This article explains how to use custom QR code generators to make your own barcode on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

How to Make QR Codes on iPhone or iPad

Barcodes—or in this case, QR codes—consist of basic black and white patterns that, when read by a barcode reader device or app, reveal encoded information such as a name, address, phone number, product number, or a personal message.

One of the best QR code generators for Apple devices is QR Code & Barcode Scanner. It can also read QR codes. Follow these steps to use this app to generate a custom QR code:

1. Download QR Code & Barcode Scanner. It works on iPhone and iPad.

2. Open the app and tap My codes from the menu.

3. Tap Create code.

4. Choose what you want your custom QR code to do when scanned. We’ll pick Website so that a URL opens when the code is read.

5. Fill out the fields with relevant information. In our case, we’ll enter a website address, but other codes might have you enter details for a contact, Wi-Fi network, or email.

6. Tap Create to generate the QR code.

7. Tap Change design if you want the QR code to look different. This is optional.

8. Select Share image to copy the QR code or instantly share it through any of your apps.

How to Make QR Codes on Android

Many custom QR code generators exist in the Google Play Store, but we’ve chosen QRbot for this demonstration. We like this app because it supports over a dozen barcode formats and can also be used to scan QR codes on Android.

1. Install QRbot and then open the app to the Create menu.

2. Tap one of the QR code options, such as Contact, Location, Event, Website, etc.

   The More QR codes menu includes several others if you’d rather your QR code be tied to an email, text, or even an app.

3. Fill out the text boxes with whatever information is necessary for that particular QR code.

4. Tap the checkmark at the top to generate the custom QR code.

5. To save it, tap PNG and then choose where it should be stored.

How to Make QR Codes and Other Barcodes Online

One way to make a barcode online is to use the website Barcodes Inc. This is free to use and can create barcodes in all common formats.

1. Visit Barcodes Inc. and select one of the code generators, such as QR Code Generator.

   Most popular barcode scanner apps read all of these barcode styles. However, if you’re creating a code to promote a business or event, it’s better to go with the QR code generator.

2. Depending on your barcode type, you may be asked to select a secondary type from another drop-down menu. If you don’t see another drop-down menu, proceed to the next step.

3. Enter the contents of your barcode that you wish to display after someone scans it. For example, we’ll enter Lifewire for the QR code generator.

4. Edit the Image Size value if you want to generate a bigger or smaller QR code.

5. Select Create QR code. You can now copy the code or download it to your computer to share and print.

   Depending on the barcode you chose, you might have additional options available before generating it. These options let you draw a border, stretch the text, adjust the font, and change the output format.