QR codes are everywhere — menus, business cards, product packaging, event tickets. But most free QR code generators have limitations: they add their own branding, limit design options, or require an account. Many also generate codes through a server, meaning someone else could theoretically track scans.

This guide shows how to create custom QR codes with embedded logos, custom colours, and high error correction using the NexaTools QR Code Generator — all running locally in your browser.

What Makes a Good QR Code§

  • Error correction level — determines how much of the code can be damaged while remaining scannable. Levels range from L (7%) to H (30%)
  • Contrast — dark modules on a light background scan best. Avoid low-contrast color combinations
  • Quiet zone — the empty margin around the QR code should be at least 4 modules wide
  • Logo placement — a logo in the center overlays the error correction data, so using a higher error correction level is important when adding a logo
  1. Open the tool — go to the NexaTools QR Code Generator
  2. Enter your content — type a URL, text, phone number, or any other data. The generator auto-detects the content type
  3. Customize the design — choose foreground and background colours, add a logo image (PNG with transparency works best), and adjust the error correction level
  4. Generate and download — the QR code is rendered instantly. Download as PNG or SVG

QR Code Content Types§

  • URL — scannable link to any website
  • Text — plain text that appears when scanned
  • Email — pre-fills the recipient, subject, and body
  • Phone — triggers a call prompt on mobile devices
  • SMS — pre-fills the recipient and message body
  • WiFi — encodes network credentials for instant connection
  • vCard — saves contact information to the phone's address book
  • Location — opens a map at specified coordinates

Error Correction and Logo Size§

QR codes have four error correction levels:

  • L (Low, 7%) — smallest code, least damage tolerance
  • M (Medium, 15%) — good balance for most uses
  • Q (Quartile, 25%) — recommended when adding a logo
  • H (High, 30%) — maximum damage tolerance, larger code

When embedding a logo, use at least level Q. The logo covers approximately 15-20% of the code area, and the error correction ensures the code remains scannable despite the overlay.

Download Format Options§

  • PNG — raster format with transparency. Best for digital use and social media
  • SVG — vector format, infinitely scalable. Best for print — business cards, flyers, posters

Privacy Considerations§

Most QR generators create codes on their servers, and some embed tracking that reports when and where your code is scanned. The NexaTools QR Code Generator generates everything locally in your browser. No QR codes, logos, or URLs are sent to any server. The generated QR codes contain no tracking or analytics.

Summary§

The NexaTools QR Code Generator creates custom QR codes with logos, colours, and multiple content types — entirely in your browser, for free, with no tracking or accounts.