QR Code Generator & Barcode Generator: Create UPI QR, EAN-13 & Code 128
- QR codes store up to 3KB of data (URLs, text, contact cards, WiFi credentials, UPI payment links) in a scannable 2D matrix. Any smartphone camera in India can scan them without a separate app since 2017.
- Barcodes (1D: EAN-13, Code 128) store less data (10–80 characters) but are the standard for retail product identification, inventory, and logistics — all major Indian retail systems (Kirana to D-Mart) use EAN barcodes.
- For UPI payments: QR codes are the standard — every UPI app (PhonePe, GPay, Paytm, BHIM) can generate and scan UPI QR codes. Merchants use static QR codes; dynamic QR codes (with pre-filled amount) are generated per transaction.
- Free QR generators: QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com), GoQR.me, and QRCode Monkey produce high-resolution, print-ready QR codes with no watermark and no account required.
Use our free QR Code Generator to create custom QR codes for URLs, UPI payments, WiFi, contact cards, and text — and our Barcode Generator for EAN-13, Code 128, and other retail barcodes.
QR Code: What It Is and What It Can Store
A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D matrix barcode that encodes data in a pattern of black and white squares. Unlike traditional barcodes (1D), QR codes can store significantly more data and can be scanned from any angle.
Data Types a QR Code Can Store
| Data Type | What It Does | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| URL | Opens a website when scanned | Menu, product page, landing page |
| Plain text | Displays text after scanning | Instructions, coupons, codes |
| UPI Payment | Opens payment app with merchant details | Merchant payment collection |
| WiFi credentials | Connects device to WiFi automatically | Home, office, restaurant |
| vCard (contact) | Adds contact to phone book | Business cards |
| Opens email compose with pre-filled address | Feedback, contact forms | |
| SMS | Opens SMS with pre-filled number and message | Alerts, confirmations |
| Phone number | Initiates phone call | Click-to-call |
| Google Maps location | Opens location in Maps | Delivery addresses, venues |
| App store link | Opens App Store / Play Store | App download campaigns |
QR Code Capacity
| Version | Max Data (Numeric) | Max Data (Alphanumeric) | Max Data (Binary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR V1 (small) | 41 characters | 25 characters | 17 bytes |
| QR V10 | 652 characters | 395 characters | 271 bytes |
| QR V40 (max) | 7,089 characters | 4,296 characters | 2,953 bytes |
Most URLs and UPI strings fit comfortably in QR V10 or lower — keeping the QR code visually simple and easy to scan.
UPI QR Codes: India-Specific Guide
UPI QR codes follow the UPI Deep Link format:
` upi://pay?pa=[VPA]&pn=[Name]&am=[Amount]&cu=INR&tn=[Note] `
Parameters:
pa= Payment Address (VPA like merchant@upi)pn= Payee Nameam= Amount (leave blank for customer to enter; pre-fill for fixed amount)cu= Currency (always INR)tn= Transaction Note
Static UPI QR (no amount pre-filled — customer enters amount): ` upi://pay?pa=shopname@ybl&pn=ShopName&cu=INR `
Dynamic UPI QR (amount pre-filled — ₹500 for a specific product): ` upi://pay?pa=shopname@ybl&pn=ShopName&am=500.00&cu=INR&tn=ProductCode123 `
Generating UPI QR codes:
- Google Pay for Business, PhonePe for Business, Paytm for Business — all provide free static QR codes for merchants
- Dynamic QR requires integration with a payment gateway (Razorpay, PayU, Cashfree — all provide APIs)
QR Code Best Practices
Size Requirements for Scanning
Scanning Distance Minimum QR Code Size Phone held in hand (30cm) 2.5cm × 2.5cm Counter display (50cm) 4cm × 4cm Wall poster (1 metre) 8cm × 8cm Outdoor banner (3 metres) 25cm × 25cm
| Scanning Distance | Minimum QR Code Size |
|---|---|
| Phone held in hand (30cm) | 2.5cm × 2.5cm |
| Counter display (50cm) | 4cm × 4cm |
| Wall poster (1 metre) | 8cm × 8cm |
| Outdoor banner (3 metres) | 25cm × 25cm |
The 10× rule: QR code size should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance.
Error Correction Levels
| Level | Data Recovery | File Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | 7% recovery | Smallest | Clean print, no logo overlay |
| M (Medium) | 15% recovery | Medium | General use |
| Q (Quartile) | 25% recovery | Larger | Logo overlay planned |
| H (High) | 30% recovery | Largest | Logo, dirty environment, outdoor |
If adding a logo in the centre of the QR code: Use Level H error correction — the logo occupies space in the QR data region, and high error correction allows the code to still scan despite the obscured portion (up to 30%).
Barcode Generator: 1D Barcodes for Products and Inventory
Common Barcode Types
Barcode Digits Use Case EAN-13 13 digits Retail products globally (most common) EAN-8 8 digits Small packaging where EAN-13 won't fit UPC-A 12 digits Retail in USA and Canada Code 128 Variable Shipping, logistics, internal inventory Code 39 Variable Industrial, automotive, military ITF-14 14 digits Shipping cartons, outer packaging QR Code Variable Everything (2D, not strictly barcode)
EAN-13 for Indian Products
| Barcode | Digits | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products globally (most common) |
| EAN-8 | 8 digits | Small packaging where EAN-13 won't fit |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail in USA and Canada |
| Code 128 | Variable | Shipping, logistics, internal inventory |
| Code 39 | Variable | Industrial, automotive, military |
| ITF-14 | 14 digits | Shipping cartons, outer packaging |
| QR Code | Variable | Everything (2D, not strictly barcode) |
EAN-13 is the standard for Indian retail products. The first 3 digits identify the country prefix:
- 890 = India (GS1 India prefix)
- 899 = India (alternative prefix)
Getting an official barcode for your product: 1. Register with GS1 India (gs1india.org) 2. Annual membership: ₹2,500–₹25,000+ (based on company size) 3. Receive a company prefix — all your product barcodes start with this prefix 4. Generate product barcodes within your prefix range
For internal/non-retail use (inventory, warehouse): You don't need GS1 registration. Generate any Code 128 barcode with your internal product codes — no standards compliance required for internal systems.
Free Barcode Generator Tools
| Tool | Formats | Free | Download Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcode Generator (barcode.tec-it.com) | 100+ types | ✅ | PNG, SVG, PDF |
| Online Barcode Generator (barcode.org) | EAN, UPC, Code128 | ✅ | PNG |
| Zint (desktop, open-source) | 50+ types | ✅ | All formats |
| QR Code Monkey (qrcode-monkey.com) | QR + basic | ✅ | High-res PNG |
| Shopify Barcode Generator | Code 128 | ✅ | PNG |
QR Scanner and Barcode Scanner: How to Scan
Phone Camera (No App Required)
Android 9+: Open default Camera app → point at QR code → tap the notification/link that appears iOS 11+: Open default Camera app → point at QR code → tap the banner that appears Google Assistant: "Hey Google, scan QR code" → opens camera in scanning mode
Dedicated Scanner Apps
| App | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Google Lens | Android/iOS | Any barcode/QR + context |
| QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) | Android | Fast, offline |
| Scanbot | Android/iOS | Document scanning + QR |
| Microsoft Office Lens | Android/iOS | QR + document digitisation |
Barcode Scanners for Business (Hardware)
For retail and warehouse operations, dedicated hardware scanners are faster and more reliable than phones:
| Type | Price Range (India) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| USB 1D barcode scanner | ₹800–₹2,500 | POS counter, desktop inventory |
| Wireless 1D scanner | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Warehouse, stockroom |
| 2D scanner (QR + barcode) | ₹3,500–₹8,000 | Both QR and product barcodes |
| Industrial scanner | ₹15,000+ | High-volume warehouse, outdoor |
FAQ
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Open PDF Tools →Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this content.