Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really free?

Yes. Sheikah QR is free to use, forever. No signup, no email, no credit card. The tool is supported entirely by optional contributions from people who find it useful.

Do QR codes expire?

Static QR codes generated here do not expire. The code encodes data directly — there is no intermediate service or redirect. Dynamic QR codes (which route through a third-party URL shortener) can expire if that service shuts down, but Sheikah QR does not use dynamic redirects. If a QR code points to a URL and that URL goes offline, the code still works — it just has nowhere to go.

Is my data private?

Yes. All code generation happens in your browser using client-side JavaScript libraries. Nothing you type into the form is sent to any server. Sheikah QR does not collect, log, or store your inputs. There are no analytics trackers and no advertising networks on this site.

What is the difference between vCard and MeCard?

vCard (Version 3.0) is a richer contact format supported by most modern phones and apps. It supports full name, multiple phone numbers, email, organization, job title, website, address, and a note. MeCard is a simpler, lighter format that produces a shorter QR code, which can sometimes scan faster or work better at small sizes. Use vCard when you need full contact details and MeCard when simplicity and scan speed matter more.

What is Raw mode?

Raw mode lets you enter a custom QR payload directly without using a preset form. The payload becomes the content of the QR code exactly as typed, with no formatting applied. Use this if you need a specific format, protocol, or data structure that the built-in presets do not cover.

Can I use these codes commercially?

Yes. The codes you generate belong to you. There is no watermark, no attribution requirement, and no restriction on commercial use.

What barcode formats are supported?

Sheikah QR supports six barcode formats: Code 128 (general purpose, any printable ASCII), EAN-13 (standard retail, 13 digits), UPC-A (US retail, 12 digits), Code 39 (industrial and logistics, alphanumeric), ITF (shipping and warehousing, even number of digits), and CODE93 (compact printable ASCII). All six can be exported as PNG or SVG.

Can I change the color of my QR code?

Yes. Open the Advanced settings section in the QR Code panel. You can set a custom foreground color, background color, and margin. For best scan reliability, use high-contrast color combinations — dark foreground on a light background scans most reliably. Very low-contrast or inverted codes may not scan on some readers.

How do I support this tool?

You can make an optional contribution via the PayPal.Me link in the header or footer. It helps cover hosting costs. There is no obligation — the tool will always be free regardless.