QR Code Guide

QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that smartphones can scan in under a second. Originally built for tracking automotive parts, they've become one of the most practical tools for sharing information — restaurant menus, WiFi passwords, event tickets, business cards, and more.

oh my qr generates professionally styled QR codes for free, directly in your browser. No account needed. This guide explains every feature.

Step 1 — Choose your content type

oh my qr supports nine content types. Pick the one that matches what you want to share:

• URL — Link to any website. Ideal for marketing materials, product packaging, and social media profiles.
• Text — Share a plain-text message, a quote, or instructions.
• Email — Open the user's email client with a pre-filled recipient address.
• Phone — Dial a phone number on tap. Great for business cards and customer support.
• SMS — Send a pre-written text message. Useful for promotions and opt-ins.
• WhatsApp — Start a WhatsApp conversation directly. Popular in Europe and Latin America.
• WiFi — Let guests connect to your network by scanning — no password typing required.
• Contact (vCard) — Share a full contact card with name, phone, and email.
• Event — Add a calendar event with title, date, and location directly to the scanner's phone.

Step 2 — Design your QR code

Dot style

Choose from six dot styles: Square (classic), Rounded, Dots, Extra Rounded, Classy, or Classy Rounded. Rounded and Dots styles suit consumer brands; square styles feel more technical or professional.

Colors

Set three independent colors — Modules (the dark dots), QR background (the light areas inside the QR), and Background (the overall image background). Keep strong contrast between modules and QR background for reliable scanning.

Gradient

Enable a gradient to apply a linear or radial color blend across your QR modules. This gives the QR a modern, branded look. Gradients work best when the start and end colors have similar luminosity — avoid extremes like light purple to white.

Logo

Add a logo to the center of the QR. Choose from the built-in library (major tech brands, social networks) or upload your own PNG. A logo can cover up to ~30% of the QR area — the QR's built-in error correction fills in the rest.

Transparent background

Remove the background to place your QR directly on colored surfaces — packaging, posters, or slide decks.

Bottom banner

Add a short text label below the QR: "Scan me", your brand name, or a call to action like "See our menu".

Step 3 — Generate and download

The live preview on the right uses your browser's built-in QR library for instant feedback. When you click Generate, our API produces the final image with exact color rendering and logo compositing — this is the version to download.

Download as PNG for web, email, and standard print sizes. Download as SVG for large-format printing — it scales to any size without quality loss.

Use cases by industry

Tips for scannable QR codes

1. Contrast is critical. Dark modules on a light background scan reliably. Avoid low-contrast color combinations — test before finalizing.
2. Keep gradients subtle. A mild gradient improves aesthetics without hurting scannability. Extreme color transitions (light purple → white) may cause read failures.
3. Test before printing. Always scan your QR with at least two different phones — iOS and Android — before committing to a print run.
4. Mind logo size. Logos covering more than 30% of the QR may become unscannable even with error correction. Keep it centered and small.
5. Use SVG for print. SVG ensures your QR looks sharp at any size on printed materials — billboards, posters, or packaging.
6. Keep URLs short. Shorter URLs produce simpler QR patterns that are easier to scan, especially at small sizes.