How do I turn an image into a QR code?

Upload your image to the image to QR code generator at the top of this page, customize the design (colors, logo, frame), and click Download. The QR code will link to a mobile-friendly page that displays your photo when scanned. It works with any JPG or PNG picture — perfect for creating a photo QR code for products, portfolios, or events.

Does the QR code store the actual image inside it?

No. QR codes can only hold about 3KB of data — far too small for an image file. Instead, the QR code links to a hosted page where your image is displayed. Think of it as a shortcut to your photo, not the photo itself. When someone scans the code, the image opens instantly in their phone’s browser.

What image formats are supported?

QRKIT supports JPG and PNG image uploads. For photographs, JPG is the best choice — it produces smaller file sizes with good visual quality. For graphics, logos, or images with transparency, use PNG. Keep files under 10MB for the fastest loading experience when scanned.

Can I change the image after printing the QR code?

Yes, with a dynamic QR code. Update or swap the image from your QRKIT dashboard anytime — the printed QR code stays the same. This is ideal for businesses that need to update product photos, seasonal menus, or portfolio images without reprinting. Static QR codes link to a fixed image that can’t be changed after creation.

Can I create a QR code for multiple images?

QRKIT supports single image uploads per QR code. If you need to share multiple photos, you can create a separate QR code for each image, or combine your images into a single collage or composite before uploading. For sharing a full photo album, consider creating a URL QR code that links to a shared album on Google Photos, iCloud, or a similar service.

Is my image public or private?

Your image is hosted on a unique URL that’s only accessible to people who scan the QR code or know the direct link. It’s not indexed by search engines or browsable by other users. Only people with the QR code or the specific URL can view your image.

What’s the best image size for a picture QR code?

Use images between 1,500–2,000 pixels on the longest side. This gives good visual quality on phone screens without slow loading times. Images over 10MB may load slowly on mobile data connections. For most use cases, a 1–2MB JPG file gives the best balance of quality and speed.

Does it work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. The hosted image page works in any mobile browser. iPhones (iOS 11+) and Android phones (Android 10+) can scan QR codes directly from the built-in camera app — no separate scanning app needed. The image loads instantly in the browser, ready to view, zoom, and save.

Free Image to QR Code Generator

Upload an image or photo and get a QR code that displays it when scanned. Perfect for sharing product photos, portfolios, or event pictures.

Upload an image or photo and get a QR code that displays it when scanned. Perfect for sharing product photos, portfolios, event pictures, or restaurant menus. Update the image anytime without reprinting.

Dynamic QR CodeFree to CreateScan AnalyticsNo App Needed

STEP 1Enter the URL

STEP 2Customize your QR

Pattern

Classic

Bubble

Smooth

Sharp

Elegant

Dots

Eyes

Classic

Circle

Bubble

Smooth

Elegant

Dotted

Dynamic QREdit & track scans

Runs in your browser. Nothing to install.

Three steps

How to Create a QR Code for an Image

Upload Your Image

Step 1

Drag and drop your photo into the image to QR code generator above, or click to browse your files. Supported formats: JPG and PNG. For best results, keep your picture under 10MB so it loads quickly when scanned on mobile.

Customize Your QR Code

Step 2

Choose your colors, add your logo, and pick a style. Add a call-to-action frame like “Scan to view photo” so people know what to expect when they scan. Preview it to make sure it looks sharp.

Download & Share

Step 3

Download your QR code as PNG (for digital use) or SVG (for print). Add it to flyers, business cards, packaging, event materials, or product labels. Because it's a dynamic QR code, you can replace the image at any time from your dashboard — without changing the code itself.

Pro tip: Always test your QR code by scanning it with your phone before printing. Check that the image loads correctly and looks good on a mobile screen.

Overview

What Is an Image QR Code and How Does It Work?

An image to QR code converter lets you turn any photo or picture into a scannable code that links to a mobile-friendly page. When someone scans it with their phone camera, the image opens instantly in their browser — no app download or file transfer needed. It's the fastest way to share a photo QR code for products, portfolios, or events.

Here's what happens behind the scenes: when you convert an image to a QR code, the file is uploaded and hosted securely on QRKIT's servers. The QR code stores a short URL pointing to that hosted image. QR codes themselves can only hold about 3KB of data — far too small for an image file — so the code acts as a bridge between the physical world and your digital photo. If you only need to share a link rather than an image, use a URL QR code instead.

Why dynamic matters for images: With a dynamic image QR code, you're not locked into the photo you originally uploaded. Updated your product shots? New headshot? Seasonal menu photos? Just swap the image in your dashboard. Every existing printed QR code will automatically show the new photo. No reprinting. No stickers over old codes. No wasted materials.

Use cases

Who Uses Image QR Codes?

Turning an image to a QR code is useful anywhere you want people to see a picture QR code by scanning — from product packaging to business cards.

Restaurants & Cafes

Link photo QR codes to images of your dishes, daily specials, or seasonal menu items. Place them on table tents or next to menu items so diners can see what a dish looks like before ordering. For full menus, try a menu QR code.

Real Estate

Put a QR code on your yard sign or listing flyer that opens a photo of the property. Prospective buyers get an instant look without visiting a listing website. Swap the image as staging changes or new photos are taken.

Photographers & Artists

Share your best work with a single scan. Hand out business cards with a QR code linking to a portfolio piece or featured photo. Update the image anytime with a dynamic code — no reprinting needed.

Event Organizers

Create QR codes linking to event photos after a wedding, conference, or party. Print on thank-you cards or share digitally. Pair with an event QR code to let attendees add events to their calendar.

Product Packaging

Show customers what's inside the box, how to assemble the product, or how it looks in use. A QR code on packaging links to product images that a text description can't replace. Need to share instruction manuals? Use a PDF QR code.

Construction & Contractors

Share before-and-after project photos with clients. Include a QR code in proposals or invoices that links to a photo of completed work. Pair it with a vCard QR code so prospects can save your contact info instantly.

Compare

Static vs Dynamic Image QR Codes

It depends on whether your image will change over time and whether you want to track scans.

Static Image QR Code

Free

Encodes the image's URL directly in the QR pattern. Completely free, no account needed — works forever. But if you update the image or move the file, the QR code still points to the old version. Cannot be tracked or changed after printing. Create free static picture QR codes with our free QR code generator.

Best for

One-time sharing, personal use, permanent photos.

Dynamic Image QR Code

Recommended

Uses a short redirect URL you control from your dashboard. Swap the image anytime, track scans (when, where, what device), and deactivate if needed — all without reprinting. Learn more about dynamic QR codes.

Best for

Business use, product photos, portfolios, anything that might change.

Our recommendation: For any business or professional use, choose a dynamic QR code. A free starter account includes 3 dynamic QR codes. The ability to update the image without reprinting pays for itself the first time you need to swap a product photo, refresh your portfolio, or update seasonal visuals.

Best practices

Image QR Code Best Practices

Follow these tips to get the most out of your image to QR code conversion and ensure every scan delivers a great experience.

Optimize Your Image Size

Keep files under 10MB for fast loading on mobile networks. Resize photos to 1,500–2,000px on the longest side. A 1–2MB image loads in under 2 seconds on 4G; a 15MB photo might timeout on slower connections.

Use High Contrast

Dark QR code on a light background scans most reliably. If using brand colors, maintain strong contrast between the QR pattern and background. Never print a light QR code on a light background or dark on dark.

Add a Call-to-Action

Don't print a bare QR code. Add text like “Scan to see menu photos,” “Scan to view gallery,” or “Scan for product photos.” People scan more when they know what they'll get.

Print at the Right Size

Minimum 2cm × 2cm for close-range scanning (business cards, packaging). For posters and signage scanned from a distance, scale up — at least 10cm × 10cm for scanning from 1 meter away.

Test Before Printing

Scan the QR code from both iPhone and Android before printing. Make sure the image loads correctly, displays well on mobile, and looks good at the actual print size — not just on screen.

Image QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions

Get started

Turn Any Image Into
a Scannable QR Code

Upload a photo, get a QR code in seconds. When scanned, the image opens instantly on the viewer's phone. Free to create, no app needed to scan.

Free to create — no account neededImage opens instantly on any phoneUpdate the image anytime with dynamic QRDownload as PNG or SVG

Create Your Image QR Code