How do I create a text QR code?

Type your text into QRKit’s generator above. The QR code generates as you type. Customize the design with your brand colors and logo, then download as PNG or SVG. Free, no sign-up required.

Is it free to create a text QR code?

Yes. QRKit’s text QR code generator is completely free with no account required. You can create, customize, and download text QR codes without signing up. The QR code never expires and can be scanned unlimited times.

How many characters can I encode in a text QR code?

Text QR codes support alphanumeric characters, numbers, symbols, and emojis. QRKit automatically scales the QR code size to fit your text. For best results, keep your text concise — shorter text creates smaller, faster-scanning QR codes. Very long text produces large, dense QR codes that are harder to scan from a distance.

Can I update the text after creating the QR code?

No — text QR codes are static. The text is encoded directly in the QR code pattern. To change the text, create a new QR code (free, takes seconds). If you need updatable content, consider creating a dynamic QR code that links to a webpage you control instead.

What’s the difference between a text QR code and a URL QR code?

A text QR code stores plain text that’s readable offline — no internet connection needed. A URL QR code contains a web link that requires internet to open the webpage. Use text QR codes for offline information like promo codes, product details, and messages. Use URL QR codes for driving traffic to websites and landing pages.

Do text QR codes work offline?

Yes. The text is stored directly in the QR code pattern, not on a server. The scanner reads the text instantly without any internet connection. This makes text QR codes ideal for warehouses, basements, rural areas, and any environment with poor or no connectivity.

Can I include emojis and special characters?

Yes — QRKit supports emojis, numbers, symbols, and special characters in text QR codes. However, emoji display depends on the scanning device. Most modern smartphone cameras (iPhone and Android) display emojis correctly when scanning.

Can I send a QR code via text message?

Yes. Download your QR code as a PNG image, then attach it to any SMS or messaging app — iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email. The recipient can scan it directly from their screen. You can also paste QR code images into documents, presentations, and social media posts.

Do text QR codes work on all phones?

Yes. Text QR codes are standard QR codes supported by every modern smartphone. The built-in camera on iPhones (iOS 11+) and most Android phones recognizes QR codes automatically. When scanned, the decoded text appears on screen — ready to copy or save. No special scanner app is needed.

Free Text QR Code Generator

Turn any text, message, or code into a scannable QR code. Works offline — no internet needed. Free, no sign-up.

Encode any text — promo codes, product details, messages, instructions — into a QR code that anyone can scan and read instantly. Works offline with no internet connection needed. No searching, no typing, no apps required. Free, no sign-up.

Free ForeverNo Sign UpOffline ReadyAll Phones

Free ForeverNo Sign Up RequiredWorks OfflineWorks on Every Phone

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.

Easy to use

Create a Text QR Code in 3 Steps

Type Your Text

Enter the text you want to encode — a promo code, greeting message, product details, instructions, or any text content. The generator creates a QR code as you type.

Customize Your Design

Choose colors, add your brand logo, and pick a frame style. Add call-to-action text like “Scan to Read” or “Scan for Code” so people know what to expect when they scan.

Download & Share

Download as PNG or SVG. Print on business cards, product packaging, greeting cards, event materials, or share digitally in emails and documents.

How it works

What Is a Text QR Code?

A text QR code stores plain text — like a promo code, greeting message, or product details — that anyone can read by scanning with their phone. Unlike URL QR codes, text QR codes work completely offline. No internet connection needed.

Example encoded text

WELCOME25 — 25% off your first order

The text is encoded directly in the QR code pattern itself. When scanned, the phone instantly displays the text on screen — ready to copy, save, or act on. No browser opens. No website loads. No data is sent anywhere.

Why text QR codes over typing? Promo codes get mistyped. Serial numbers are long and error-prone. Assembly instructions don't fit on a label. A text QR code delivers the exact text you intended — no typos, no truncation, no character limit issues. One scan, perfect accuracy.

In short: Text QR codes are the simplest QR type. No internet, no redirects, no servers — just your text, encoded in a pattern, readable by any smartphone camera.

Compare

Text QR Code vs URL QR Code vs vCard QR Code

Not sure which QR code type to use? Here's how text QR codes compare to the other common types.

Feature	Text QR Code	URL QR Code	vCard QR Code
Contains	Plain text, numbers, symbols	Web address (URL)	Contact card (name, phone, email)
Requires Internet	No — works offline	Yes — opens a webpage	No — saves to contacts
Best For	Promo codes, messages, product details	Websites, landing pages, tracking links	Business cards, contact sharing
Editable After Creating	No — static only	Yes (with dynamic QR)	No — static only
Scan Result	Text displayed on screen	Opens browser	Adds to phone contacts

Text QR Code

Contains: Plain text, numbers, symbols
Internet: Works offline
Best for: Promo codes, messages
Editable: No — static only
Scan result: Text on screen

URL QR Code

Contains: Web address (URL)
Internet: Yes — required
Best for: Websites, landing pages
Editable: Yes (dynamic QR)
Scan result: Opens browser

vCard QR Code

Contains: Contact card
Internet: Works offline
Best for: Business cards, contacts
Editable: No — static only
Scan result: Saves to contacts

Create a URL QR code for web links or a vCard QR code for contact cards.

Use cases

8 Ways to Use Text QR Codes

Promo Codes & Discounts

Encode discount codes, coupon strings, or special offer text directly in a QR code. Print on packaging, receipts, or flyers. Customers scan to reveal the exact code — no mistyping “WELCOME25” vs “WELC0ME25.” The most common use case for text QR codes.

Product Information

Embed product specs, serial numbers, care instructions, or ingredient lists. Customers scan the QR code on packaging to see full details — no internet needed, works anywhere.

Greeting Cards & Gifts

Encode a personal message, poem, or song lyrics inside a QR code. The recipient scans to reveal a surprise message. More creative than plain text on a card.

Event & Venue Codes

Print access codes, parking info, or venue directions as text QR codes. Attendees scan at the entrance — works even without cell service.

Assembly Instructions

Encode step-by-step instructions or maintenance protocols directly. Technicians scan to read procedures on-site — no manual to carry, no internet needed.

Business Cards

Add a QR code with your phone number, email, and social handles as plain text. Quick alternative to a full vCard QR code.

Inventory & Asset Tags

Encode serial numbers, asset IDs, or batch numbers. Warehouse staff scan to identify items without typing long codes. Works in areas with no WiFi.

Education & Training

Encode quiz answers, vocabulary, formulas, or study prompts. Students scan to reveal hidden content — turns learning into an interactive activity.

Compare

Static vs Dynamic: Which QR Code Type for Text?

Text QR codes on QRKit are static — the text is encoded directly in the QR code pattern. Here's what that means and when to consider a dynamic alternative.

Static Text QR Code

Free

Your text is encoded directly in the QR code pattern. It works forever, offline, with no internet connection. The text cannot be changed after creation — to update it, create a new QR code (free, takes seconds).

Best for

Promo codes, product details, greeting messages, any text that doesn't change.

Dynamic URL QR Code

Flexible

Need text that changes? Create a dynamic QR code that links to a webpage you control. Update the page content anytime from your QRKit dashboard — the QR code stays the same. You also get scan analytics (total scans, devices, dates). Learn more about dynamic QR codes.

Best for

Seasonal promotions, event info that changes, content you need to update after printing.

Best practices

Text QR Code Best Practices

Keep Text Concise

Shorter text creates smaller, easier-to-scan QR codes. A 50-character promo code scans faster than a 500-character paragraph. If you need to share a lot of text, consider linking to a webpage with a URL QR code instead.

Include a Clear Call-to-Action

Don't print a bare QR code. Add “Scan for Promo Code” or “Scan for Instructions” next to it. People need to know what they'll get before they scan.

Test Before Printing

Scan your QR code on both iPhone and Android. Verify the decoded text displays correctly — especially special characters, emojis, and line breaks. Fix any issues before you print.

Use High Contrast Colors

Dark QR code on a light background scans best. Avoid light-on-light or dark-on-dark combinations. QRKit lets you customize colors while maintaining scannability.

Match Your Brand

Add your brand colors and logo to the QR code. A branded code gets more scans than generic black-and-white. Keep the logo small enough that it doesn't interfere with scanning.

Print at the Right Size

Business cards: 2–3cm. Product labels: 3–5cm. Posters: 8–12cm. Packaging: 5–8cm. Download SVG for clean scaling at any size.

Text QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions

Get started

Turn Any Text into
a Scannable QR Code

Encode promo codes, product details, messages, instructions — any text — into a QR code that works offline on every phone. Free, no account needed.

Works offline — no internet neededFree forever — no account neededSupports emojis & special charactersDownload as PNG or SVG

Create Your Text QR Code