QR Code
How to Create a QR Code From Text
Learn how to turn text into a QR code, generate a scannable code from plain text, and test it before sharing or printing.
What Is a Text QR Code?
A text QR code stores plain text instead of a website URL. When scanned, the encoded text can be displayed on a compatible device.
This makes text QR codes useful when you want to share information without requiring the recipient to visit a website.
How to Convert Text to a QR Code
You can turn text into a QR code by entering the text into a QR code generator and generating the code.
Use the free QR Code Generator on Martools to create a QR code from text.
1. Enter Your Text
Start with the text you want to encode. Review it carefully before generating the QR code because the code will contain the information you provide.
Keep the text as concise as practical. More information can produce a more complex QR code, which may require additional care when displaying or printing it.
2. Generate the QR Code
Enter the text into the QR code generator and generate the code. The generator converts the supplied characters into the QR pattern.
Once generated, make sure the complete QR image is visible and has not been cropped or distorted.
3. Scan and Check the Text
Scan the generated QR code with a compatible device and check that the displayed text matches the original information.
Testing is useful for catching typing mistakes or formatting issues before the QR code is distributed.
What Can You Put in a Text QR Code?
A text QR code can contain ordinary written information that a recipient may want to read or copy after scanning.
The type of information depends on the purpose of the QR code and the amount of text being encoded.
Text QR Code vs. URL QR Code
A text QR code stores text directly, while a URL QR code stores a web address. Scanning a URL QR code can provide a link to a webpage, whereas a text QR code can display the encoded text itself.
If the information is already available online and you want people to visit a webpage, a URL QR code may be more appropriate. If the information needs to be displayed directly, text encoding can be useful.
Can You Create a QR Code From a Sentence?
Yes. A sentence can be entered into a QR code generator and encoded as text.
The same approach works for shorter pieces of text as long as the generator supports the amount of information being entered.
Does More Text Affect a QR Code?
The amount of information encoded can affect the complexity of a QR code. More data generally requires a denser QR pattern.
For printed codes, test the finished result at its intended size to make sure it remains easy for scanning devices to recognize.
Tips for Creating a Text QR Code
Check the text carefully before generating the code and scan the finished QR code to verify its contents.
If the code will be printed, test the final version rather than relying only on the original digital image. Keep the code clear and avoid covering its pattern with other design elements.
Final Thoughts
Turning text into a QR code is useful when you want to make written information available through a quick scan. The process is simple: enter the text, generate the QR code, and test the result.
To create a QR code from text, use the free Martools QR Code Generator.
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Read guide →Frequently asked questions
How do I turn text into a QR code?
Enter the text into a QR code generator, generate the code, and scan it to confirm that the correct text is displayed.
Can I create a QR code from a sentence?
Yes. A sentence can be entered as text and encoded into a QR code.
What is a text QR code?
A text QR code contains written information rather than a web URL. When scanned, the encoded text can be displayed on the device.
Is a text QR code different from a URL QR code?
Yes. A text QR code stores text directly, while a URL QR code stores a web address that can be opened as a link.
Can I create a QR code from a long text?
The amount of text a QR code can contain depends on the QR format and generator. Larger amounts of information can create a denser QR pattern, so testing is important.
How do I test a text QR code?
Scan the code with a compatible device and compare the displayed text with the original text you entered.