How to Create a QR Code Online for Free (Wi-Fi, Link, WhatsApp & More)

A QR code can open a web page, join a Wi-Fi network, start an email or a WhatsApp chat, or save a contact, all with one scan of a phone camera. The ToolTiny QR Code Generator makes eight kinds of codes, redraws the code while you type, checks by itself that the code can be read, and lets you download a PNG, an SVG, copy the picture or print it. This guide follows a real screen recording: we visit every tab, make a Wi-Fi code and look at the download options.

When Do You Need a QR Code?

• Guest Wi-Fi: a printed code on the wall or the table saves guests from typing a long password.
• Links: a menu, a form, a video or a portfolio on a flyer, a poster or a business card.
• Contact: a business card that saves the name, phone, email and company in one scan.
• Messaging: a WhatsApp code that opens a chat with a first message already typed.
• Places: a map location for an event, a shop or a meeting point.

Which Type of QR Code Should You Pick?

Watch the Whole Process

The recording opens the tool from the menu, clicks through the eight tabs, makes a Wi-Fi code, opens the size list and ends with the download, copy and print buttons.

How to Create a QR Code, Step by Step

1. Open QR Code Generator

   Open the Images menu in the top bar and choose QR Code Generator, or go straight to tooltiny.com/qr-generator.html.

   

2. Look at the page

   The page opens on the Link / Text tab with the example https://tooltiny.com already turned into a code. A small counter under the box shows how much room is used (20 / 2.331 bytes), and a green line says Scan test passed – the code reads back correctly.

   

3. Type your own link or text

   Click the box, select the example and type your own web address or any text. The code on the right changes as you type, with no button to press.

   

4. Open the Wi-Fi tab

   Click Wi-Fi. The box changes to Network Name (SSID), Password, Encryption and a Hidden Network check box. Until you fill it in, the preview says “Enter the network name (SSID)” and the download buttons stay grey.

   

5. Choose the encryption

   Open the Encryption list. It has three choices: WPA / WPA2 / WPA3, WEP and None (open network). Most home routers use the first one.

   

6. Email tab

   Click Email to fill in Email address, Subject (optional) and Message (optional). Scanning the code opens a new email with those parts filled in.

   

7. Phone tab

   Click Phone and enter the number with the country code, for example +84 912 345 678. Scanning the code offers to call that number.

   

8. SMS tab

   Click SMS for a phone number plus an optional Message. The preview text explains what is missing: “Enter the phone number that should receive the SMS.”

   

9. Contact tab

   Click Contact to make a digital business card with First name, Last name, Phone, Email, Company, Job title, Website and Address. The page asks for at least a name or a company.

   

10. WhatsApp tab

    Click WhatsApp, type the number with the country code and, if you like, a Pre-filled message. The page shows an example in the preview area: 84912345678.

    

11. Location tab

    Click Location and fill in Latitude and Longitude. The page gives a tip: in Google Maps, right-click a place, click the numbers at the top to copy them and paste them into the boxes. The code opens that spot in Google Maps.

    

12. Fill in a Wi-Fi code

    Back on the Wi-Fi tab we typed the network name TEST and the password TEST123 (sample values). As soon as the data is valid the code appears, and a line says Checking that the code scans…. The counter shows 29 / 2.331 bytes.

    

13. Read the scan test and choose a size

    A moment later the line turns green: Scan test passed – the code reads back correctly. Open the PNG size list: 300 × 300, 600 × 600, 1000 × 1000, 2000 × 2000 px (print) and 4000 × 4000 px (large print).

    

14. Download the PNG

    We chose 4000 × 4000 px (large print) and clicked Download PNG. A 1000 px image is enough for a screen or a small print; a larger size is better for a poster.

    

15. Download the SVG

    Download SVG saves a vector file that can be enlarged to any size without getting blurry, which printers and designers like.

    

16. Copy the image

    Copy image puts the picture on your clipboard so you can paste it straight into a document, chat or slide.

    

17. Print

    Print sends the code to your printer. Our recording ends on this button.

    

PNG, SVG, Copy or Print?

Good to Know

• The code updates as you type. There is no Generate button. The download buttons stay grey until the data is valid.
• There is a size limit. The counter under the box shows how many bytes you use, out of 2.331 in our recording. A very long text will not fit.
• The scan test is a check, not a promise. It reads the code back on the screen. Try a printed copy with your own phone before you print a large batch.
• The password is visible. The Wi-Fi password box shows what you type, and anyone who scans the code can read the password. Use a guest network for a code you put on a wall.
• Design options: color with an optional gradient, a transparent background, dot style, corner style, error correction, quiet zone and an optional logo. Keep a dark code on a light background for the best result.
• Nothing is uploaded. The page says the code is made in your browser.
• Free: no sign-up, no watermark.

Tips for Better Results

• Test before you print. Scan the code from the screen and from paper with at least one phone.
• Print it big enough. A bigger code is easier to scan from a distance. For posters download the SVG or the 4000 px PNG.
• Keep the white border. The empty margin around the code (the quiet zone) helps phones find it, so do not crop it.
• Keep contrast high. Light dots on a dark background or two similar colors are hard to read.
• Need a smaller image file? Send the PNG through the Image Compressor. More guides are on our blog.

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Frequently Asked Questions