QR Code FAQ: Links, Downloads, Privacy and Printing

A static QR code stores a fixed value, such as a website address. Our QR code generator puts your web address into the code rather than replacing it with a ToolAI tracking link. These answers explain what the tool does and what to check before sharing.

Is the QR code generator free?

You can create a website QR code and save PNG without an account or subscription. This tool does not provide editable destinations or scan analytics.

What link is inside my downloaded image?

The code contains the website address you submit. If you enter a domain without a protocol, the tool adds https://. Check the displayed destination before downloading. A destination website can redirect visitors after opening; that is separate from the value stored in the QR code.

Does a static QR code expire?

The image does not have a subscription expiry or scan limit. Its destination still needs to exist. An expired domain, removed page, login requirement or server outage can prevent a working code from opening useful content.

Can I change the destination after printing?

Not inside an existing static code. Create and print a new code for a different address. If you own the original web address, you can update the page served there without changing the QR image.

Which file format does this tool provide?

The current tool provides PNG images only. PNG works well for everyday sharing and documents. Preserve the original image, its white border and square proportions; enlarging a raster image too far can blur its edges.

Why does Download PNG open sharing options?

The button uses the device’s supported image-sharing options. If file sharing is unavailable, it opens an image preview with saving instructions and a direct PNG download. Available actions depend on your browser and operating system.

Why is the image in Files rather than Photos?

A PNG is still an image when stored in Files or Downloads. The website cannot force it into your photo library. On iPhone, use Save Image or Save to Photos if the system offers it. On Android, use the offered save or download action; gallery visibility varies by device. If an in-app browser restricts these options, open the site in Safari or Chrome. Do not assume that a completed download also added the image to Photos.

Is my link uploaded?

QR generation runs in your browser; the generator does not upload the entered address to create the image. Loading this website still involves ordinary requests to the site and its hosting infrastructure. Opening your destination sends a request to that destination. Anyone with your QR image can read its link, so do not encode passwords or private access tokens.

Why does my phone not scan the code?

Try the original download rather than a compressed screenshot. Keep the white border, avoid stretching, improve lighting and move the camera until it focuses. Read our QR scanning troubleshooting guide for a step-by-step check.

Why does the scan open the wrong page?

Compare the address shown by the scanner with the intended link. If they match but the browser lands somewhere else, check the destination’s redirects. If they differ, stop distributing the image and generate a fresh code from the correct link. Do not substitute an example code for your own.

Can I use it for a restaurant menu or PDF?

Yes, if the menu or PDF has a public web address. This tool does not host or upload the file. Open the address in a private browser window first to check whether customers can access it without signing in.

Does dark mode change the QR image?

No. Dark mode changes the interface, not the black-on-white code. Preserve that contrast when adding the downloaded image to your design.

How much white border is needed?

DENSO WAVE specifies a quiet zone four modules wide on each side of a standard QR code. A module is one small square in the pattern. Do not crop away the supplied white border.

Source: DENSO WAVE: QR code margins. See also our printing guide and latest articles.

Where can I compare static and dynamic codes?

Read our comparison guide to distinguish changing an encoded address from updating the content of its webpage.