QR Code Generator: Frequently Asked Questions

QR codes generated by ToolHive do not expire. The code is simply a visual encoding of the data you entered — a URL or text. As long as the destination URL stays live, the QR code will work forever. There is no account, no server, and no expiry.

A QR code can store up to 4,296 characters of alphanumeric data at the lowest error correction level. In practice, shorter is better — longer data produces denser, harder-to-scan codes. For URLs, aim for under 200 characters.

The generator does not add logos directly, but you can download the PNG, open it in any image editor, and paste your logo in the centre. Use High error correction (H) when generating to ensure the code still scans with the logo overlay.

Download PNG for most uses. PNG is lossless and will not produce JPEG compression artefacts that degrade scan reliability. For large-format printing (posters, banners), ask your printer if they accept SVG, as it scales without pixelation.

Common reasons: insufficient contrast between foreground and background colours, code is too small for the scanning distance, the destination URL has an error, or the camera app is outdated. Test with multiple phones and try increasing the error correction level.

Yes. The WiFi password you enter is only used to generate the QR code in your browser — it is never sent to any server. The generated QR code is a standard WIFI: format that Android and iOS cameras recognise natively.

Yes. Any direct URL works, including links to PDF downloads, app store pages, or file hosting links. Paste the full URL in the URL field and generate as normal. The person scanning will be taken directly to the download.

Use the URL type and enter: https://wa.me/PHONENUMBER where PHONENUMBER is the international format number with no spaces or dashes (e.g. https://wa.me/12345678900). When scanned, this opens a WhatsApp chat with that number.