Enter URL
Enter any website URL to create a QR code. Include https:// for best compatibility.
Enable Scan Tracking & Analytics
PRO
Customize

Your QR code will
appear here

Free download • No watermark

What is a URL QR Code?

A URL QR code is a type of QR code that stores a website address (URL). When someone scans the QR code with their smartphone camera or a QR code reader app, they are automatically directed to the encoded website without having to type the address manually.

URL QR codes are the most widely used type of QR code in the world. They bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, allowing people to access websites, landing pages, online menus, product information, and any web content instantly by simply pointing their phone at the code.

Our free URL QR code generator creates static QR codes, meaning the URL is encoded directly into the QR pattern itself. This means the QR code will work forever and does not require any internet connection to decode (though the user will need internet to visit the website). The QR code never expires, cannot be revoked, and has no scan limits.

For businesses that need to update the destination URL after printing, or want to track how many people scan the code, dynamic QR codes from ElkQR allow you to change the target URL at any time and provide detailed scan analytics.

How to Create a URL QR Code

Generate your URL QR code in 3 simple steps

1
Enter Your URL

Type or paste the website address you want to encode into the input field above. Make sure to include the full URL with https:// for best results and security.

2
Customize Your QR Code

Choose a color that matches your brand and select an error correction level. Higher error correction makes the QR code more resilient to damage but slightly larger.

3
Download for Free

Download your QR code in PNG (for web and screen use) or SVG (for print and scaling). All downloads are free with no watermark.

Best Uses for URL QR Codes

URL QR codes are the most versatile type of QR code for businesses and individuals

Marketing Materials

Add QR codes to brochures, flyers, posters, and banner ads to drive traffic to your website, landing pages, or promotional campaigns. Track engagement from offline to online.

Business Cards

Print a QR code linking to your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or company website. Make it easy for contacts to visit your online presence with a single scan.

Product Packaging

Link to product manuals, warranty registration, video tutorials, or ingredient details. Give customers instant access to additional product information.

Restaurant Menus

Place QR codes on tables, windows, or takeaway bags to link to your online menu, ordering system, or reservation page. Reduce printing costs and update menus easily.

Event Promotion

Use QR codes on event invitations, tickets, and signage to link to event details, registration forms, maps, or schedules. Simplify attendee communication.

Education & Training

Link to supplementary materials, video lectures, online quizzes, or course registration pages. Enhance printed textbooks and handouts with digital resources.

Tips for URL QR Codes

Follow these best practices to get the most out of your URL QR codes

Always Use HTTPS

Make sure your URL starts with https:// rather than http://. Modern browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as insecure, which may discourage users from visiting your link after scanning. HTTPS also ensures data transmitted between the user and your site is encrypted.

Use Short, Clean URLs

Shorter URLs produce simpler QR codes with fewer modules, making them easier to scan, especially at smaller print sizes. Avoid long URLs with excessive query parameters. If your URL is very long, consider using a URL shortener or a dynamic QR code from ElkQR that always encodes a short redirect URL.

Ensure Mobile-Friendly Pages

Since most QR code scans happen on smartphones, the destination page must be mobile-responsive. Test your URL on multiple devices before printing QR codes at scale. A poor mobile experience will frustrate users and reduce conversion rates.

Mind the Print Size

The minimum recommended print size for a QR code is 2cm x 2cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches) for close-range scanning. For posters or signage meant to be scanned from a distance, use a larger size. A good rule of thumb: the QR code should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance (e.g., 10cm for a 1-meter scan distance).

Maintain High Contrast

QR codes work best with a dark foreground on a light background. Avoid placing QR codes on busy backgrounds, and ensure there is a quiet zone (white border) of at least 4 modules around the QR code. While you can customize the QR code color, always maintain sufficient contrast with the background for reliable scanning.

Test Before Printing

Always scan your QR code with multiple devices and QR reader apps before sending it to print. Test it on both iOS and Android devices. Check that it correctly opens the intended URL and that the landing page loads properly.

Use SVG for Print

When printing QR codes on physical materials, download the SVG format. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing quality, ensuring crisp, scannable QR codes at any dimension. PNG is better suited for digital and screen use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about URL QR codes

Yes, completely free. You can generate unlimited URL QR codes without paying anything, creating an account, or providing any personal information. The QR codes have no watermarks and can be used for any purpose, including commercial use. If you need scan tracking, analytics, or the ability to change the URL after printing, you can upgrade to ElkQR.

No. The URL QR codes created with this tool are static, meaning the website address is encoded directly into the QR code pattern. They will work forever as long as the destination URL remains active. There are no scan limits, no expiration dates, and no dependency on any external service. However, if the website you link to goes offline or the URL changes, the QR code will still try to open that original URL.

With a static QR code (generated here for free), the URL is permanently encoded in the QR pattern, so it cannot be changed after creation. If you need the ability to update the destination URL without reprinting the QR code, you need a dynamic QR code. ElkQR offers dynamic QR codes where you can change the target URL, track scans, and view analytics at any time.

Always use the full URL including the protocol. For example, use https://www.example.com/page rather than just example.com/page. Using https:// is strongly recommended over http:// for security. Shorter URLs produce simpler QR codes that are easier to scan, so consider removing unnecessary tracking parameters or using a URL shortener for very long addresses.

Static QR codes (generated here) do not have built-in tracking since the URL is encoded directly in the code and scanning does not pass through any server. However, you have two options for tracking: (1) Add UTM parameters to your URL (e.g., ?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print) and track visits in Google Analytics, or (2) use ElkQR's dynamic QR codes for built-in scan tracking with geographic data, device information, and real-time analytics.

Need Scan Tracking & Analytics?

Upgrade to ElkQR for dynamic QR codes with real-time scan tracking, geographic analytics, device insights, and more.

Start 7-Day Free Trial

Plans start at $19/month • 7-day free trial