QR codes are everywhere — restaurant menus, product packaging, business cards, event posters. And for good reason: a QR code lets someone open a URL on their phone with a single camera tap, no typing required. Here's how to create one for free in seconds.

How to generate a QR code for any URL

Go to shortfy.co/qr.
Paste the URL you want to encode — any website, social profile, or document link.
Your QR code appears instantly as you type. No account required.
Click Download to save a high-quality PNG to your device.

Tip: Use a short URL for a simpler, less dense QR code that scans faster — especially at small print sizes. Shorten your URL at shortfy.co first, then generate the QR code from the short link.

Best use cases for QR codes

Restaurant menus

Print a QR code on a table tent or sticker linking to your online menu. When prices or dishes change, update the link — no reprint required.

Business cards

A QR code on your business card can link to your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, booking page, or a digital vCard. It gives recipients an instant way to connect on their phone.

Event flyers and posters

Link to a registration form, event page, or livestream. Attendees can scan from a physical flyer and land on your sign-up page without typing anything.

Product packaging

Brands use QR codes on packaging to link to instruction manuals, recipe ideas, warranty registration, or loyalty programme sign-ups — all without printing long URLs.

Presentations and slides

Add a QR code to your final slide so the audience can visit a link, download a resource, or sign up — right from their phone while they're still in the room.

Tips for a better QR code

Keep the URL short. Shorter URLs produce simpler QR codes with fewer squares — they scan faster, especially at small sizes.
Test before you print. Scan your QR code on both iOS and Android before committing to a print run.
Leave a quiet zone. QR codes need a small margin of whitespace around them. Don't crop right to the edge.
Minimum print size is about 2cm × 2cm. Smaller than that and most cameras struggle to read it reliably.
High contrast works best. Dark code on a light background is most reliable. Avoid low-contrast colour combinations.

Do QR codes expire?

QR codes themselves don't expire — they're just an image encoding a URL. However, if the URL the QR code points to is a short link with an expiry date set, clicking it after the expiry will show an expired page. If you use a plain URL (not a short link), the QR code works as long as the destination page is live.

Create your QR code now

Head to shortfy.co/qr — free, instant, no account needed.

How to Create a QR Code for Free (in Under 30 Seconds)