How to make a QR code (any kind, free)

Making a QR code takes under a minute and costs nothing. The universal three steps, then the exact route for each kind of code people actually make.

The three steps, always

1. Pick the type — what should scanning do? Open a page, join WiFi, save a contact, start a chat, pay?
2. Enter the content and style it — brand colours and a logo are free here; the preview warns if styling hurts scannability.
3. Download and test — PNG for screens, SVG for print; scan a printed proof at real size before any big run.

How to make a QR code for a link

The 80% case. Paste the full URL (with https://) into the website QR tool. Trim tracking parameters — shorter data makes a cleaner code.

For WiFi

WiFi QR tool: network name, password, security type (WPA for almost everyone). Guests scan and join without typing.

For a contact card

vCard tool: name, number, email, company. One scan saves you into their contacts — works offline, data lives inside the code.

For a PDF, menu or document

Host the file (Drive, Dropbox, your site), set sharing to anyone-with-link, and use the PDF QR tool.

For payments, socials, forms and the rest

PayPal, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Reviews, Forms, calendar events — every type has its own page with the tool pre-set: the full types guide maps all 20.

One decision before printing

Will the destination ever change? If yes, make the code editable (£10 once) before printing — repointable forever, no reprints.