QR codes are a class of easy-to-read barcodes that can be read by your phone's camera to generate links. These can be a great way to easily distribute documents, quizzes, surveys, multimedia links, and all manner of handouts.
Though QR codes have been widely available for more than a decade, they have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, showing up everywhere from your local restaurant to TV commercials and, of course, in the classroom.
As any teacher will tell you, many students want to use their phones in class. Utilizing QR technology can help educators allow students to keep their phones in hand while also directing them to important educational material.
You can also have students create their own QR codes to gain tech skills as they share their work with you and with classmates.
Here are some of the best free sites for generating QR code links for teaching.
qrcode-monkey (opens in new tab)
This free QR code generator lets users customize the color and design style of their QR codes. More ambitious users can also upload logos and pictures to be incorporated as part of their QR code. The code that is generated can be saved as a .PDF, .PNG, .EPS, or .SVG file.
Flowcode (opens in new tab)
Another free and easy-to-use dynamic QR code generator, Flowcode requires users to signup via their email or Facebook. While this adds a step to the process, the QR code generated is then emailed to the user, which is very convenient.
Adobe Code Generator (opens in new tab)
Graphics and multimedia giant Adobe offers a straightforward free QR generator that gives users the ability to choose the color and style of their QR code. You can’t upload your own image or logo and may not be able to get as fancy as with some other QR code generators, but the stripped-down format of this QR code generator makes it even more user-friendly and quick to generate a QR code.
Canva (opens in new tab)
Canva's QR code generator is also free and easy to use. The Canva QR code generator has lots of options for customization and is perfect for teachers who want to get creative with the QR codes they create for or with their students.
Google Chrome (opens in new tab)
Google Chrome has gotten into (opens in new tab) the QR Code game, which makes it easy to generate QR codes straight from your Chrome browser and share documents, webpages, forms, etc. Click on the share icon (a curved arrow in a box) in the right hand of the address bar/Omni bar, and generating a QR code will be one of the sharing options.
QR Code for Windows (opens in new tab)
This free app allows Windows users to generate QR codes from their PCs and mobile devices. It is available for Android, iOS, and macOS M1. To find it, search 'CODEX QR' on the Play Store/App Store.
QR Code Generator (opens in new tab)
Free and easy-to-use, QR Code Generator lives up to its name. To create a QR code using the service, simply go to the website, drop in your link or file, and click to generate your QR Code – no signup required. You can customize the look of your QR code with logos and images if you do choose to sign up for the site’s service. QR Code Generator also has a guide (opens in new tab) with suggestions for how teachers can use QR Codes in the classroom.
QR Tiger (opens in new tab)
The free version of this QR generator is simple to use and allows you to upload an image or logo into the QR code you generate without needing to create an account. Simply copy and paste the desired URL, then click “generate QR code.” Adding a logo is also easy and can be done straight from the home page. If you subscribe to QR Tiger, you can create dynamic QR codes that allow you to track data about time and location when a QR code is scanned, which could be helpful to teachers looking to track whether students are utilizing a specific resource.
For QR Code (opens in new tab)
Create customizable free QR codes in moments with this site. You can customize the look and feel of your code by choosing its color, design, and frame (the box around the QR code). The site also offers templates for generating QR codes that lead directly to Zoom meetings, calendar invites, or WiFi network logins, so there’s plenty of options for educators to choose from.
Free-qr-code.net (opens in new tab)
Another free QR code-generating site that lives up to its name, Free-qr-code.net allows users to create QR codes in a fast and easy manner. The site also features several customizable elements such as the option to add a logo and choose a color, plus several QR code design templates.
Go QR Me (opens in new tab)
The free version of this site allows you to create quick QR codes for all your initial needs. However, if you want to take your QR code a step further and create dynamic QR codes, you’ll need to subscribe. Dynamic QR codes have features such as data tracking and the ability to send existing QR codes to new URLs, a great feature for an educator who wants to use the same printed materials but update resources for a class.
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