What is QR code and how does it work?
Learn how QR codes work, how to size them correctly, and common scanning mistakes to avoid.
A QR code is a scannable square barcode that encodes a URL or text for quick access on mobile devices.
What is QR code?
A QR code generator creates scannable barcodes that encode URLs, text, or other data. When someone scans the code with their phone camera, it opens the encoded link or displays the text. This tool generates high-quality QR codes in SVG (for crisp scaling) or PNG (for compatibility) that you can use in print, web, or marketing materials.
In practice, QR code depends on consistent formatting, predictable URLs, and accurate values so search engines and browsers interpret your intent correctly.
Why QR code matters for SEO
QR code matters because it reduces ambiguity about how your pages should be discovered, rendered, or shared. Clear signals help search engines crawl efficiently, improve consistency across URLs, and reduce mistakes that can hurt visibility.
Even for non-SEO tools, the output affects user experience, performance, or accessibility. Those signals influence rankings through engagement and crawlability over time.
How QR code works
QR code works by following a small set of rules that browsers and search engines expect. When those rules are consistent, you get predictable behavior across pages and platforms.
- Enter the URL or text you want to encode
- Choose size and output format
- Generate the QR code
- Download and test with a phone camera
You should use QR code when
- You need quick access to a URL from print material
- You want to share contact or download links in person
- You are adding QR codes to packaging or signage
Examples and use cases
Common scenarios for QR code include the following. These examples help you decide when to apply it and what to check during implementation.
- Linking to a website from print materials
- Sharing contact info or Wi-Fi credentials
- Adding QR codes to packaging or signage
- Creating event check-in or ticket links
Common mistakes
Most issues come from inconsistent configuration or skipping validation. Avoid the mistakes below to keep results predictable across pages.
- Using low contrast or busy backgrounds
- Sizing QR codes too small for the scan distance
- Encoding URLs that redirect through broken links
FAQs
What size should my QR code be?
For print, aim for at least 2cm x 2cm for close scanning. For signage viewed from distance, scale up proportionally. Test at the expected viewing distance. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
SVG or PNG—which should I use?
Use SVG for web and scalable print. Use PNG when a platform doesn't support SVG or when you need a fixed-resolution image. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
Can QR codes store a lot of data?
QR codes can store a few thousand characters, but longer content makes the code denser and harder to scan. Keep URLs short when possible. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
Do QR codes expire?
The code itself doesn't expire, but the URL it points to can. Use stable, long-lived URLs to avoid broken scans. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
Do I need QR code?
You need QR code when it impacts how your site is crawled, rendered, or shared. If QR code affects discovery, performance, or compliance, setting it correctly reduces future fixes and makes auditing easier. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
Does QR code affect SEO?
QR code can influence SEO indirectly by improving clarity, crawlability, and user experience. Clear signals help search engines interpret your pages correctly and reduce ambiguity that can lead to weaker rankings. In most cases, the safest approach is to validate your QR code setup and check results before shipping.
Related resources
These links help you connect related SEO setup tasks and keep your implementation consistent.