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Static or dynamic QR code?

Agillia QR creates static QR codes: the information (a link, a text, a Wi-Fi network…) is written directly into the code. It does not depend on our service and never expires because of the application.

A dynamic QR code, by contrast, contains a redirect address managed by a service, which can be modified or stopped. Agillia QR does not offer dynamic codes. With a static code, the destination itself can still become unavailable (for example a deleted web page). To change the content, create a new code.

The four steps

The generator guides you through four steps, shown at the top of the page:

1. Content: choose what the code contains and fill in the fields.
2. Customize: choose the size, margin, error correction level and colors.
3. Preview: select “Update preview”, read the warnings and scan the code.
4. Download: get the SVG or PNG file.

The seven content types

Each type shows only the fields it needs:

• Website (URL): opens a web page, for example your online menu. The address must start with http:// or https://.
• Text: displays a short text, such as a serial number or instructions.
• E-mail: prepares an e-mail with recipient, subject and message, for example to contact customer service.
• Phone: suggests calling a number, written in international format.
• SMS: prepares a text message to a number, for example to book a table.
• Wi-Fi: lets guests join your wireless network without typing the password.
• Contact card (vCard): saves a name, phone, e-mail, address and website in the address book.

Size, quiet zone, contrast and error correction

A QR code is made of small squares called modules. A few settings affect how easily it can be scanned:

• Size: the width of the image in pixels. Presets: Web 512 px, Standard 768 px, Print 1,024 px, High resolution 2,048 px.
• Margin or quiet zone: the blank border around the code. Scanners need it: keep at least 4 modules.
• Contrast: use a dark code on a light background, with a contrast of at least 4.5:1. Light codes on dark backgrounds are refused because many scanners cannot read them.
• Error correction: extra information that lets the code be read even if partly damaged or dirty. Low (about 7%), Balanced (about 15%), Reliable (about 25%) and Robust (about 30%). More correction means a denser code.

SVG or PNG?

• SVG is a vector format: it stays perfectly sharp at any size. Ideal for printing, signs and layout software.
• PNG is an image made of pixels: ideal for websites, e-mails, presentations and office documents. Its resolution is set to 300 ppi for printing.

Both files contain exactly the same code, margin and colors. The PNG uses a whole number of pixels per module, so it can be slightly smaller than the requested size; the exact size is shown in the preview.

Keeping your QR code readable

• When printed, each module should measure at least 0.5 mm for scanning with a smartphone.
• The side of the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance: about 2 cm when scanned from 20 cm, 10 cm from 1 m.
• Keep a dark code on a light, plain background, without shiny surfaces.
• Always test the downloaded file with several phones before printing in quantity.
• The preview indicates the print size and warns you when the modules are too small.

Checking the encoded data

Before downloading, the preview shows a summary of the encoded data. Personal data and passwords are hidden by default: open “Show personal data and passwords” to check them.

If you have no QR scanner, compare this summary carefully with what you expect: it is exactly what the code contains.

Limits, warnings and common errors

The content is limited to 2,048 bytes, and less with high error correction levels: the counter shows the size used and the real limit. Accented letters and emojis take more than one byte.

• “This field is required”: fill in the field shown in red.
• “The content is too long”: shorten it or choose a lower error correction level.
• “Add http:// or https://”: web addresses must be complete; the generator never adds them for you.
• Contrast refused: choose a darker code color or a lighter background.
• PNG blocked: the requested size is too small for a sharp image; choose the suggested size or download the SVG.
• “Too many requests”: wait the indicated time; your entries are kept.

Your data and privacy

The data is sent temporarily to the server to generate the QR code, then it is not stored or recorded in the logs.

• No account is needed and nothing is saved between visits, except your language choice.
• No tracking, no analytics, no advertising and no third-party scripts.
• No scan statistics: we never know when or where your code is scanned.
• Personal data and passwords are never kept in your browser, in cookies or in addresses.