Text QR Code: Store Plain Text That Reads Offline

How much text fits

The QR standard (ISO/IEC 18004) allows up to 7,089 digits, 4,296 uppercase alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes in the largest symbol at the lowest error correction. In practice, keep it far shorter: a few hundred characters already produce a dense code that needs a large print and a steady hand. Text is encoded as UTF-8, so accented letters, Korean, Japanese, Arabic and emoji all work, but each non-Latin character uses two to four bytes.

Good uses for text codes

• Equipment labels with a model number, setup steps or a reset procedure.
• Scavenger hunts, escape rooms and classroom activities.
• Reference IDs, licence keys or configuration strings that are tedious to type.
• Offline information in places without mobile coverage, such as trails or basements.

Things to keep in mind

Text codes are not encrypted. Anyone with a scanner can read the content, so never store passwords, private keys or personal data you would not print in plain sight. If the text starts with something that looks like a link, such as www., some scanners will treat it as a URL; choose the Website type when you actually want a link.

For extremely small surfaces, Micro QR or Data Matrix fit short strings into less space.

How to make it

1. Open Create and choose Text.
2. Type or paste your message; the preview updates as you write.
3. If the code becomes very dense, shorten the text or lower the error correction level.
4. Download the code or save it to History for later.

Frequently asked questions