Restaurant menus, event tickets, package tracking, and even payments all use QR codes. They are a fast bridge between the physical world and a URL. But because a QR code is just a pointer, it is also a tool for scams. Here is how to generate codes responsibly and scan them safely.
How a QR Code Works
A QR code stores data as a grid of black and white squares. Scanners read the pattern and decode whatever was encoded — usually a URL, but also plain text, contact details, Wi-Fi credentials, or payment information. The three corner squares let the scanner find and orient the code, which is why you can scan one at almost any angle.
Make your own QR code
Generate QR codes from text or URLs right in your browser.
What to Encode
Most everyday codes point to a web address. You can also encode:
- Plain text, such as a note or an offline message.
- An email address or
mailto:link. - Wi-Fi network details for easy guest login.
- Phone numbers and vCards.
How to Generate a Code You Can Trust
Generate codes from a source you control and verify the destination before you print. If you are creating a code for your own business, use a tool that runs locally in your browser so the URL is never sent to a third party, and test the finished code by scanning it yourself before publishing.
How to Scan Safely
The danger with QR codes is that you cannot see the destination until you scan. Follow these habits:
- Check the URL preview before opening — your phone shows it before navigation.
- Do not enter passwords or payment details on pages you reached from an unexpected QR code.
- Ignore codes on stickers placed over official posters; scammers relabel real codes.
- Use your camera app’s built-in scanner, which shows a preview instead of opening links blindly.
Generate, Test, Share
QR codes are a great way to connect offline audiences to online content. Generate the code, scan it once to confirm the destination, and share it with confidence — and stay alert for suspicious codes from anyone you do not know.