How to Make a QR Code for Free
Create a QR code for any link, style it to match your brand, and download it for print or screen.
A QR code connects something physical, a poster, a package, a business card, to a web page. This guide shows how to make a QR code for free with ShortifyMe, including how to customize its colors, pattern, and logo, and how to download it in the right format for printing.
Quick Answer
To make a QR code for free, create a free ShortifyMe account, go to QR Codes in the dashboard, click Create QR Code, enter your destination URL, and customize the design. Download it as SVG or PNG. A free account includes 5 QR codes each month. You can also make a quick QR code on the website or browser extension with no account.
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Method 1. Make a Fully Customized QR Code with a Free Account
A free account gives you the full QR code designer: patterns, corner styles, colors, a logo, and error correction. This is the method to use for any QR code that represents your brand.
Step 2
After logging in, click QR Codes in the left navigation.
Step 3
Click the Create QR Code button in the top right.
Step 4
Enter the destination URL the QR code should open.
Step 5
Optionally add a title to recognize the QR code later.
Step 6
Leave the domain at the default, or pick a custom domain if you have one on a paid plan.
Step 7
Optionally enter a custom back-half.
Step 8
Click Create a New QR Code button. This opens the customization screen.
Step 9
On the customization screen, choose a pattern from six options, and a corner style from seven options.
Step 10
Choose a color from eight presets, or enter your own hex codes for the foreground, background, outer corner, and inner corner.
Step 11
Optionally upload your logo to place in the center of the QR code.
Step 12
Choose an error correction level from the dropdown: 7%, 15%, 25%, or 30%. A higher level keeps the code scannable even if it is partly damaged or obscured, which matters for print.
Step 13
Check the live preview on the right as you make changes.
Step 14
Save the QR code. It is saved to your QR Codes screen, where you can download it.
Method 2. Make a Quick QR Code with No Account
If you just need a working QR code fast and do not need branding, you can make one without an account, on the website or in the browser extension.
On the Website
Step 1
Go to shortifyme.com
Step 2
Find the shortener box on the page. Use the QR code option.
Step 3
Enter your destination URL.
Step 4
Click QR Code button and generate the QR code.
Step 5
Download the QR code as SVG, PNG, or PNG 1200 for high-quality prints.
From the Browser Extension
Step 2
Open the ShortifyMe extension from the browser toolbar and select the QR Code tab.
Step 3
Enter your destination URL.
Step 4
Choose a size: Small (200 pixels), Medium (300 pixels), or Large (400 pixels).
Step 5
Choose a color for the QR code.
Step 6
Generate and download the QR code.
Tips for a QR Code That Scans Reliably
- Keep strong contrast between the QR code and its background. Dark code on a light background scans best.
- For printed materials, download the SVG or the larger PNG so the code stays sharp at any size.
- For anything outdoors or on packaging that may get worn, use a higher error correction level so the code still scans if it is partly damaged.
- Print the code large enough for its scanning distance. A business card code can be small; a poster or window code needs to be much larger.
- If you add a logo, test the code with a phone before printing to make sure the logo did not interfere with scanning.
- Add a short instruction like ‘Scan for menu’ near the code. A clear prompt increases scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can make a QR code with no account on the website or browser extension, or with a free account for full customization. A free account includes 5 QR codes each month. ShortifyMe never puts ads on the link behind the code.
Yes, with a free account. The QR code customization screen lets you upload a logo to place in the center of the code, along with choosing patterns, corner styles, and colors. The no-account methods do not include logo upload.
For print, use the SVG format or the larger PNG option, because they stay sharp at any size. A standard PNG is fine for screen use. ShortifyMe offers SVG, PNG, and a larger PNG 1200 download.
Error correction lets a QR code still scan even if part of it is damaged or obscured. ShortifyMe offers four levels: 7%, 15%, 25%, and 30%. A higher level is more resilient, which is useful for print, packaging, and outdoor use. For a clean on-screen code, a lower level is fine.
Yes. From the QR Codes screen you can re-open a QR code and change its design. Restyling the QR code does not change the link behind it, so a code you already shared still works. The link only changes if you edit the back-half or the custom domain.
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