QR code and barcode guides
Pick the right code for the job, learn how it is structured and print it so it scans every time. Each guide links straight to a free generator that runs in your browser.
QR code types
- Website linkTurn any web link into a URL QR code that never expires. Add a logo and frame, test-scan it, then export PNG, SVG or PDF. Free, offline, no account.
- Wi-Fi loginMake a Wi-Fi QR code so guests join your network without typing the password. Supports WPA2, WPA3 and hidden networks. Created offline on your device.
- Contact cardCreate a vCard QR code that saves your name, phone, email, company and address to any phone contacts app. vCard 3.0 or 4.0, free, no sign-up.
- Plain textEncode plain text, notes, serial numbers or instructions in a QR code that reads offline. Supports Unicode, emoji and non-Latin scripts. Free, no ads.
- Email messageCreate an email QR code that opens a new message with the address, subject and body already filled in. Great for feedback and support. Free, offline.
- Text messageMake an SMS QR code that opens a text message with the number and message pre-filled. Ideal for opt-ins, keywords and support. Free, no sign-up.
- Phone callCreate a phone QR code that opens the dialer with your number ready to call. Perfect for flyers, vehicles and signs. Free, works offline, no account.
- Map locationCreate a location QR code that opens exact GPS coordinates in a maps app. Use a geo: URI or Google Maps link for venues and entrances. Free, offline.
- Calendar eventMake an event QR code that adds your meeting, class or party to the phone calendar with time zone, location and notes. iCalendar format, free and offline.
- App downloadCreate an app download QR code for Google Play and the App Store. Learn how one code can serve iPhone and Android users with a landing page. Free.
- Social profileCreate a QR code for your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, WhatsApp or Telegram profile. Enter a handle, add a logo, download. Free, no account.
Barcode formats
- EAN-13Create EAN-13 retail barcodes online for free. The check digit is calculated for you, with vector SVG/PDF export and print size guidance.
- EAN-8Generate EAN-8 barcodes for small retail packs. Free, offline-capable, automatic check digit, vector SVG and PDF output with print size advice.
- UPC-AMake UPC-A barcodes for US and Canadian retail. Enter 11 digits, get the check digit automatically, and export vector SVG, PDF or PNG for print.
- UPC-ECreate compact UPC-E barcodes from eligible UPC-A numbers. The app applies zero suppression, checks the check digit and exports vector files.
- ISBNTurn an ISBN into a Bookland EAN-13 barcode with optional 5-digit price add-on. Converts ISBN-10, checks digits and exports vector PDF or SVG.
- ITF-14Generate ITF-14 barcodes for shipping cartons with bearer bars and automatic GTIN-14 check digit. Free vector SVG and PDF export for corrugated print.
- GS1-128Build GS1-128 barcodes with Application Identifiers such as SSCC, GTIN, batch and expiry. The app validates AIs and inserts FNC1 separators.
- GS1 DataBarCreate GS1 DataBar barcodes, including Omnidirectional, Limited and Expanded, for fresh food, coupons and small items. Validates GTINs and AIs.
- GS1 DataMatrixGenerate GS1 DataMatrix codes for UDI labels and pharmaceutical serialisation. Validates GTIN, expiry, batch and serial AIs, with vector export.
- GS1 QR CodeCreate GS1 QR codes and GS1 Digital Link URLs that work for checkout scanners and consumer phones. Validates GTIN and AI data before export.
- Code 128Generate Code 128 barcodes for labels, inventory and shipping. Automatic subset switching for the shortest symbol, vector SVG/PDF and CSV batch.
- Code 39Create Code 39 barcodes for asset tags, ID badges and industrial labels. Supports uppercase, digits and symbols with optional mod 43 check.
- ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)Generate Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) barcodes for numeric labels and cartons. Pads to an even digit count, optional check digit and bearer bars.
- CodabarCreate Codabar barcodes with A, B, C or D start and stop characters for library cards, lab samples and legacy systems. Free vector export.
- Data MatrixCreate Data Matrix ECC 200 codes for parts marking, labels and small items. Square and rectangular sizes up to 144×144, vector SVG/PDF export.
- PDF417Generate PDF417 barcodes for IDs, boarding passes and shipping documents. Adjustable columns and error correction, vector SVG and PDF export.
- Aztec CodeCreate Aztec codes for tickets, boarding passes and mobile screens. No quiet zone needed, adjustable error correction, vector SVG/PDF export.
- MaxiCodeGenerate MaxiCode symbols with structured carrier messages for parcel sorting. Hexagonal fixed-size code with a bullseye, exported as SVG or PDF.
- Micro QR CodeCreate Micro QR codes for tiny parts and labels. Sizes M1 to M4 with one finder pattern and a 2-module quiet zone, exported as vector SVG or PDF.
- rMQR CodeCreate rMQR rectangular Micro QR codes (ISO/IEC 23941) for narrow labels, cables and tubes. Sizes R7x43 to R17x139 with vector SVG/PDF export.
By use case
- Retail productsHow to get a product barcode for retail: GS1 numbers, EAN-13 vs UPC-A, check digits, print size and colours. Then draw your barcode free as SVG or PDF.
- Inventory labelsPrint inventory barcode labels from a CSV or number sequence on A4 or Letter label sheets. Code 128, QR or Data Matrix, then count stock with your phone.
- Asset tagsCreate barcode asset tags for laptops, tools and equipment. Unique serials, Code 128 or Data Matrix, durable label tips and offline audits by phone.
- Shipping labelsUnderstand shipping label barcodes: SSCC in GS1-128, ITF-14 on cartons, PDF417 and MaxiCode on carrier labels. Create and validate GS1-128 for free.
- Medical UDIHow UDI barcodes work: device and production identifiers in GS1 DataMatrix with AIs (01), (17), (10) and (21). FDA and EU MDR basics. Validate free.
- Event ticketsWhich barcode suits event tickets? Aztec, PDF417 and QR compared, unique ticket IDs, preventing duplicates and checking guests in with a phone scanner.
- Restaurant menuCreate a menu QR code for restaurant tables that opens your online menu. Tips on PDF vs web menus, table card size, Wi-Fi codes and tamper-proofing.
- Business cardsAdd a QR code to your business card that saves your contact details in one scan. vCard or profile link, print size, placement and design tips. Free.
- Scan safelyLearn how QR code phishing (quishing) works and how to check a link before opening it. Warning signs, parking meter scams and safe scanning habits.
- Online scannerScan QR codes and barcodes online with your camera or from an image. Reads EAN, UPC, Code 128, Data Matrix, PDF417 and more. Private, free, no app.