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Text to QR code

Put up to 500 characters of plain text into a code. It reads offline, with no website in between.

What is a text QR code?

A text QR code holds plain words instead of a link: instructions, a serial number, a code or a short note. Phones show the text on screen without needing the internet. RelyQr fits up to 500 characters, which keeps the code easy to scan.

What’s inside the code

Shut off the water at the blue valve before opening this panel.

The words are the code's content, encoded as UTF-8, so other languages and emoji work. There's no link, so nothing can change or go offline.

How to make a text QR code

  1. 1

    Type your text

    Instructions, a serial number, a riddle, a thank-you note. Up to 500 characters.

  2. 2

    Style it

    Keep contrast high: text codes get dense as they grow.

  3. 3

    Download and print

    Free and instant, made in your browser.

What happens when someone scans it

The camera shows the text on screen; people can read or copy it. It works with no internet connection.

Free static code

Text codes are always static: the words live inside the code, which is why they work offline. For formatting, images or words you can edit later, a Page code is dynamic and reads nicely on any phone.

No watermark, and RelyQr codes never expire, on any plan. Static vs dynamic, explained

Where people use text QR codes

  • Equipment labels and asset tags
  • Scavenger hunts and escape rooms
  • Instructions on machines and packaging
  • Gift cards with a personal note

Printing a text QR code

Text codes get denser as the text grows. Up to about 100 characters, 2.5 cm wide works; for 300 to 500 characters, print it 4 cm or wider. QR code size chart

  • The longer the text, the denser the code; print it bigger for long text.
  • Some phone cameras offer to search the text instead of showing it; a Page code always displays nicely.

Text QR code not working?

The phone offers to search the text
Some cameras treat plain text as a search. The text is still there to view or copy; a Page code shows it as a page instead.
It won't scan at a small size
Long text makes a dense code. Shorten it, or print it bigger.
Characters look wrong
A few very old readers don't support UTF-8; stick to plain letters if the code must work on old devices.

More causes and fixes: QR code not scanning? and QR code stopped working?

Text QR code questions

How much text fits in a QR code?

Up to 500 characters on RelyQr. The largest possible QR code holds 4,296 alphanumeric characters (capital letters, digits and a few symbols) or 2,953 bytes, but codes that full are too dense to scan from a phone.

Does a text QR code need the internet?

No. The text is inside the code itself, so phones read it offline.

Can I use emoji and other languages?

Yes. Text is encoded as UTF-8, which modern phones read.

Is a text QR code free?

Yes. Text QR codes are static, free and unlimited on RelyQr, made in your browser with no sign-up.

More QR code generators

Scan alerts in your pocket

Everything here works on the web. The app is coming soon to iPhone, iPad and Android, with instant scan alerts, a safe scanner and home-screen widgets.

Coming soon to theApp StoreComing soon toGoogle Play