Text QR Code Generator

Make a free QR code that holds plain text, such as a message, a serial number or short instructions. The text is written into the code exactly as you type it, line breaks included, and phones show it on screen when scanned. Set the size and colors, then download SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS.

Valid

10.9 × 10.9 mm at 300 DPI

Text

Any text. Phones show it on screen when the code is scanned.

QR code content

Exactly what the QR code holds, built from the form above: 24 characters.

Symbol: version 2, 25 × 25 modules. 24 characters used; data like this fits up to 2,331 characters in the largest size.

QR Code options

Error correction

The share of the code that can be damaged and still be read (DENSO WAVE). Higher levels make a larger code.

DesignLogo, shapes and colors from the QR code designer

Logo

or drop it here
PNG, JPEG, WebP or SVG, up to 2 MB

The logo stays in your browser. Use only a logo you have the right to use. With a logo, error correction is set to H, the highest level.

Module shape

Eye frame

Eye center

New

Size and resolution

Output DPI

300 DPI · Thermal / offset

4 px per module at 300 DPI. Print size: 10.9 × 10.9 mm (0.43 × 0.43 in). PNG, WebP and JPEG: 132 × 132 px.

Label textNew

Font

Alignment

Printed in the file with the barcode, outside the quiet zone, in Helvetica or Courier so it looks the same in every format.

Colors

Contrast 21.0:1; estimated symbol contrast 100%.

Quiet zone (modules)4 · 4 · 4 · 4

Bar width reduction0 mil

Makes each bar thinner by this amount, to make up for ink that spreads on paper. Ask your printer for the value, or leave 0 for laser and thermal printing.

Rotation and backgroundNew0° · Filled

Rotation

In the preview, a checkered pattern shows the transparent areas. Print a transparent barcode only on a white or very light surface: scanners need the light quiet zone around it.

Margin and borderNew0 mm · no border

The margin is blank space outside the quiet zone, for cutting; the border is drawn at the outer edge. Both count in the print size.

Link tracking (UTM)NewOff

Adds utm_ parameters to the link so analytics can tell where a scan came from. A longer link makes a denser code.

Data inspectorNew24 chars
PresetsNew0 saved

No presets yet. Save the current settings to reuse them.

    Presets stay in this browser. They keep the type, size and style; the data and the logo are not saved.

    Recent barcodesNew0

    The barcodes you download appear here, newest first.

      The last 10 downloads, kept in this browser only.
      QR Code · Live previewValid
      QR Code barcode encoding Hello from Barcode.codes
      New

      Scaled to fit. Actual size shows the print size on screen.

      Print simulationNew

      Shows how a worn print looks and tests it with the decoder.

      Type
      QR Code · 2D
      Print size
      10.9 × 10.9 mm
      Raster
      132 × 132 px
      Symbol
      version 2, 25 × 25

      Download

      Vector drawing, 10.9 × 10.9 mm. Design and label programs place it at its print size.

      More export optionsNewTest sheet · size set · embed code

      Print test sheet (PDF)

      The code at 80%, 100% and 150% with 100 mm and 4 in rulers. Print it at actual size and scan each copy before printing many.

      Size set (ZIP)

      Magnification

      Embed code

      Nothing you type is uploaded.New

      How to Make a Text QR Code

      Type the text, check the encoded content, and download the code.

      1. Type or paste the text; line breaks are kept.
      2. Check the version under the encoded content; long text makes a dense code.
      3. Set the size and colors and download SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS.
      4. Scan a test print to check the text reads correctly.

      Text QR Code Fields

      A text QR code holds one field: the text, exactly as typed.

      Text QR code fields in this generator
      FieldRequiredNotes
      TextYesAny text. Phones show it on screen when the code is scanned.
      How a text QR code is written
      Encoded formThe text itself, line breaks included
      ExampleHello from Barcode.codes
      Special charactersNone
      When scannedReaders show the text; there is no action to take
      Checked before drawingAny characters are accepted: line breaks, accented letters, symbols and emoji. Only empty text is refused, so the code never ends up blank.
      Read back by Barcode.codesThe Barcode.codes scanner shows the whole text with a Copy button; when the text happens to be a web address, an Open button appears too.
      StandardThere is no format around plain text: ZXing treats content without a recognized prefix as text to display.
      Size of the exampleThe generator's example is 24 characters long: a version 2 QR code of 25 × 25 modules at error correction M.
      Error correctionChoose L (about 7% of the code can be restored), M (about 15%, the default), Q (about 25%) or H (about 30%), as DENSO WAVE lists them; a higher level makes a larger code.

      Sources, checked 2026-10-04: ZXing: Barcode Contents.

      How a Text QR Code Works

      The code holds the characters themselves, with no format around them, so there is nothing for a phone to open.

      QR code holding the plain text Hello from Barcode.codes.
      The text Hello from Barcode.codes as a QR code.

      What People See

      A scanner shows the text on screen, and many apps let the person copy it. Text that looks like a web address may be offered as a link instead.

      How Much Text Fits

      A QR code holds up to 4,296 capital letters and digits at error correction L in this generator, and fewer characters of other text. The capacity line under the content shows the limit for yours.

      QR code for a short text of 24 characters.
      24 characters
      QR code for a text of about 130 characters, denser than the short one at the same module size.
      About 130 characters

      When to Use a Text QR Code

      Use plain text when the content should be read, not opened: short instructions, a serial number or a note.

      Better Choices for Some Content

      • A web page: use a link code, so phones open it directly.

        A link QR code for https://barcode.codes/, which phones open directly.

      • Contact details: use a vCard code, so phones can save the contact.

        A vCard QR code for the example contact Alex Morgan, which phones offer to save.

      • Wi-Fi details: use a Wi-Fi code, so phones can join the network.

        A Wi-Fi QR code for the example network Cafe Guest, which phones offer to join.

      Common Text QR Code Problems

      Text codes fail mostly because they are too long or because special characters display differently.

      What to Check

      • Length: long text makes a dense code; shorten it or print the code larger.
      • Special characters: test accented letters and symbols on the phones your readers use.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What Happens When Someone Scans a Text QR Code?

      The text appears on screen. There is no link to open, unless the text itself is a web address.

      How Long Can the Text Be?

      Up to 4,296 capital letters and digits at error correction L, fewer for other text. Shorter text makes a smaller, easier code.

      Are Line Breaks Kept?

      Yes. The text is written into the code exactly as typed.

      Can I Use Emoji?

      They are encoded, but how they display depends on the scanning app. Test with the phones your readers use.

      Is the Text QR Code Generator Free?

      Yes, with no account, watermark or download limit.

      Is My Text Sent to a Server?

      No. The code is drawn in your browser.

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