Plain Text QR Codes
Display any text message when scanned - instructions, serial numbers, codes, or notes.
Plain Text QR codes display text directly on the scanner's phone. No website, no redirect—just text. Simple and useful for serial numbers, instructions, codes, or any information you want to convey instantly.
What It Does
When someone scans, their phone displays the text you encoded. That's it. No internet required, no website to load. The text appears immediately.
Creating a Text QR Code
Click + Create QR Code, select Plain Text, type your text, and download. You can enter up to 2000 characters.
More Text = Denser Pattern
QR codes encode data in their pattern. Longer text means more data, which means a denser, more complex pattern. Keep it concise for easy scanning.
Use Cases
Serial numbers and identifiers: Product serial numbers, asset tags, inventory codes.
Instructions: Brief operating instructions, assembly hints, usage tips.
Verification codes: One-time codes, confirmation numbers, reference IDs.
Poems and quotes: Short creative texts, dedication messages, memorial quotes.
WiFi backup: Alternative to WiFi QR—just display the password as text.
Notes and reminders: Leave a note for someone to scan later.
Contact info backup: A simple alternative to vCard for basic contact details.
Text QR vs Other Types
| Need | Use This Type |
|---|---|
| Share a website | Website QR |
| Share WiFi credentials | WiFi QR |
| Share contact info | vCard QR |
| Display plain text | Plain Text QR |
| Pre-compose an email | Email QR |
Plain Text is the catch-all for when you just need to convey information and no specialized format fits.
Static QR Code
Plain Text QR codes are static—the text is encoded directly in the QR pattern. This means:
- Cannot be edited after creation
- No scan tracking available
- Works offline (no internet needed)
- Guaranteed to work forever (no server dependency)
If you need to update the text later or track scans, use a dynamic Website QR that links to a page with your text.
Text Length and Pattern Density
| Text Length | Pattern Complexity | Scanning Ease |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 chars | Simple | Very easy |
| 100-500 chars | Moderate | Easy |
| 500-1000 chars | Dense | Requires good camera |
| 1000-2000 chars | Very dense | Needs high resolution print |
For best results, keep text under 500 characters when possible. If you need more, ensure you print at a larger size.
Formatting Tips
Line breaks work. Press Enter to add line breaks—they'll display on the phone.
No rich formatting. Bold, italics, colors won't work. It's plain text only.
Use spacing wisely. Organize information with line breaks and simple formatting.
Test readability. Scan your code and make sure the text is easy to read on a phone screen.
Example Uses
Asset tag:
Asset ID: LAP-2024-0847
Model: Dell Latitude 5540
Assigned: Marketing Dept
Support: IT@company.com
Product verification:
Authentic Product
Serial: XK9-442-JWP
Verify at company.com/verify
Manufactured: Dec 2024
Event instructions:
Check-in Instructions:
1. Show this code at Registration
2. Pick up your badge
3. Proceed to Hall B
Questions? Text 555-0123
Common Questions
Is there a character limit? Yes, approximately 2000 characters maximum. More characters create denser patterns that are harder to scan.
Can I include emojis? Technically yes, but not all phone cameras render them consistently. Stick to regular characters for reliability.
Can I format the text (bold, colors)? No. QR codes encode plain text only. Formatting is not possible.
What happens if I need more text? Create a webpage with your full text and use a Website QR to link to it.
Can I update the text after printing? No, Plain Text QR codes are static. You'd need to create a new QR code with the updated text.
Will special characters work? Most special characters work fine. If you're using unusual characters, test by scanning before finalizing.