Make a text QR code
Type a note, a code, or instructions, and the code stores it as written. The meter shows how much more fits and how dense the code is getting.
Your codes are made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
0 characters, 0 bytes
| Level | Version | Bytes left |
|---|---|---|
| L (7%) | Too long | 2,953 |
| M (15%) | Too long | 2,331 |
| Q (25%) | Too long | 1,663 |
| H (30%) | Too long | 1,273 |
Letters beyond basic Latin, and emoji, take 2 to 4 bytes each. Higher levels survive more damage but hold less.
This is more than one QR code can hold. Shorten it, or put the text on a web page and make a link code.
Type your text and your code appears here.
No code yet
Colours and error correction
How to make a text QR code
- 01Type or paste your text. Line breaks, accents, and emoji are kept.
- 02Watch the meter. Shorter text makes a smaller code that's easier to scan.
- 03Choose an error-correction level if the code will get worn or covered.
- 04Select Test scan, then download the code or copy the image.
Questions
How much text fits in a QR code?
Up to 2,953 bytes at level L, the lowest error correction, which is about 2,900 plain letters. At the default level M it's 2,331 bytes. Letters beyond basic Latin take 2 or 3 bytes each, and emoji take 4, so less of them fits. The table above the code shows exactly what's left.
Does scanning a text code need the internet?
No. The text is stored in the code itself, so a phone shows it straight away, with or without a connection.
What do the version and level mean?
The version is the code's size, from 1 (21 squares a side) to 40 (177 squares a side). More text needs a higher version. The level is how much of the code can be damaged or covered and still scan, from L (7%) to H (30%). Higher levels hold less text.
Why does my code look so busy?
Long text needs a high version, with small squares. Phones can still read it, but only if it's printed large enough. Above version 10 we suggest a minimum print width. For long text, a web page and a link code is often better.
Will people see my text before they choose to open it?
Phone cameras show the text in a preview, and scanner apps show it in full. There's nothing to open, so the text is all they get.
Do you see what I type?
No. Your codes are made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Related tools
- Link QR codePaste a link, get a code that never expires. PNG and SVG downloads.
- Contact card QR codeSaves your details as a phone contact. vCard or the smaller MeCard.
- Email QR codeOpens a new email with the address, subject, and message filled in.
- QR scannerCamera or image. See where a code goes before you open it.
- Size calculatorSmallest print size from scan distance and your real content.
QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED. Codes are read back with ZXing-C++ and zxing-wasm (licences).