Coupon codes and discount offers
Print a text QR on packaging, receipts, or shelf-edge labels. The customer scans it, the code appears, and they type it at checkout. Simpler than printing a tiny alphanumeric code in a small font — and less prone to misreading.
Addresses and location details
Event invitations, property listings, and delivery instructions often include a street address that guests or drivers need to copy. A text QR with the full address saves them from typing on a small keyboard — they copy it straight from the scanner result.
What is a plain text QR code?
A QR code that encodes raw text with no special formatting or URI scheme. When scanned, the device shows the text directly in the QR scanner app or camera — no other app is launched. Contrast this with a URL QR (opens a browser), an email QR (opens a mail app), or a phone QR (opens the dialler). Text QR codes are the simplest type.
What happens when someone scans a text QR code?
Most camera and QR scanner apps display the decoded text on screen with a copy button. No app opens automatically — the text just appears. The person can then read it, copy it, or manually type it somewhere if needed. Some scanner apps may offer to search the text or open it as a note.
What are the best uses for plain text QR codes?
Coupon or discount codes — print on packaging, the cashier scans or the customer reads the code at checkout. Postal addresses — easier to scan than type. Event details without a website — date, time, venue in one QR. Product serial numbers or batch codes for inventory. Short instructions or warnings where a link is overkill. Temporary passwords that should not be a clickable link.
How much text can a QR code hold?
A QR code can technically hold up to 2,953 bytes as plain text. In practice, anything over 300 characters produces a very dense QR that is hard to scan reliably, especially when printed small. For anything longer than a short paragraph, a URL linking to a page with the full content is more practical.
Can I encode an address or multi-line text?
Yes. Line breaks are supported — the QR encoder treats them as plain characters. An address like "14 Baker Street, London, W1U 6JD" or a two-line note works fine. Keep total character count under 300 for reliable scanning at typical print sizes.
Can I use non-English characters?
Yes. The QR code standard supports Unicode, so Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, and other scripts are valid. However, non-ASCII characters take up more bytes than English letters, so the effective character limit shrinks. A Hindi address of 50 characters may be denser than an English address of 100.
How is a text QR different from a URL QR code?
A URL QR encodes a web address and the device opens it in a browser. A text QR encodes raw characters with no link — nothing opens automatically. Use text QR for things that should not be links: coupon codes, reference numbers, physical addresses, instructions. Use URL QR when you want to send someone to a webpage.
What print size do I need?
A short text (under 50 characters) stays sparse and can be printed as small as 2×2cm. A longer text (200+ characters) produces a denser grid that needs at least 4×4cm for reliable scanning. The denser the QR, the larger it needs to be printed. Always test scan the downloaded file before committing to a large print run.
Can I use a text QR code to share a WiFi password?
You can, but it is not the best approach. A text QR just shows the password — the user still has to manually open Settings and type it. Our WiFi QR Code Generator at /wifi-qr-code-generator creates a properly formatted QR that prompts the device to join the network directly with one tap.
Is the text stored anywhere?
No. All encoding happens in your browser — nothing is transmitted to any server. When you close or refresh the page, the input is gone. The only record of your text is in the downloaded PNG file.