Static QR codes never expire — the data is encoded directly. Only dynamic codes, which rely on a redirect service, can expire or change.

Can I put a logo in the middle of a QR code?

Yes, if you use a higher error-correction level (Q or H) so the code can still be read with part of it covered.

Is there a scan limit?

No. Static QR codes have no scan limits and no tracking. They keep working indefinitely.

QR Codes Explained: How They Work and Where to Use Them

QR codes turned from a curiosity into an everyday tool — on menus, posters, packaging, and tickets. Here’s how they work and how to make ones that scan reliably every time.

What is a QR code?

A QR ("Quick Response") code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a grid of black and white squares. Unlike a traditional barcode that holds a number, a QR code can encode a URL, plain text, contact details, Wi-Fi credentials, and more — and a phone camera can read it instantly.

How QR codes store data

The pattern isn’t random. The three large squares in the corners help a camera find and orient the code, while the smaller modules encode the actual data along with built-in error correction. That error correction is why a slightly scuffed or partially covered code still scans.

Static vs. dynamic QR codes

Static codes encode the data directly. The destination is baked in and never changes, there’s no tracking, and they never expire. Our QR Code Generator creates static codes entirely in your browser.
Dynamic codes encode a short redirect URL that points to a destination you can change later. They enable editing and scan analytics, but they rely on a third-party service that can expire or track scans.

For most uses — a link on a flyer, a menu, a business card — a static code is simpler, private, and permanent.

Error correction levels

QR codes come in four error-correction levels, from L (recovers ~7% of data) to H (~30%). A higher level adds redundancy, so the code survives more damage or a logo placed over the centre — at the cost of a denser pattern. For print that might get handled or weathered, choose a higher level; for a clean on-screen link, the default is fine.

Tips for codes that always scan

Keep good contrast — dark code on a light background.
Leave a quiet zone — a margin of empty space around the code.
Don’t print too small — aim for at least 2 × 2 cm, larger for distance.
Test before you publish — scan it with more than one phone.
Use higher error correction if you add a logo.

Make one in seconds

Paste a link or text into the QR Code Generator, pick a size and error-correction level, and download a PNG. The code is generated on your device — nothing is uploaded — and because it’s static, it never expires.