QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store various types of information, such as URLs, text, phone numbers, email addresses, contact information (vCard), Wi-Fi network credentials, and more. They can be easily scanned using smartphone cameras or dedicated QR code reader apps, providing a quick and convenient way to access digital information or trigger actions.

Unlike traditional 1D barcodes, QR codes can store significantly more data and are more resilient to damage due to their error correction capabilities.

Generating a QR code with our tool is simple:

1. Enter Data: Type or paste the information you want to encode into the 'Data' input field. This could be a website URL, a piece of text, an email address, etc.
2. Customize (Optional): Adjust the settings to customize your QR code:
   • Size: Change the pixel dimensions of the generated QR code image. Larger sizes are better for print.
   • Error Correction Level: Higher levels (M, Q, H) allow the QR code to be scanned even if parts of it are damaged or obscured, but they also increase the density of the QR code. Level 'L' (Low) is suitable for clean environments.
   • Foreground & Background Colors: Change the colors of the QR code blocks and the background. Ensure high contrast for good scannability (e.g., dark foreground on a light background).
3. Preview: A live preview of your QR code will update as you change the data or settings.
4. Download: Click the 'Download QR Code' button to save the QR code as a PNG image file.
5. Print: Click the 'Print QR Code' button to open your browser's print dialog, allowing you to print the QR code directly.
6. Clear/Example: Use 'Clear' to reset all fields or 'Example' to load sample data.

• Keep it Simple: The less data you encode, the simpler and easier to scan the QR code will be. For URLs, consider using a URL shortener if the original URL is very long.
• Test Thoroughly: Always test your QR code with multiple devices and scanner apps before printing or distributing it widely.
• Maintain Contrast: Ensure a high contrast between the foreground (dark) and background (light) colors. Avoid light foregrounds on light backgrounds, or vice versa.
• Quiet Zone: Leave a blank margin (quiet zone) around your QR code. The `qrcode.react` library usually handles this, but be mindful if you're placing it very close to other design elements.
• Size Matters for Print: For printed materials, ensure the QR code is large enough to be scanned easily from a typical viewing distance. A minimum size of 1x1 inch (2.5x2.5 cm) is often recommended.
• Purposeful Placement: Place your QR code where it's easily visible and scannable, and provide context about what users can expect when they scan it.

QR codes feature error correction, which allows them to be scanned even if they are partially damaged or obscured. There are four levels:

• L (Low): Recovers up to 7% of data.
• M (Medium): Recovers up to 15% of data. (Default for many generators)
• Q (Quartile): Recovers up to 25% of data.
• H (High): Recovers up to 30% of data.

Higher error correction levels result in a more complex (denser) QR code, which might be slightly harder to scan with some older devices if the QR code is very small. For most use cases, Level M is a good balance.