For digital display, ensure good lighting and reduce glare. For print, use high-quality printing equipment and avoid thin lines or small text near the code.
Advanced Best Practices
- Short URLs are better: Use URL shorteners for long URLs to reduce QR code complexity and improve scannability.
- Monitor your codes: If using tracking-enabled URLs, monitor scans and gather analytics about code performance.
- Test across devices: QR codes should work on iOS, Android, and even older devices. Always test thoroughly before deployment.
- Consider error correction: Different error correction levels allow the code to be scanned even if partially damaged. Higher levels are good for outdoor use.
- Use consistent branding: Match QR code colors to your brand when appropriate, but always prioritize scannability over aesthetics.