How to Make a QR Code?
2026 latest complete QR code tutorial. From zero, use the free tool QRCode.wang to generate 7 types: text, URL, WiFi, vCard, email, phone, SMS, location. Includes Logo embedding, color customization, error correction, download format comparison. Beginner-friendly, 3 minutes to master.
Preparation
Making a QR code requires no specialized software or coding knowledge. You only need:
- A device with a modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox)
- Content to encode (text, URL, WiFi info, or contact info)
- Access to QRCode.wang (free, no registration)
Why QRCode.wang? Pure browser-side processing, no server uploads, no ads or tracking—suitable for generating QR codes with sensitive info like WiFi passwords or personal contacts.
Basic 4-step generation
Regardless of type, the core flow is these four steps:
Open the tool
Visit qrcode.wang in your browser. The "Generate QR Code" tab is active by default.
Select type
Click one of the 8 type buttons at the top (Text/URL, WiFi, vCard, Email, Phone, SMS, Location). The selected button highlights.
Enter content
Fill in the corresponding fields in the left form. The right preview generates in real time (180ms debounce to avoid lag).
Download or copy
Click a download button (PNG / SVG / JPG) below, or click "Copy to clipboard" to paste directly into chat apps or documents.
7 types explained
1. Text/URL QR code
The most versatile type. Encodes any text or URL. After scanning, text displays on screen; URLs auto-prompt to open in browser.
Input: https://qrcode.wang
Scan behavior: browser opens the URLUse the full URL with https:// for correct redirection. For long URLs, shorten first with services like bit.ly.
2. WiFi QR code
Encodes SSID, password, and encryption type. Scanning connects to WiFi directly without entering a password. See WiFi QR page.
Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;;
Scan behavior: prompt to connect WiFiiOS 11+ and Android 10+ natively support. Use the system camera, not WeChat.
3. vCard QR code
Encodes name, phone, email, organization, title into a QR code; scanning saves contact to phonebook in one click. See vCard QR page.
Format: BEGIN:VCARD\nVERSION:3.0\n...
Scan behavior: opens new-contact form4. Email QR code
Encodes a mailto: link. Scanning opens the mail composer with recipient, subject, body pre-filled.
Format: mailto:a@b.com?subject=Subject&body=Body5. Phone QR code
Encodes a tel: link. Scanning opens the dialer directly. Ideal for customer service hotlines.
Format: tel:+155512345676. SMS QR code
Encodes an SMSTO: link. Scanning opens the SMS app with number and message pre-filled.
Format: SMSTO:number:message7. Location QR code
Encodes a geo: link. Scanning opens the coordinates in the maps app. Supports "Use current location" auto-fill.
Format: geo:40.7128,-74.0060Custom appearance
QRCode.wang offers rich appearance customization:
| Option | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Foreground | QR module color | Dark color, contrast with background |
| Background | QR base color, supports transparent | Light or white, avoid dark |
| Size | 128–1024 pixels | Screen ≥ 256, print ≥ 512 |
| Error correction | L/M/Q/H four levels | With Logo choose Q or H |
| Rounded dots | Modules render rounded | Softer look, on by default |
Color contrast warning: Avoid light foreground with dark background, and similar-color combinations (e.g. red+green). Otherwise scan recognition drops sharply.
Embed Logo
Upload an image in "Logo image" (recommend square transparent PNG, under 2MB). The system will:
- Auto-embed at QR code center
- Add a white border for contrast
- Auto-switch to H error correction for readability
Logo size is about 22% of the QR code area—too large blocks too many modules and prevents scanning.
Download format
| Format | Type | Transparent | Size | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Raster | ✅ Yes | Medium | Screen, chat share, PPT (recommended) |
| SVG | Vector | ✅ Yes | Small | Print, design, large scaling |
| JPG | Raster | ❌ No | Smallest | Network transfer, size-sensitive |
"Copy to clipboard" copies a PNG you can paste directly into WeChat, QQ, Word, PPT, etc.
Scan QR code
QRCode.wang also supports QR decoding—switch to the "Scan QR Code" tab, choose from four methods:
- Drag-drop: drag an image onto the drop zone
- File select: click to choose a local image
- Ctrl+V paste: paste a screenshot or clipboard image
- Camera scan: real-time recognition, front/back switch
After recognition, it intelligently identifies content type (URL, WiFi, vCard, etc.) and provides action buttons like "Open link", "Copy password", "Download vCard".
Pro tips
1. Print size formula: QR side length ≈ scan distance / 10. Phone close scan (10cm) min 1cm; poster far scan (1m) at least 10cm.
2. Error correction: Plain text choose L or M (clearer modules); with Logo choose Q or H (resists occlusion).
3. Use SVG for print: Always export SVG vector for print to avoid blurry scaling. Print resolution at least 300 DPI.
4. Shorten URLs: Long URLs make QR modules too dense—shorten with bit.ly first.
5. Test before publishing: Scan with 2-3 different phones to verify compatibility.