A QR code generator provides free scannable images that most people can use to help market a product or service. You can promote everything from a book to a YouTube channel, and all it takes is someone to scan the code with the built-in camera on their phone.
Of course, you can also use QR codes online, as users can scan the code from computers to follow the embedded URL.
In any case, QR codes are still an active part of many marketing strategies for millions of people and companies. You’ll see them on everything from a poster outside of a parking lot to business cards.
What Are the Best Free QR Code Generators?
The best tool is the one that serves all of your needs. What is deemed “good” is often subjective, as we all have different priorities. That’s why it’s good to try out several tools to help you find the one that fits just right.
It’s the Goldilocks argument, really. However, sometimes you’ll come across a tool that checks all of the boxes for most users. And that is what I’m hoping to do in this post.
Also, keep in mind that I’m only reviewing free QR code makers, and not those that only have trial periods.
So, what is the best QR code builder for your needs?
1. QR Generator
The site that I use most often to market books is QR Generator. It has a variety of code types you can create, ranging from embedding phone numbers to Bitcoin wallets. You simply add the URL, save the code as a preferred image type, and download it to your device.
QR Generator also has a few customization options, should you want to add a bit of flair to the image.
For instance, you can change the color of the code, change the design of the pixels and boxes, add a logo to the center of the code box, include a surrounding frame, or change the code’s overall size.
This means you can use QR codes in a variety of ways while making it stand out from background graphics and images.
Like a lot of generators on this list, you don’t need an account to create the QR image. You can just visit the site and start creating static codes. Of course, you’ll be able to save the projects from the free QR code generator if you sign up, but it’s not a requirement.
I’ve used QR Generator for everything from printed sheets for my table at book signings to showing links to books of authors I interview on the YouTube channel. It’s been a great platform for everything I do as an author, YouTuber, and blogger.
Benefits of Using QR Generator:
- Quick and easy to use
- Lots of settings to customize the QR image
- Saves as PNG, SVG, and PDF file types for free
- Print code directly from the site
- Multi-language support
- Bio pages available; an alternative to Link Tree
Cost to Upgrade: QR Generator starts at $5.99 per month, but also has a one-time $299 lifetime access plan.
2. ME QR
If you like customization and adding a bit more “fun” to your QR images, ME QR is a great free code generator to try. The platform comes with a long list of templates, frames, and customizations to accentuate the image.
One of my favorite features is the ability to add a logo to the code. That way, users know what the QR is aiming at, such as social media apps. However, you can easily add your own logo images to use in the code for specific purposes.
For example, if your QR code is aiming at a book, you can upload an image of a book to appear in the center. The possibilities are virtually endless to highlight just about any product or service you have available.
Another feature I’d like to point out in ME QR is the custom frames. There are many to choose from, especially if you want to create an image for certain holidays, of which there are over 150 templates.
I’ve used ME QR a couple of times for various needs, and it’s easily among my favorites because of the sheer volume of customization options.
Benefits of Using ME QR:
- Download codes as PNG, SVG, PDF, EPS, JPG file types
- Hundreds of frames and templates to create something eye-catching
- Long list of website icons, especially for social media accounts
- Logo QR available for even greater customization
- Download size up to 2000 x 2000 pixels (huge image!)
Cost to Upgrade: The pricing for ME QR is quite a bit higher than most, starting at $15.99 per month or $120.00 per year.
3. Canva
I’ve been using Canva on and off for a very long time to create everything from eBook covers on Wattpad to setting up infographics for various clients. In this case, Canva has a free QR code generator you can use to accentuate images you make.
Essentially, Canva is a complete graphic design app that comes with a huge number of functions, making it one of the most popular free design apps on the Internet. You can build your own business cards right in Canva, including the QR code for your book, product, or service.
Although Canva has a lot of functionality, that’s also what causes a bit of a learning curve. It’s not as easy to build a quick QR code, as there is so much you can do with the app. However, it’s worth your time to explore what Canva offers, as it goes beyond simple QR images.
Once you get the hang of where the tools are, Canva is an incredibly versatile asset for creators of all kinds. You can put your QR code on just about any kind of image or online graphic template you can imagine.
You can also install the Canva app to build your QR code graphics from your smartphone or tablet. This makes it an even greater tool for those who like to work from their phones.
Benefits of Using Canva:
- An all-in-one graphic design studio for free
- Templates galore for all kinds of graphic projects
- Sharing from Canva directly to your social media feed
- Integration with top platforms such as Google Drive and Shopify
- Free Brand Kit setup for authors and bloggers
Cost to Upgrade Canva: Although the free version is extensive, you can upgrade Canva starting at $7.50 per month or $120 per year. This includes making dynamic QR codes.
4. QRCode Monkey
QRCode Monkey is an absolutely free QR generator you can use without signing up or logging into an account. Just visit the site and start building out your QR code.
You can alter the code’s color, add logos or images, adjust the design of the bits, and customize the corner eyes. QRCode Monkey doesn’t have frames available, but you have quite a few options to customize the appearance of the image.
If you need a larger graphic, you can download up to 2000 x 2000 pixel sizes for PNG, SVG, PDF, and EPS file types.
If you’re not sure where to start or need some ideas to design your QR code, you can always click the “QR Code Templates” option at the bottom. This will display a pop-up to show 13 different ways you can set up an image for various needs.
Perhaps one of my favorite functions of QRCode Monkey is how you can adjust color gradients within the image. This can add quite a bit of a visual flair while making it an eye-catching code for your purposes.
Benefits of Using QRCode Monkey:
- No advertisements on the page – just pure design
- Lots of customization options to create a unique image
- Several types of QR codes, ranging from URL to Bitcoin
- Chrome plugin available for your browser (turns pages into codes)
- Support in multiple languages
Cost to Upgrade: QRCode Monkey is absolutely free and has no upgrade service. However, it is connected to QR Code Generator for pro features, which are less than ideal.
5. Bitly
Bitly was mostly made popular thanks to its link shortener platform. However, you can also create free QR codes for your books, blogs, and anything else that needs advertising.
While the free version of Bitly comes with a QR code generator, you’ll find that a lot of the customization options are locked behind a paid account. While technically, you can create a QR code for your purposes, some of the other free image generators on this list are far more flexible.
For instance, you can’t add a logo or text unless you upgrade. Still, there are a few customization tools you can use if you need a QR code, such as changing its color, a choice of three frames, or one of three pattern styles.
Also, Bitly only allows for two QR codes per month, which is quite limiting comparatively.
Perhaps the selling point of using Bitly is that you can create link pages, shorten URLs, and build QR codes for free from the same dashboard. But keep in mind, all three of these tools are limited unless you pay.
If you’re building a strategy to track shortened links, track QR codes, and want to build landing pages, upgrading might not be a bad option. Bitly isn’t overly expensive and has a clean dashboard, making everything easy to manage.
As a free QR code generator, it lacks some of the functionality of others in this list. It’s not a bad system, but it doesn’t have a lot of customization options available.
Benefits of Using Bitly:
- Part of a collection of linking tools
- Basic analytics from click tracking
- Download codes as PNG, JPEG, and SVG file types
- Over 60 integrations with other apps to help with marketing
- Custom landing pages available (two per month)
Cost to Upgrade Bitly: To upgrade your Bitly account, the amount starts at $35 per month or $120 per year. It’s a bit expensive considering that you can only create up to 5 dynamic QR codes per month, but it might be workable for some.
6. The QR Code Generator
The QR Code Generator is a free image maker that is easy to use with a handful of options for customizing. However, you’re quite limited compared to other generators on this list.
For example, you can only download PNG files at 1000 pixels. This is enough for most people, as PNGs can be used in a variety of ways. But it’s not ideal if you’re designing a large banner or print-out.
Another drawback is that you can’t add logos or images unless you upgrade to create dynamic QR codes. While this might not be a deal breaker for some, it does mean that it’s not as flexible as other generators.
On the upside, if you sign up for a free account, you can make two dynamic QR codes in addition to the static images. This will kind of give you a taste of what to expect if you decide to upgrade.
Should you decide to upgrade, the fees are relative to the number of dynamic QR codes and users you have each month. The Flex payment plan makes it one of the cheapest upgrades among QR code generators, as you only pay for what you’ll actually use.
In fact, I’m leaning heavily on using The QR Code Generator simply for the two dynamic and unlimited static codes in the free version. I just wish they had greater options for customizing.
Benefits of Using The QR Code Generator:
- 2 dynamic and unlimited static QR codes for free
- Quick and easy to download the PNG file without signing up
- Free traffic scan data (city, country, device, and OS are only available in the paid plan)
- Built-in scanner for desktop computer webcams for other QR codes
- QR code and barcode scanner app available for smart devices
Cost to Upgrade The QR Code Generator: The Flex billing allows you to adjust how many dynamic QR codes and users you’ll have on the account. With that being said, the base billing starts at $10 per month or $60 per year for 5 dynamic codes. The price goes up around $0.63 per 5 additional dynamic codes.
7. Adobe Express
Adobe Express works much like Canva, as it’s a platform that can help you create everything from QR codes to YouTube thumbnails. Like Canva, Adobe Express comes with a vast collection of templates, stock photos, and image dimension sizes for just about everything online.
Using the QR code generator, you’re able to include it in a variety of graphic projects.
Adobe Express has a lot of different customization options available, such as changing colors, adding shadows, or even including animations if you’re creating a QR code for the Internet.
Aside from the QR code options, you can also include various media, charts and grids, graphic elements, text, and more.
Of course, you have access to far more options if you upgrade to a premium account. If you already pay for an Adobe product, though, Express is included in your monthly subscription.
I use Photoshop and Premiere on a daily basis, so I have premium access to Adobe Express automatically. I don’t use the QR code portion, but I often use the background remover, thumbnails, and stock images for the blog.
The only downside is that Adobe Express does not support dynamic QR codes. You can only create static images regardless of whether you upgrade or not.
Benefits of Using Adobe Express:
- All-in-one app for all your graphic needs
- Long list of stock images to use with QR codes
- Templates galore to fit your QR codes on any image dimensions for the Internet
- Downloads in PNG, JPG, and PDF file types
- Variable image sizes depending on your requirements
Cost to Upgrade Adobe Express: If you don’t have an Adobe product, you can upgrade Express for $9.99 per month. This is great for those who need a variety of image types for online platforms, such as YouTube, social media, blog posts, and more.
Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Why Upgrade?
There are two types of QR codes you can create: static and dynamic. While both will guide users to the programmed source, they behave slightly differently from one another.
Static QR Codes
A “Static” code is simply one you create and place. If scanned, the code will take people to the location (usually a URL) that was programmed. However, it has no tracking ability.
In other words, Static codes are images you set and forget. They are quick to build for projects and marketing campaigns you don’t care to monitor.
Dynamic QR Codes
A “Dynamic” code is an image that has tracking data built into it, allowing you to see how often it’s used and other metrics. These are exceptionally useful if you need to know if your QR codes are actually being used and other pertinent marketing data.
Most free code builders offer a paid plan to create dynamic images and usually have a low cost, compared to other forms of marketing. Unless you absolutely need to know who is using your code, however, you’re more likely to save money using static images.
Do I Plan to Upgrade for Dynamic Codes?
As I progress as an author and continue to work on the branding for WriterSanctuary, it’s likely that I’ll upgrade to a paid plan in the future. I love tracking data, and knowing how and where the codes are being scanned piques my interest.
For one thing, it’ll let me know if I need to change tactics or where to double down on marketing efforts. As a self-published author and blogger, this is a vital part of a good marketing strategy. The more information I can collect, the more I can fine-tune my efforts.
Besides, I wouldn’t mind creating a few reviews for paid services for the blog and YouTube channel. It could be some valuable content for me and other bloggers/authors.
Not to mention the fact that having the QR codes available in specific locations could help me sell a few more books. That alone would be worth the monthly or annual fees.
10 Ideas for Using a QR Code Generator
There are a number of ways you can use QR images to help promote products, services, or other things you want people to view. In fact, I’ve seen authors at book events use them on everything from business cards to the banners featuring new books and personal blogs.
All that matters is that you’re placing them in a location that is easy for users to scan with their phones. Well, and the link or app you want them to visit.
Alright, what are some ideas for using QR codes in your marketing strategies as a blogger, YouTuber, or self-published author?
- In printed copies of your books, aiming at other eBooks you might have available.
- On your banner to highlight author pages, blogs, YouTube channels, or other books you have published.
- On business cards, handing them out during public events or expos.
- Using them as an overlay when creating video content.
- As part of a promotional poster for in-person events.
- Sharing on social media or blog posts.
- Using magnetic printed codes on the side of vehicles to promote yourself or your business (I’ve seen this in person in Denver)
- On free bookmarks or other products you hand out to readers at events.
- On promotional sheets you send when shipping other products.
- In printed flyers to hand out at stores or other physical locations
This is where a dynamic QR code might come in handy. If you plan on doing any combination of the above, you’ll be able to track whether they are actually being scanned or ignored.
QR Codes Are Still In Use By Many
QR codes are quite common in certain industries. And given how easy they are to implement, it’s often a great way to get more eyes on products and services both online and off. In fact, you’ll find a lot of QR codes around town on signs, posters, and other devices.
That’s because virtually every phone has a built-in scanner within the phone. You can turn on the camera, aim it at the QR code, and tap to visit the site.
In any case, a free QR code generator can do wonders to help you market virtually anything. You won’t be able to track the data unless you use dynamic codes, but the free static images can get you started.
Try a few and find the best builder for your QR code that fits your needs. There are some great tools out there with some fun features and functions.
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