The best QR code generator online software: how should you choose it in 2024? Free or not?

So, you’re ready to jump on the QR code bandwagon. You’ve got ideas for your call-to-action, a strategy, and, most importantly, a purpose; it’s time to search for the best QR code generator online in 2024. You Google for it, and… you get endless results. Sigh. What now?

Well, since there are so many QR code generators out there for you to choose from, let’s go over what makes the best one the best. Knowing what features and options to look for before choosing a random QR code generator will be worth your time… and money! Without further ado…

The best QR code generator

First, we’ll focus on the best online QR code generator. Although there are mobile apps that allow you to create QR codes as well as QR code maker softwares for PC, online generators can be used on any device, at the office or on the go, due to their cloud-based nature.

Secondly, the best QR code generator should meet all your needs. By this, we mean that whatever project you have in mind that requires the use of QR codes, a generator should adapt to it. The more options a QR code generator has right from the start, the better your experience will be.

From marketing campaigns to non-profit organizations, from health and care to education, all endeavors should be welcomed by a QR code generator with the most complete selection of tools and features. If you’re wondering, “How do I choose the best QR code generator?” looking for the features below will put you on the right track.

The best QR code generator will help you do the following

1. Generate dynamic QR codes

You can create QR codes with a QR code generator—no surprise there. But it’s the ability to generate dynamic ones that truly distinguishes a platform.

A dynamic QR code allows you to change the content of your QR code as many times as you want without having to reprint it. They have a unique URL that automatically redirects users to their current content after scanning them.

For example, you start by linking your QR code to your website, and at a later time, you want to set it up for your Facebook profile. This can be easily achieved via dynamic QR codes.

On the other hand, the QR codes you want to avoid are the so-called static QR codes that you can create with a free QR code generator. Once the content is set, it can’t be changed. More on the difference between the static and dynamic QR codes.

2. Choose different types of QR codes

Regarding content, QR codes can be linked to any digital media. The choice should always be there from the most common use, such as a URL to a digital business card, from a YouTube video to a Google Map.

The best dynamic QR code generator must have all these options and more. Remember, a QR code generator has to adapt to you, not the other way around.

Here are some of the best redirecting options you can choose from to give you an idea of what you can achieve:

• Website URL: Connect your QR code to a website of your choosing.
• Mobile Page: Create your own mobile page. Insert your content, modify it, and add images, videos, links, and more. Ideal for people to access your resume.
• Digital business card: The electronic business card. Store your contact information (first and last name, phone number, email, address). When people scan your QR code, the information will be instantly added to their digital address book.
• File Download: Upload a file (MP3, MOV, PDF) of up to 5 MB for people to download to their mobile devices after scanning your QR code.
• WhatsApp: Automatically opens a WhatsApp conversation with you on users’ phones.
• Digital Menu: Create a contactless, mobile-optimized version of all your menus that is readily available for customers at restaurants, bars, hotels, and venues in general.
• CoVID Track & Trace Form: A health assessment of visitors at any establishment compliant with the WHO guidelines and the Privacy and Data Collection laws.
• Google Map: Insert a full address for people to locate your company or store via Google Maps.
• Google Reviews: Directs people to a Google Page where they can easily rate your business.
• YouTube Video: Have people watch a YouTube video by scanning your QR code. Ideal for video tutorials or music clips.
• Social Network: Connect your Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ accounts to your QR code so people can follow you. Enable the widget of your chosen social network to get likes, comments, and followers.
• PayPal Account: Customers can transfer money to your PayPal account using their mobile devices. You can also easily receive payments and donations directly through your QR code.
• App Store: Connect your QR code to your app’s URL addresses. People will be redirected to the app store that matches their mobile devices (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows).

As if that weren’t enough, the best QR code generators are completely ad-free. The user won’t have to endure an advertisement before reaching your specific content.

3. Generate custom QR codes with your logo

QR codes are not very appealing to the eye. They may just pass for another barcode on the packaging. That is why it is important to know that QR codes can be customized.

A good QR code generator comes equipped with beautifying options that make your QR code’s appearance much more attractive. You can opt to change the code’s color scheme, round its corners, and even add your own logo right in the middle of it.

As a side note, the look of a QR code can also attract the attention of young people. A generator for teachers and schools is a great way to promote new ways students can learn while actively involved with the technology.

Beautifying your QR code will attract more scans while boosting your brand identity. This is a great feature to look out for when looking for the best QR code generator app.

4. Download and print your QR codes

After customizing your QR code, it’s time to download it, add it to your graphic design/packaging, and print it. To do so, it is imperative to export the QR code as a vector image file with the best printing quality.

These files (EPS, PDF, SVG) differ drastically from raster images (JPG, PNG). The latter formats have limited resolution since they are meant for use only on digital platforms. Vector image files, on the other hand, can be resized to fit any particular surface without losing quality.

Much like the aforementioned customization tools, the QR code generator you choose must provide various export options to expand the ways you can apply your QR codes. We also have a full how-to guide to printing QR codes available.

5. Track your QR codes’ statistics

From all the features we’ve discussed, tracking your QR code’s statistics has to be the most important. It will give you a complete understanding of how your QR code endeavor is working. In other words, you should look for a generator with tracking capabilities.

Share of shoppers who used marketing-related QR codes in the United States as of June 2021, by age. Source: Statista

The retrieved data can easily pinpoint whether or not your QR code is being scanned, how often, by whom, from where, and much more. The stats can also help you determine if the call-to-action needs to be revised.

QR code generators, in general, may have a way to gather this information. Still, only the best ones offer all the above filters, plus geo-localization and means to connect said data with other platforms, such as Google Analytics.

US Smartphone QR Code Scanners, 2019-2025 (millions and % change). Source: eMarketer

6. Customize your landing pages

The landing page redirecting option is one of the most robust types of QR content you can find. It basically allows you to create your own custom-made page, which can only be accessed after scanning your QR code.

The tools you’ll have at your disposal vary from generator to generator. The best one, however, enables you to insert text, links, images, etc., and comes equipped with an HTML editor to customize your landing page even further. This feature is a must if you want yours to get your audience’s attention.

7. Generate safe QR codes & use data protection

If you’re considering using QR codes to run your business more effectively, you must also provide strong security and privacy measures for your organization and clients. The best QR code generator considers this, implementing strict protocols to keep any scanner’s data safe.

Make sure the QR code generator you’re considering uses a specialized system to detect harmful attacks, passive and active, maybe with the support of third-party cybersecurity services. Also, you want your QR code generator to keep data under lock and key, for instance, standardizing GDPR compliance. This European standard enforces the most secure data protection in the world.

We extensively cover the topic in this article about secure QR codes.

8. Last but not least…

All of the above are just as important as these two last aspects that define the best QR code generator:

• Affordability: QR code generators offer several plans to accommodate one’s budget. These range from free subscriptions with limited, albeit powerful, functionalities to full-on, complete packages that include everything we’ve discussed.
• Management: Having over a thousand QR codes to track sounds stressful… and it definitely is. That is why QR code management is crucial. The best generators offer ways to organize your QR codes in different folders/projects/campaigns (acronyms depend on the actual platform). If you have multiple marketing campaigns, each with its own set of QR codes, having the possibility to manage them in such a way will relieve that initial stress.

That said, we wrap up the list of things a QR code generator should have to achieve greatness. One final word of advice, though, which arises from the management aspect of a QR code generator, is the following…

The next QR step

QR code managers; the natural evolution of a QR code generator. Managers allow you to become a QR code maker.

This quote comes from a previous article examining the differences between a QR code generator and a QR code manager.

Aside from the bells and whistles, what matters here is that a QR code generator/manager has to get you covered. Not to mention, if you encounter any particular problem using the platform, someone should be there to support you; yet one more thing to have in mind.