Help / QR Codes
QR code feature guide
A complete, human-friendly walkthrough of every QR code generator feature, from content templates to design controls, downloads, batch exports, and privacy.
Overview
The GenuinePeek QR code generator helps you turn any link, message, or structured action into a scannable QR code. It supports custom text, URLs, Wi-Fi access, vCard contacts, WhatsApp, SMS, email, and payment links.
Every QR code updates live as you edit. Use size, margin, error correction, and color controls to match the surface where the code will be used, then add a logo if branding is important.
When you are done, download PNG or SVG, open a full-size preview, or create a ZIP of multiple QR codes from the Batch tab. This guide explains each feature in detail so you can create codes that scan quickly and look professional.
Workflow steps
Follow this flow for fast, accurate QR code creation from start to finish.
Step 1
Choose the content type
Pick the template that matches your goal, such as a URL, Wi-Fi, vCard, message, or payment link.
Step 2
Enter your details
Fill out the fields and review the payload preview so the QR code contains the right data.
Step 3
Tune design settings
Adjust size, quiet zone, error correction, and colors for the best scan quality.
Step 4
Add branding if needed
Upload a logo and refine padding, rounding, and shadow for a branded look.
Step 5
Download or batch export
Download PNG or SVG, open a full preview, or export a ZIP for bulk QR codes.
Data privacy and trust
QR codes are generated entirely in your browser. Your content is not sent to a server or stored in a database, which means you stay in control of the data you encode.
If you use history, recent payloads and settings are saved locally in your browser. This makes it easy to reuse QR codes, but it is still private to your device. Logo files are not stored in history.
Downloads are saved only on your device. If you share the QR image, anyone who scans it can view the encoded content, so avoid placing sensitive data in public QR codes.
Generated locally
All QR codes are created in your browser.
Stored on device
History stays in local browser storage.
Share responsibly
Anyone who scans a QR code sees its data.
Content templates
Pick the right QR code type for links, text, and structured actions.
What it is
Templates build payloads for custom text or URL, Wi-Fi access, vCard contacts, WhatsApp, SMS, email, and payment links.
Why it matters
Structured payloads open the correct app after a scan and reduce manual typing.
How it works
Select a content type, fill the fields, and the generator builds the payload and preview automatically.
How to use
- Open the content type menu and select a template.
- Enter the required fields such as URL, phone, or message.
- Review the payload preview and the live QR code.
Best for
- Website links on posters or flyers.
- Product packaging with setup instructions.
- Event pages and RSVP links.
Pro tips
- Use full https:// links to avoid scan errors.
- Keep payloads short for faster scans.
Wi-Fi access QR
Let guests join your network without typing a password.
What it is
The Wi-Fi template encodes SSID, security type, password, and hidden status into a standard WIFI: payload.
Why it matters
It speeds up guest onboarding and reduces typos on mobile devices.
How it works
Add the network name, choose WPA or WEP, enter the password, and mark hidden networks when needed.
How to use
- Type the SSID exactly as it appears on devices.
- Select the correct security type and enter the password.
- Scan with a phone to confirm it connects correctly.
Best for
- Cafe or restaurant guest Wi-Fi.
- Office visitors and co-working spaces.
- Events, conferences, and hotels.
Pro tips
- Use WPA/WPA2 when available for better security.
- Enable hidden network only if your SSID is not visible.
vCard contact QR
Share contact details that save directly to a phone.
What it is
The vCard template encodes name, company, job title, phone, email, and website in a standard vCard 3.0 format.
Why it matters
Scanners can save the contact instantly without typing.
How it works
Fill in the contact fields and the QR code is generated from the formatted vCard payload.
How to use
- Add first and last name so the contact displays correctly.
- Include phone and email for quick follow-ups.
- Add company, title, and website for full context.
Best for
- Business cards and brochures.
- Sales teams at expos.
- Professional profiles and portfolios.
Pro tips
- Use international phone formatting with country code.
- Keep contact info accurate to avoid outdated scans.
Messaging QR codes
Start chats through WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
What it is
Messaging templates create click-to-message payloads with prefilled text or subject lines.
Why it matters
They reduce friction for support, sales, and quick inquiries.
How it works
Enter the phone number or email, add a message, and the generator creates the link payload.
How to use
- Add country code for phone numbers.
- Write a short message so the QR stays easy to scan.
- Test the QR on iOS and Android devices.
Best for
- Customer support contact points.
- Lead capture on marketing materials.
- Appointment and booking confirmations.
Pro tips
- Remove spaces and symbols from phone numbers.
- Keep the message focused and action oriented.
Payment link QR
Turn a payment URL into a scannable QR code.
What it is
The payment template encodes a checkout or payment URL you provide.
Why it matters
It makes in-person or print-based payments fast and convenient.
How it works
Paste the shareable payment link and generate the QR code instantly.
How to use
- Use a secure, shareable payment URL.
- Open the link on mobile to confirm it works.
- Regenerate the QR if the link changes.
Best for
- Counter or point-of-sale payments.
- Donations and fundraisers.
- Event tickets and quick pay invoices.
Pro tips
- Prefer short links to keep QR codes compact.
- Avoid expired or session-based links.
Size and quiet zone
Control QR dimensions for fast, reliable scans.
What it is
Size sets the pixel dimensions, while the quiet zone adds a margin around the code.
Why it matters
Larger codes and proper margins scan faster and print more cleanly.
How it works
Set size between 96 and 1024 pixels and add margin from 0 to 10, or use presets.
How to use
- Pick a size based on where the QR will be used.
- Keep a visible quiet zone around the code.
- Test scans on real devices before final print.
Best for
- Large signage and posters.
- Small labels or packaging.
- On-screen sharing and presentations.
Pro tips
- Use 256px or higher for print whenever possible.
- Do not crop the outer margin.
Error correction levels
Balance scan reliability and QR density.
What it is
Error correction levels L, M, Q, and H control how much damage a QR code can tolerate.
Why it matters
Higher correction improves scans on worn or branded QR codes.
How it works
Select the level from the dropdown and adjust size if the code becomes dense.
How to use
- Use M for most links and simple payloads.
- Switch to H when using a logo or printing large codes.
- Increase size when the payload is long.
Best for
- Outdoor signage and posters.
- Branded QR codes with logos.
- Packaging that may get scuffed.
Pro tips
- Higher levels add more modules and detail.
- Pair higher correction with a larger size.
Colors, contrast, and transparency
Match your brand while keeping scans reliable.
What it is
Color pickers let you set foreground and background colors, plus an optional transparent background.
Why it matters
Strong contrast improves scan speed and success rates.
How it works
Choose dark-on-light colors, enable transparency for overlays, and watch the contrast ratio in the preview.
How to use
- Set a dark foreground color for the QR modules.
- Choose a light background or enable transparency.
- Review contrast warnings in the preview area.
Best for
- Brand-aligned marketing materials.
- Overlaying QR codes on images.
- Merchandise or packaging designs.
Pro tips
- Keep contrast high for faster scans.
- Avoid busy or low-contrast backgrounds.
Logo overlay and styling
Add a centered logo without breaking scans.
What it is
Logo uploads support size control, background padding, rounded corners, and optional shadow.
Why it matters
Branding improves recognition while keeping the QR code functional.
How it works
Upload a logo, adjust size from 10 to 35 percent, and use High error correction for safety.
How to use
- Upload a sharp logo image.
- Adjust size, padding, and rounding to fit cleanly.
- Test scans on multiple devices.
Best for
- Brand campaigns and packaging.
- Event signage and badges.
- Storefront posters and menus.
Pro tips
- Use a transparent PNG for the cleanest look.
- SVG exports do not include the logo overlay.
Downloads and preview
Export QR codes as PNG or SVG and review full size.
What it is
Download buttons export PNG and SVG files, and Open preview shows the QR code in a new tab.
Why it matters
PNG is great for print and web; SVG scales cleanly for design layouts.
How it works
Generate the QR, then choose PNG or SVG based on the destination and verify in preview.
How to use
- Generate the QR code with the right settings.
- Download PNG for general use and print.
- Use SVG for vector layouts or design tools.
Best for
- Web pages and email signatures.
- Print flyers and menus.
- Design mockups and marketing assets.
Pro tips
- SVG exports do not include the logo overlay.
- Keep your files organized by purpose.
Batch export
Create many QR codes at once in a ZIP file.
What it is
The Batch tab accepts one payload per line and exports a ZIP of PNG files using your current settings.
Why it matters
Bulk exports save time for product labels, menus, or event badges.
How it works
Paste your list, optionally include the logo overlay, and download the ZIP.
How to use
- Paste each payload on a new line in Batch.
- Enable logo overlay if you want branding in each file.
- Download the ZIP and unzip it for use.
Best for
- Inventory and product labeling.
- Marketing campaigns with multiple URLs.
- Check-in passes or event badges.
Pro tips
- Remove empty lines to avoid blank entries.
- Test a few codes before printing in bulk.
History and reuse
Quickly reopen recent QR codes and settings.
What it is
History stores the most recent payloads and settings locally in your browser. Logo files are not saved.
Why it matters
It speeds up recurring QR code creation without retyping.
How it works
Each download adds a history entry. Click an entry to restore it or clear history when done.
How to use
- Generate and download a QR code.
- Select a history item to restore its settings.
- Clear history if you no longer need it.
Best for
- Recurring marketing links.
- Repeated event check-in QR codes.
- Office Wi-Fi codes refreshed regularly.
Pro tips
- History is stored only on this device.
- Clearing browser storage removes the list.