Why do some QR generators add tracking?

QR codes hold limited data; many generators replace your URL with their own short URL (qrtiger.com/abc123) that redirects to your URL. This lets them track every scan, sell analytics data, or charge for 'analytics dashboard'. Your QR code now depends on their service staying alive forever.

How do I check if a QR has tracking?

Open any QR scanner app on your phone. Scan the QR. If the URL shown matches what you originally entered, no tracking. If it shows a shortener domain (bit.ly, qrtiger.com, qrcodemonkey.com), tracking is in place. Pickrack and the recommended alternatives in this article encode your URL directly with no shortener.

What's a static vs dynamic QR code?

Static QR: data encoded directly into the QR pattern. Cannot be changed without printing a new QR. Free, no service dependency. Dynamic QR: a short URL is encoded; the short URL redirects to your destination. The destination can be changed without reprinting the QR. Requires a service subscription. Useful for marketing campaigns, but creates a service dependency.

What's error correction in QR codes?

QR codes have built-in redundancy at 4 levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%). Higher means more pattern can be damaged/obscured and still scan. Use L for clean digital displays, M as default for print, Q-H for outdoor signs that may weather, or for QR codes with logo overlay (the logo obscures part of the pattern).

What format should I download for printing?

SVG for any size print (vector — scales perfectly to business cards through billboards). PNG for digital displays at known size (more universally supported in design tools). For most uses, download both — SVG for print/design, PNG for quick web embed.

Can I make a QR with my logo in the middle?

Yes — the QR code's error correction redundancy lets you obscure up to 30% of the pattern with a logo. Use error correction H (30%) so the QR remains scannable. Pickrack v1 doesn't auto-overlay logos; download SVG and overlay your logo in Figma/Photoshop. Most professional QR services charge for this; the result with manual overlay is identical.

How big does a printed QR need to be?

For phone scan from 30cm (table distance): 2cm × 2cm minimum. For 1m distance (poster): 5cm × 5cm. For 5m distance (billboard): 25cm × 25cm. Higher data density (longer URL) needs a larger physical size.

Will QR codes work on iPhone and Android?

Yes universally. Standard QR has been supported since 1994. iOS Camera (since iOS 11), Google Lens, and any QR scanner app all read standard QR. Pickrack uses standard QR (not micro QR or rMQR variants).

Best Free QR Code Generators 2026: 5 Tools Without Tracking

QR codes are simple — they encode text or a URL as a scannable pattern. But many "free" QR generators have a hidden cost: they secretly replace your URL with their own tracking shortener. Your QR now depends on their service staying alive and exposes your scans to their analytics.

This article tests 5 free QR generators and identifies which produce truly direct, untrackable QR codes.

Quick comparison

Tool	Tracking	Privacy	Customization	Best for
Pickrack QR Generator	None — direct encoding	Browser-side	Size, EC level	Default choice
QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com)	None on free tier	Cloud	Yes	Web-based with templates
GoQR.me	None	Cloud	Limited	Quick utility
QRCode Monkey	None on free	Cloud	Logo overlay, colors	Branded QRs
QRTiger	Tracking by default (unless paid)	Cloud	Many	Avoid — tracking

1. Pickrack QR Code Generator 🥇

pickrack.com/tools/calc/qr-generator

Cost: Free, unlimited
Tracking: None — encodes URL directly
Privacy: Browser-side (qrcode.js library)
Output: PNG + SVG
Customization: Size 100-1000px, error correction L/M/Q/H

Supported content types:

URL (HTTPS, HTTP, mailto:, tel:)
Plain text (up to ~4000 chars)
WiFi credentials (auto-connect on scan)
vCard (contact info)
Email (with subject/body pre-fill)

Why this is the default recommendation:

Encodes your URL directly — no shortener, no redirect
Browser-side — verify zero network calls when generating in DevTools
No signup, no quota, no watermark
PNG + SVG download
Open source at github.com/pickrack/pickrack

Cons:

No logo overlay UI yet (download SVG and overlay in Figma/Photoshop)
No analytics (this is intentional — analytics requires shortener)

2. QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com)

Cost: Free with limited customization; paid for advanced
Tracking: None on free static QRs
Privacy: Cloud generation
Output: PNG + SVG + EPS

Polished web UI with templates for restaurants, business cards, WiFi, etc. Free tier produces direct (non-tracked) static QR codes.

Note: Their "Dynamic QR" feature does add a shortener (paid feature). For free static, output is direct.

3. GoQR.me

Cost: Free
Tracking: None
Output: PNG, SVG, PDF

No-frills QR generator. Functional, fast, no signup. Good for quick utility use.

4. QRCode Monkey

qrcodemonkey.com

Cost: Free with branded customization
Tracking: None on free static
Output: PNG, SVG

Strong logo overlay and color customization (round corners, custom eye shapes, brand colors). Free tier gives full visual customization without watermark.

For marketing posters and branded merchandise, QRCode Monkey is excellent.

Cons: heavier UI than minimal alternatives; free tier static only (dynamic costs).

5. QRTiger ⚠️ AVOID FOR FREE

qrtiger.com

Cost: Free with caveat
Tracking: YES on free tier by default — adds qrtiger.com shortener
Output: Various

QRTiger's free tier produces QRs that route through their qrtiger.com shortener. They get analytics on every scan; you don't, unless you pay. The QR also fails permanently if QRTiger ever shuts down.

Avoid free QRTiger. If you want their dynamic QR analytics features, pay for them deliberately, but recognize you're now dependent on their service.

How to verify your QR has no tracking

Generate QR with the tool
Scan with any QR app (iOS Camera, Google Lens)
Look at the URL shown:
- If it matches what you typed: clean, direct encoding
- If it shows a shortener domain (bit.ly, qrtiger.com, etc.): tracking baked in

For Pickrack, the scan shows your exact URL. No redirect. No analytics. The QR works forever (or as long as your destination URL exists).

Common QR use cases

Content: URL to your online menu (https://yourrestaurant.com/menu)
Size: 4cm × 4cm printed
Error correction: M (default)
Format: Print PNG at 1000px, or SVG for any size

WiFi guest network

Content type: WiFi (Pickrack handles formatting)
Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:GuestSSID;P:password123;;
Display: print on a placard at the table or guest area
Use: iPhone (iOS 11+) and Android 10+ auto-connect on scan, no typing

Business card

Content type: vCard (Pickrack handles formatting)
Output: SVG for max sharpness on small print
Size: 1.5cm × 1.5cm fits on most business cards
Error correction: H if printing at small size

Event poster

Content: URL to ticket page or RSVP form
Size: 5-10cm depending on poster distance
Error correction: Q or H (outdoor weather)
Format: SVG for vinyl or print

Product packaging

Content: Product page URL or instructions PDF
Size: 2-3cm depending on package size
Error correction: M
Note: Test scan from typical retail shelf distance

Decision tree

Need a QR code
├── One-off, no branding needed?
│   └── Pickrack (fast, no signup, direct encoding)
├── Restaurant / branded poster?
│   ├── Logo overlay needed → QRCode Monkey or Pickrack + manual overlay
│   └── No logo → Pickrack
├── Need scan analytics?
│   ├── Pay deliberately → QRTiger paid (or Bitly QR)
│   └── No analytics, just QR → Pickrack
├── WiFi credentials?
│   └── Pickrack WiFi mode (handles formatting)
└── vCard / contact info?
    └── Pickrack vCard mode

Pro tips

1. Test before printing. Always scan your generated QR with multiple phones (iOS + Android) before sending to print. Test at the actual size and distance you'll print.

2. Use HTTPS, not HTTP. Modern phones warn on HTTP URLs. Use HTTPS or shorten via your own domain.

3. Don't use bit.ly or other shorteners unintentionally. Check the QR's encoded URL. If it's a shortener you didn't choose, the generator added tracking.

4. SVG for any printable QR. Vector format scales perfectly. PNG is fine for digital but SVG future-proofs you against any size change.

5. Save the source URL alongside. Generate the QR PLUS save the source URL in a Notes file. If you ever need to regenerate, you have the data.

Bottom line

For most users, Pickrack QR Generator is the default — direct encoding, no tracking, browser-side privacy, free. PNG + SVG output covers all printing needs.

For branded designs with logo overlay and custom colors, QRCode Monkey is the right choice (free tier is generous).

Avoid QRTiger free tier and similar tracking-by-default services. If you want QR analytics, pay for them deliberately and understand the service dependency.

Try Pickrack QR Generator on your next QR.