What is a URL QR code?

A URL QR code encodes a web address. When scanned with a phone camera, it opens the linked page directly in the browser, removing the need to type the URL manually.

How long can the URL be?

A URL can be up to about 2,950 characters at level L, 2,330 at M and 1,660 at level Q, where this page starts. Shorter URLs give larger modules that scan from further away, so use a short link if yours is long.

How big should a printed QR code be?

A common rule of thumb is a code width of about one tenth of the scanning distance, so a poster read from 2 m needs a code about 20 cm wide. A shorter URL gives larger modules at the same size.

How much blank space should surround the code?

The QR specification asks for a light border four modules wide. The generator adds a two-module border, so leave at least two more modules of white space around the code in your layout.

QR Code for a URL on Posters and Signs

Make a QR code for a URL that will be printed: a poster, a shop-window sign, a flyer or product packaging. The page starts at error correction level Q, which restores up to 25% of a damaged or partly covered code, and the SVG copy stays sharp at any print size. All processing runs in your browser using the qrcode library.

URL

0 chars

SIZE: 256px

ERROR CORRECTION

FOREGROUND

#000000

BACKGROUND

#ffffff

QR code generated locally using qrcode. All processing runs in your browser.

How it works

The qrcode library running in the page selects the smallest QR version that fits your URL at the chosen error correction level and renders the resulting module matrix onto an HTML Canvas. The Canvas is exported as PNG for downloads, while the same matrix is also emitted as SVG so the code can be embedded in posters, signage, or packaging artwork at any size without becoming blurry.

Processing runs in your browser

All QR code generation happens locally in your browser tab. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Related operations

To create 1D barcodes for products and labels, try the barcode generator. For reading codes back from a picture, use the QR code scanner. To percent-encode URLs before embedding them, see URL encode.

Frequently asked questions

What is a URL QR code?: A URL QR code encodes a web address. When scanned with a phone camera, it opens the linked page directly in the browser, removing the need to type the URL manually.
How long can the URL be?: A URL can be up to about 2,950 characters at level L, 2,330 at M and 1,660 at level Q, where this page starts. Shorter URLs give larger modules that scan from further away, so use a short link if yours is long.
How big should a printed QR code be?: A common rule of thumb is a code width of about one tenth of the scanning distance, so a poster read from 2 m needs a code about 20 cm wide. A shorter URL gives larger modules at the same size.
How much blank space should surround the code?: The QR specification asks for a light border four modules wide. The generator adds a two-module border, so leave at least two more modules of white space around the code in your layout.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026

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