What can a QR code contain?

QR codes can store URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, WiFi credentials, contact cards (vCard), and more. The most common use is linking to a website URL.

How do I scan a QR code?

On iPhone: open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. On Android: open camera or Google Lens. Most modern smartphones scan QR codes natively without any app.

Static QR codes (which store the URL directly) never expire. Dynamic QR codes (which redirect through a service) can expire if the service shuts down or your subscription ends.

How do I create a free QR code?

Use PickConverter's free QR Code Generator at pickconverter.com/qr-code-generator. Enter your URL or text, click Generate, and download the PNG instantly — no sign-up required.

Home›Blog›How to Create a QR Code

Generators · 4 min read

How to Create a QR Code Online — Free

QR codes are everywhere — on menus, posters, business cards, and packaging. Here's how to make your own for free in seconds.

What Can a QR Code Store?

Content Type	Example Use Case
URL / Website	Link to your website, menu, or landing page
Plain text	Display a message, coupon code, or instructions
Email	Pre-fill a contact email when scanned
Phone number	Dial a number directly from a scan
WiFi credentials	Let guests connect without typing a password
vCard (contact)	Instantly save your business card to a phone

How to Create a QR Code in 3 Steps

Go to PickConverter's QR Code Generator
Enter your URL or text in the input field
Click Generate and Download PNG

🔒 Everything runs in your browser — your data is never uploaded to any server.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes encode the destination directly in the code. They never expire and work forever — even offline. This is what PickConverter generates.

Dynamic QR codes redirect through a third-party server. They allow tracking and editing the destination after printing, but depend on the service staying active. If the service shuts down, the QR code breaks.

For most uses: static QR codes are perfectly fine and have no ongoing cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

URLs, text, email, phone numbers, WiFi credentials, and contact cards. The most common use is linking to a website.

On iPhone: use the built-in Camera app. On Android: use Camera or Google Lens. No additional app needed on modern smartphones.

Static QR codes never expire. Dynamic ones can expire if the redirect service stops working.

Use PickConverter's free QR Code Generator. Enter your URL or text, click Generate, and download the PNG. No sign-up needed.

📱

Create a QR code — free, instant

URL, text, or any content. Download as PNG. No sign-up.

Open QR Code Generator →