Text QR code generator
Put plain text in a QR code that reads offline. A live meter shows bytes, version and density as you type. Free, no account, PNG, SVG or PDF.
Letters and digits take one byte each; accents and emoji take two to four.
Where to put it
- Labels on equipment, lockers and storage boxes: what it is, who to call.
- Scavenger hunt clues and puzzle answers that work with no signal.
- Anyone can read it, so never put a password or anything private in a text code.
Want scan counts and an editable destination? Make it a free dynamic code. Want it in your own image? Make a picture code.
Type some text to see the code.
Static · no expiry · built in your browser
Type or paste the text.
Watch the meter: bytes used, the QR version and how dense the code is getting. Pick error correction.
Download PNG, SVG or PDF and scan it to check the text comes back exactly.
Questions
How much text fits in a QR code?+
Up to 2,953 bytes at the lowest error correction, and 2,331 at the default M. A letter or digit is one byte; accented letters take two and emoji four. For print, keep it to a few hundred characters.
Does a text code need internet?+
No. The text is inside the code, so it shows even with no signal.
What is the QR version?+
The size of the grid, from version 1 (21 by 21 modules) to 40 (177 by 177). Higher versions hold more text but need a bigger print to scan.
Is a text code private?+
No. Any phone can read it. Never put passwords or personal details in a code you would not print in plain sight.
Can I change the text later?+
No. The text is the code; to change it, make a new one. For content you will update, link to a web page instead.
More free tools
Learn the terms
- Encoding modesEncoding modes are the ways a QR code packs characters into bits. The four main modes are numeric, alphanumeric, byte and kanji, and a single code can switch between them.
- Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI)Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) is an escape code inside a barcode that declares how the following bytes should be read, such as ECI 26 for UTF-8. Many readers ignore it and guess instead.
- MeCardA MeCard is a compact contact format created by NTT DOCOMO for QR codes. It packs a name, phone and email into one short line, so the code stays smaller than a vCard.
The next step
Make the code the artwork.
These tools make and check classic codes. AriaQR turns your photo, logo or illustration into the code itself, verified on real decoders before you download, with a link you can edit and track.
