Frequently asked questions

Find an answer. Get back to creating.

Getting started

How do I create a QR code for free?

Choose a type, add your content, design it and download. Sign in to generate dynamic QR codes. Free includes unlimited static QR codes and barcodes, plus 3 dynamic codes with 500 Free scans each. Static QR downloads include a QR ALCHEMY watermark. Image QR codes, AI art and bulk generation require a paid plan. Free QR downloads include PNG and SVG up to 1024 px.

How many QR codes are possible?

QR code versions support different data capacities and patterns. Choose the version that fits your content; the generator handles the QR encoding for you.

Can a QR code contain a virus?

The code itself is only data. The risk is where it sends you, such as a fake login page. How to spot QR code scams.

Do I need an app to scan a QR code?

No. The built-in camera on iPhone and most Android phones reads QR codes. How to scan on a phone.

Plans & billing

What’s the difference between the free and paid plans?

Static QR codes and barcodes are unlimited on every plan. Paid plans add generation credits, more QR export formats, larger downloads and longer analytics history. File upload limits are Free 5 MB, Starter 20 MB and Pro or above 50 MB. Starter includes monthly allowances with no rollover. Pro and above receive purchase credits that carry over while paid access remains active. Compare current plans.

How do I request a refund?

Open Subscription & billing and use Request refund next to an eligible payment. Within seven days of payment, unused paid benefits qualify for the automatic full-refund request. Waffo may still review and process it. See the Refund Policy; other provider and mandatory consumer rights remain available.

How can I contact QRCodeAlchemy?

Email support@qrcodealchemy.com for questions, feedback and support. See Contact for what to include.

Are static QR codes and barcodes really free?

Yes. They are unlimited on every plan, including Free. Free barcode and 3D QR downloads include a QR ALCHEMY watermark; paid plans remove it. Barcodes include all six export formats.

What can I do without an account?

Scan and test QR codes, read the guides and browse the blog without signing in. Download ordinary static QR codes, barcodes and 3D STL files without signing in. Sign in to create dynamic QR codes. Your first account receives an initial free generation allowance.

Do new QR code types and 3D QR codes cost extra?

Standard QR content types are available on every plan. Image QR codes, AI art and bulk generation require a paid plan. Free static downloads include a QR ALCHEMY watermark.

When do my generation allowances reset?

Starter includes 100 bulk QR codes, 20 image QR codes and 10 AI artworks per UTC calendar month, with no rollover. Pro and above receive credits with each successful paid purchase or renewal. Failed or canceled AI attempts release their reservations.

How do dynamic QR code limits work?

Free includes 3 lifetime dynamic generations, each with 500 Free scans. Starter supports 15 active dynamic codes. Manage saved codes in My QR codes and review your remaining balance in Usage.

How does bulk generation count?

The plan comparison shows bulk QR generation credits, rather than the number processed in one run. All nine bulk QR content types are supported. Dynamic rows also use dynamic generation credits.

Which download formats and sizes do I get?

Free QR exports include PNG / SVG up to 1024 px. Paid plans include additional formats and exports up to 4096 px. Barcodes include all six formats on every plan. Compare current plans.

What does the Unlimited plan include?

Unlimited dynamic, image, AI art and bulk QR generation allowances, subject to applicable fair use, plus all QR export formats up to 4096 px and full analytics history. Compare current plans.

Can I change or cancel my plan?

Buy your current tier again or upgrade. You can also buy lower-tier credits without changing your membership. Manage your subscription, billing cycle and cancellation in Subscription & billing. Changes take effect after confirmation from the payment provider.

What happens to my codes if I move to Free?

Static QR codes and barcodes remain usable. When paid access ends, your account returns to Free. Your first 3 dynamic QR codes remain scannable within the 500-Free-scan limit per code; additional codes pause. Renew to restore codes paused by the plan limit without reprinting. Free generation allowances are one-time, not monthly. The first 3 dynamic codes are selected by creation date. Deleting or pausing them does not free a slot or restore generation credits. After paid access ends, renew before editing dynamic QR codes. Manually paused, deleted or restricted codes stay unavailable. Unused paid generation credits expire when paid access ends.

Static & dynamic QR

Do QR codes expire?

Static symbols do not expire, but their destination can become unavailable. When paid access ends, your account returns to Free. Your first 3 dynamic QR codes remain scannable within the 500-Free-scan limit per code; additional codes pause. Renew to restore codes paused by the plan limit without reprinting.

What’s the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

A static code stores the content in the pattern itself; a dynamic code stores an editable short link, so you can change the destination and track scans.Read the full comparison →

Can a static code be converted into a dynamic one?

No. They encode different content, so you need to create a new code and replace it.

Are dynamic codes slower to scan?

Dynamic codes use an additional redirect. Actual loading time depends on the network, redirect service and destination page; there is no fixed loading-time guarantee.

Design & downloads

Will my QR code still scan with a logo?

Keep the logo small and use the generator’s scan check. Test the final export on a phone, especially after resizing or printing. A logo does not guarantee that every design will scan.

Which format is best for print?

Use SVG or PDF for print (vector, sharp at any size). Use PNG for websites and social media.

What is the smallest QR code that still scans?

The practical size depends on encoded content, module size, printing quality, scanning distance and contrast. Test a physical proof at its final size on more than one phone before printing a batch.

Is a bigger version better?

No. A bigger version has more, smaller modules. Use the lowest version that fits your content.

Does the generator make Micro QR codes?

No. QRCodeAlchemy generates standard QR codes. Test the finished export with the devices you expect people to use.

Can QR codes be different colors?

Yes. Any color works as long as the dots are clearly darker than the background. Red, blue or pink dots on white scan fine; light dots on a dark background (inverted) don’t work with every scanner.

Can I make a heart-shaped or round QR code?

You can use heart, star or round dots and round corner eyes. The code itself stays square, because scanners need the square grid.

Does customizing cost extra?

No. All design options are free. Paid plans add more download formats and larger sizes. Compare plans.

Can I download a QR code again later?

Saved codes can be accessed in My QR codes. Available downloads depend on the saved code and your current plan. Keep a copy of important exports.

How do I get a QR code with a transparent background?

In the generator, open the Style tab and under Colors pick a palette with a transparent background (the checkered swatch), then download PNG or SVG. JPG doesn’t support transparency.

Which format do I use in Illustrator, Word or PowerPoint?

Use SVG (or EPS on paid plans) in Illustrator and other design tools. Use PNG in Word, Google Docs and PowerPoint.

Does downloading a dynamic QR code again change it?

No. The pattern holds the same short link, so every copy you download points to the same code and keeps counting scans.

Scanning & safety

Is it safe to scan QR codes?

Decoding a QR code does not establish that its destination is safe. Check the address before opening it and be cautious with requests for passwords, downloads or payment details.

Can a QR code hack my phone?

A QR symbol stores data that a scanner interprets, such as a link or network settings. Harmful destinations and vulnerable software can create risks. Keep your device updated and do not install apps or profiles from an unexpected code.

Are free QR code generators safe?

Static QR codes contain your content directly and keep working without the generator. With dynamic codes, check how long the provider keeps them active and whether you can export your data.

Is it safe to open the link?

Read the link before tapping it, and be careful with codes that ask for passwords or payment. QR code safety tips.

Can I scan a QR code without a camera?

Yes, if you have the code as an image. Scan it from a screenshot or photo.

Can you scan a QR code from a screenshot?

Yes. Open the screenshot in Photos (iPhone) or Google Photos with Lens (Android), or upload it to an online QR code reader.

Is it safe to scan codes from images I received?

Treat them like links in an email: check the address before opening it. How to spot QR code scams.

Is my image uploaded anywhere?

No. The image and camera frames are decoded in your browser. Nothing is sent to our servers.

Do I need an account?

No. Scanning and testing are free and unlimited, with no sign-in. You only need a free account to create and download QR codes.

Does the safety check open the link?

No. It checks the link text for common scam patterns but doesn’t visit the page, so it can’t follow short links or guarantee a page is safe. If in doubt, don’t enter passwords or payment details.

Why can’t it find my QR code?

Crop the image to the code, use a sharper photo without glare, and keep the white margin around the code. Very small or heavily compressed images often fail.

How do I scan a QR code on my computer?

Upload a screenshot or photo here, paste it with Ctrl+V, or use your computer’s webcam with “Use camera”.

Bulk generation

Which QR code types can I create in bulk?

Website links, text, email, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, Wi‑Fi, vCard contacts and Google Maps places. Each type has its own CSV template with the exact columns.

How many QR codes can I create at once?

One run processes up to 1,000 QR codes, on a paid plan, subject to your remaining bulk allowance. Starter includes 100 codes per UTC month. Dynamic rows also require an available dynamic QR slot or generation credit. Compare current plans.

Can I use Excel?

Yes. Fill in the template in Excel or Google Sheets, then save or export it as CSV (UTF-8) and upload that file.

What happens to rows with errors?

They’re marked in the check step with the reason. Continue to skip them, or download the error rows, fix them and upload again.

How do I add photos to vCard QR codes?

Upload a ZIP instead of a CSV. Put the CSV and a folder named images in it, and write each photo’s file name (for example emily.png) in the photo column. JPG, PNG, WEBP or GIF, up to 5 MB each. Download the vCard template ZIP to see the layout.

Are bulk QR codes static or dynamic?

Same as the single generator. URL, WhatsApp and Google Maps batches can be static or dynamic. vCard batches are dynamic, because each code opens its own card page. The other types are static. Static codes hold the content and work forever. Dynamic codes each get their own short link, are saved to My QR codes and use your plan’s dynamic QR codes. Paid plans can change where they point after printing.

Barcodes

Do I need to register my barcode number?

This tool turns the number you provide into a barcode. It doesn’t issue GTINs or ISBNs. For products sold in stores, use the number assigned by GS1 or your ISBN agency.

What does “Not scannable” mean?

We render your barcode and run a real test scan. If it can’t be read, usually because the bars are too light or lighter than the background, download is blocked until you fix it.

Which file format should I use?

SVG, PDF and EPS are true vectors for print and packaging. PNG, JPG and WebP are images for documents and the web.

How many barcodes can I create?

As many as you like. Barcodes are free and unlimited on every plan, in all six formats. Downloads are created directly in your browser. Compare plans.

Can I make many barcodes at once?

The bulk tool currently generates QR codes in nine supported content types. Batch barcode generation is not available.

3D printing

How do I make a 3D printable QR code?

Open the 3D QR generator, enter a link or text, set the dimensions and download the STL. Open the export in a compatible slicer and use contrasting colors for the code and base. Test the printed result.

What is a QR code to STL converter?

It turns the QR code’s grid of dark modules into a 3D model: a flat base plate with each dark module raised as a block, saved as an STL file.

Will a 3D printed QR code scan?

Use contrasting colors and sufficiently large modules. The tool checks the QR design, but a physical print still needs testing at its final size, material and viewing distance.

Can I make the QR code in two colors?

Yes. Choose “Two STL files” to get base.stl and code.stl in one ZIP, or use one STL and change filament at the base height shown on the page.

Is it free?

Yes. A 3D QR code counts as a static QR code, which is free and unlimited on every plan. You only need a free account to download. See plans.