Turn Text into a QR Code
Encode notes, instructions, serial numbers or any other text. The capacity meter shows how close you are to the QR limit for the chosen error-correction level, and tells you when the text won't fit.
How to create a text QR code
- Type or paste your text.
- Watch the capacity meter; if the text is too long, shorten it or choose a lower error-correction level.
- Adjust colours and size, and test the preview with your phone.
- Download the code or copy it to the clipboard.
Supported formats
- Input
- Plain text, Unicode
- Output
- PNG, SVG
How much text fits in a QR code
The largest QR code (version 40) holds 2,953 bytes of text at error-correction level L, but only 1,273 at level H. Digits-only content packs far tighter (up to 7,089 digits), and upper-case letters with a few symbols fit about 4,296 characters. Accented letters and other non-English characters take two or more bytes each in UTF-8, and emoji take four. In practice, anything over a few hundred characters gives a code that is hard to scan from a phone, so keep messages short or link to a page with the QR Code Generator.
Benefits
- Live byte-capacity indicator per error-correction level, with a clear error when text is too long.
- Supports full Unicode, including accented characters and emoji.
- Works completely offline once loaded — ideal for sensitive notes.
Limitations
- Maximum of 2,953 bytes at level L and 1,273 at level H.
- Some scanner apps try to interpret text as links or commands; plain sentences display as text.
Privacy and security
The QR code is generated by JavaScript in this tab using the open-source qrcode library. What you type is never sent to a server, so no third party can log, track or later redirect your code.
Read our privacy policy for details about the site as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
What's the maximum length?
Up to 2,953 bytes at error correction L, 2,331 at M, 1,663 at Q and 1,273 at H. One English letter is one byte; accented letters take two and emoji four.
Does a text QR code need the internet to scan?
No. The text is inside the code, so any phone can read it offline.
Which error-correction level should I use?
M suits most uses. Choose H for codes that may get scratched or partly covered, or L when you need to fit more text.