Text to QR Code — Convert Any Text to QR Code Free
Turn any text into a scannable QR code in seconds — no signup, no cost, no limits. Enter plain text, a URL, a phone number, WiFi credentials, or an email address and download your QR code as PNG or SVG instantly.
Enter text above to generate a QR code
How to Convert Text to QR Code
- Type or paste your text into the input field above. You can enter plain text, a URL, a phone number, an email address, or any other string.
- Choose your settings. Adjust the size, error correction level, and colors to match your use case. Higher error correction makes the code more resilient to damage but also more complex.
- Preview the QR code. The QR code updates in real time as you type. Make sure it looks clean and the modules are clearly defined.
- Test the scan. Point your phone camera at the screen to verify the QR code decodes correctly before downloading.
- Download. Click the PNG button for a raster image or SVG for a resolution-independent vector file. Both formats are free to use with no watermark.
What Text Can You Put in a QR Code?
QR codes support a wide variety of text content. Here is what you can encode and the practical limits to keep in mind:
- Plain text: Up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters at error correction level L. Ideal for short messages, instructions, or descriptions.
- URLs: Any web address. When scanned, the device opens the link directly in the browser. Keep URLs short with a URL shortener for a simpler QR pattern.
- WiFi credentials: Use the format
WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;to let users connect to WiFi by scanning. - Phone numbers: Use
tel:+15551234567to open the phone dialer with the number pre-filled. - SMS messages: Use
sms:+15551234567:Your messageto open the messaging app with a number and body pre-filled. - Email addresses: Use
mailto:user@example.comto open the mail app with the address pre-filled.
Character limits by error correction level: Level L stores the most data (up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters) but is least tolerant of damage. Level H stores the least data (around 1,852 alphanumeric characters) but can recover from up to 30% of the code being obscured. For printed labels that may get dirty or worn, use level Q or H.
Text QR Code Use Cases
Plain-text QR codes are surprisingly versatile. Here are some popular applications:
- Secret messages and scavenger hunts: Hide a message in a QR code and post it somewhere fun. Recipients scan to reveal the text — perfect for events, escape rooms, or treasure hunts.
- Product instructions and care labels: Encode assembly instructions, usage tips, or ingredient lists in a QR code printed on packaging. Customers scan to read full details without crowding the label.
- Emergency contact information: Print a QR code on a medical alert bracelet or pet tag encoding the name, condition, and emergency contact number of the person or animal.
- WiFi passwords in hotels and cafes: Instead of writing the WiFi password on a chalkboard, provide a QR code that connects guests automatically. Use the WIFI: URI scheme described above.
- Business cards: Add a QR code to your business card encoding your vCard contact details or LinkedIn URL so recipients can save your contact in one tap.
- Classroom and museum exhibits: Link physical objects to digital content — reading lists, audio guides, videos, or supplementary materials — without requiring visitors to type a long URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum text length for a QR code?▾
A QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes of binary data at the lowest error correction level (L). At the highest error correction level (H), the limit drops to approximately 1,852 alphanumeric characters. In practice, shorter text produces a simpler QR code that is easier to scan reliably. For best results, keep your text under 500 characters.
Can I put any language or emoji in a QR code?▾
Yes. QR codes support Unicode, so you can encode text in any language — including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, and more — as well as emoji. The QR code will encode the UTF-8 bytes of your text. Any modern QR scanner app will decode the full Unicode string correctly.
Do text QR codes expire?▾
No. Static QR codes — including the ones generated here — never expire. The data is permanently encoded in the pattern of the QR code image itself. There is no server involved, so there is no subscription to maintain and no risk of a service going offline. Your QR code will work as long as the printed or displayed image remains legible.
Can I encode a phone number or email in a QR code?▾
Yes. To encode a phone number that opens the dialer when scanned, use the format tel:+15551234567. To encode an email address that opens the mail app, use mailto:user@example.com. To pre-fill a subject and body, use mailto:user@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Message. These are standard URI schemes recognised by all QR scanner apps.
How do I scan a text QR code?▾
On iPhone (iOS 11 and later), open the built-in Camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears. On Android, open Google Lens or the Camera app — most Android devices support native QR scanning. You can also download a dedicated QR scanner app from the App Store or Google Play. The scanned text will appear immediately on screen.
Can I change the colors of my text QR code?▾
Yes. The QR generator above lets you set custom dark and light colors for your QR code. You can match your brand colors or create a high-contrast design. The only requirement is sufficient contrast between the foreground (dark) and background (light) modules — low contrast makes the code harder for scanners to read. Stick to a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for reliable scanning.