What Can You Put in a QR Code?
QR codes (Quick Response codes) can store far more than just URLs. Here’s what you can encode:
| Content Type | Format Example |
|---|---|
| Website URL | https://example.com |
| Plain text | Any text up to ~4,000 characters |
mailto:[email protected] | |
| Phone number | tel:+15551234567 |
| SMS | smsto:+15551234567:Your message |
| WiFi credentials | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; |
| vCard contact | BEGIN:VCARD...END:VCARD |
| Geo-location | geo:37.5665,126.9780 |
Choosing the Right QR Code Size
The appropriate size depends on how and where the QR code will be displayed:
- 128×128px: Business cards, small labels, receipts
- 256×256px: Web pages, email signatures, standard print
- 512×512px: Posters, banners, storefront signage
As a rule of thumb, the minimum readable size when printed is about 2cm × 2cm. Larger codes scan more reliably from greater distances.
Error Correction Levels Explained
QR codes have built-in error correction that lets them be read even if partially damaged:
- Level L (7%): Maximum data capacity, least damage resilience
- Level M (15%): Good balance — recommended for most uses
- Level H (30%): Maximum resilience, smaller data capacity — ideal for printed materials that may get worn
Privacy: Why Browser-Side Generation Matters
Some online QR code generators send your input to their servers to generate the code — this means your WiFi password, personal links, or contact info gets logged externally. The Global Utility Hub QR Code Generator processes everything in your browser: your data never leaves your device.
Tips for High-Quality QR Codes
- Test before printing: Always scan your QR code with multiple devices before committing to a print run
- Ensure quiet zone: Leave a white margin around the QR code (at least 4 modules wide)
- Contrast matters: Use dark code on a light background (or vice versa in dark mode) — avoid low-contrast color combinations
- Shorter URLs scan faster: Consider URL shorteners for very long links