While URLs link to online content, plain text QR codes offer a direct way to share offline information instantly. Think displaying Wi-Fi passwords (though our dedicated WiFi QR tool is better!), providing setup instructions on packaging, sharing inspirational quotes, or leaving digital notes.

Explore how artists can use text QR codes next to their work to display titles and descriptions without cluttering the space, or how educators can provide quick notes, hints, or feedback embedded directly in worksheets or presentations. Text QR codes are simple, versatile, and work offline.

What Happens When You Scan a Text QR Code?

This is the key difference between a text code and a URL code. When you scan a URL QR Code, your phone's camera recognizes it as a web link and opens your browser (like Chrome or Safari) to that page.

When you scan a Text QR Code, your phone simply displays the raw text on the screen. It doesn't open an app or try to connect to the internet. This makes it incredibly fast and useful for sharing information that doesn't need to be online.

When to Use a Text QR Code (And When Not To)

The simplicity of a plain text QR code is its biggest strength. Here are the best use cases:

  • Notes & Instructions: Embed setup instructions, a serial number, or a product ID directly on a device.
  • Educational Tools: Add hints or answers to a worksheet for students to scan.
  • Art & Exhibits: Place a code next to a painting to show the artist's name and description without a wall label.
  • Games & Scavenger Hunts: Use text codes to give players their next clue, riddle, or message.
  • Sharing Quotes or Messages: Quickly share a quote or a personal note.

However, you should NOT use a text QR code if you want the user to perform an action. For example:

  • To share your contact info, use a vCard QR Code.
  • To link to your website, use a URL QR Code.
  • To share your WiFi, use the dedicated WiFi QR Code tool, which connects the phone automatically.

Text Limits, Emojis, and Security

Technically, a QR code can hold several thousand characters. However, the more text you add, the more "dense" (complex) the code becomes, which can make it hard for some phones to scan. It's best to keep your text concise.

"A Text QR Code is for snippets of information. If you find yourself pasting multiple paragraphs, it's better to put that text on a webpage and use a URL QR Code instead."

Our free text to QR code generator supports all standard UTF-8 characters, so you can easily include emojis (👍), accented letters (é), and other symbols in your text.

Like all our tools, this generator is secure, private, and requires no sign-up. The text is encoded directly into the static QR code in your browser, and your data never touches our servers.