QR Code FAQ

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that any smartphone camera can scan to instantly open a URL, display text, connect to Wi-Fi, save a contact, and much more. They were invented in 1994 and have become the standard bridge between the physical and digital world.

On iPhone (iOS 11+) and most Android devices, just open the default Camera app and point it at the QR code — a notification will appear to open the link. No separate app needed. On older devices you may need a dedicated QR scanner app.

QR codes can encode: URLs, plain text, Wi-Fi credentials (network name, password, security type), email addresses with pre-filled subject and body, phone numbers, vCard contacts, and social media profile links. Forge QR supports all of these in the Static QR tab.

Up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters, depending on the error correction level. In practice, shorter content produces simpler, less dense codes that are faster and more reliable to scan. For long URLs, dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect instead of the full URL, keeping the code simple.

Static QR codes never expire — the code itself is permanent. However, if the URL you encoded goes offline or changes, the QR code will lead to a broken page. Dynamic QR codes on Forge QR are kept active indefinitely. If you ever need to update the destination, you can do so from your Manage link.

A static QR code encodes content directly into the image — it is permanent and cannot be changed after generation. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL instead, so you can update the destination at any time without changing or reprinting the code itself. Dynamic codes also come with scan analytics.

Only with dynamic QR codes. After creating one on Forge QR, you receive a private Manage link. Use it to update the destination URL any time — your printed QR code image stays exactly the same. Static QR codes encode the content permanently and cannot be updated.

Use static for: business cards, Wi-Fi access, vCard contacts, or any content that will never change.

Use dynamic for: restaurant menus, marketing campaigns, product packaging, event posters, or any URL that might change — or when you want to track how many people scan the code and where they are.

No — dynamic QR codes redirect through Forge QR's servers, so the person scanning needs an internet connection. Static QR codes that encode text, Wi-Fi credentials, or vCard contacts work offline because all the information is inside the code itself.

A safe minimum for close-range scanning (business cards, table menus) is 2 × 2 cm. For wall posters scanned from 1 metre away, aim for at least 5 × 5 cm. For large outdoor signage, scale proportionally. Always test with a real device before printing in bulk.

Yes. QR codes include error correction that allows part of the code to be obscured and still scan correctly. Forge QR automatically sizes your uploaded logo to a safe proportion and uses the highest error correction level to compensate. Always test the result on a real phone before printing.

Yes — Forge QR lets you set any foreground and background colour. The key requirement is sufficient contrast between the two. Avoid similar shades (e.g. dark blue on black) as scanners may fail to read the code. Always test coloured QR codes on multiple devices before printing.

Forge QR downloads high-resolution PNG files. PNG supports transparency (when using circular or rounded shapes) and is suitable for both digital use and professional print at standard print sizes. For very large format printing (banners, billboards) ask your print shop if they need a higher resolution export.

A frame label adds a line of text below (or inside) your QR code — for example "Scan to see the menu" or "Get 10% off". Studies consistently show that QR codes with a clear call-to-action get significantly more scans than bare codes. Keep the label short (under 5 words) and specific about what the user will get.

Create a dynamic QR code on Forge QR. Each dynamic code comes with a private Manage link, and from there you can open the Scan Stats page — showing total scans over time, a day-by-day chart, top countries and cities, device type (mobile/tablet/desktop), operating system, and browser breakdown.

For each scan we log: approximate country and city (from IP address — the IP itself is not stored), device type, operating system, browser, and timestamp. No personally identifiable information is collected. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Yes. Add UTM parameters to your destination URL — for example https://yoursite.com/page?utm_source=poster&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=summer. Google Analytics will then attribute sessions coming from that QR code correctly, giving you deeper insight alongside Forge QR's own scan data.

An App Store QR code is a smart redirect that detects the scanner's device and sends them to the right store automatically — iPhone and iPad users go to the Apple App Store, Android users go to Google Play, and desktop users go to a fallback URL of your choice. One code works for all platforms.

No — you can provide just one. If only an iOS URL is set, Android users will fall back to the fallback URL (or the iOS URL if no fallback is set). Forge QR requires at least one store URL to generate the code.

Yes, completely. No account required, no watermarks, no usage caps, no credit card. Every feature — including dynamic QR codes, scan analytics, logo upload, and all customisation options — is free for everyone.

No. Forge QR works without any account or sign-up. For dynamic QR codes, you receive a private Manage link — save it somewhere safe, as it is the only way to edit your QR code or view its stats. There is no account to recover it from.

Unfortunately not — since there are no accounts, Forge QR has no way to verify ownership and recover a lost Manage link. If this happens, the easiest solution is to generate a new dynamic QR code and reprint or redistribute it. This is why we recommend saving the Manage link somewhere secure (a notes app, email to yourself, password manager) right after generating the code.