How to Make a QR Code for a Business Card or WhatsApp

To make a QR code for a business card or WhatsApp, open the QR Code Generator, choose WhatsApp message or Website link, fill in the details and download the code. When someone scans it, their phone opens your chat or your website.

The code is made on your device and holds only the text you typed. It does not expire and it has no tracking in it. This guide shows how to make one, test it and print it.

What you need

• Your WhatsApp number with its country code, for example +91 followed by your number, or your website address
• A phone to test the code
• About three minutes

Steps to make a WhatsApp QR code

1. Open the QR Code Generator and, under What should the code do?, choose WhatsApp message.
2. Type your number in WhatsApp number, with country code. Start with the plus sign and the country code. Spaces and dashes are fine, because the tool cleans them up.
3. If you like, type a Message (optional). It will be ready in the chat when someone scans the code. For example: “Hello! I saw your card and would like to know more.”
4. Check the line under the preview that says what the code holds. It shows the link in plain text, so you can see it is right.
5. Choose a Size. For printing, 1024 pixels or more is a good choice. Keep the Error correction at the default, or raise it if the card may get scuffed.
6. Tap Create QR code, then download the PNG. The SVG file is a sharp format that printers and designers like.
7. Scan the preview with your own phone before you use it. Make sure it opens the right chat.

Steps to make a website QR code

The steps are the same, but choose Website link and type your address, such as mysite.in/contact. The tool adds https:// for you if you leave it out. Only web addresses starting with http:// or https:// are accepted, and the tool tells you if the address does not look right.

What about a contact card?

Some business cards use a QR code that adds a contact to the phone’s address book. This tool does not make that kind of code yet. What it can do for a card is:

• Open your WhatsApp chat.
• Open your website or an online page with all your details.
• Start a phone call to your number, with the Phone number option.
• Start an email to you, with the Email option.

Choose the one that suits how you want people to reach you. A link to a page with all your details often works best.

Printing the code on a card

• Keep it big enough. A code printed at about 2 cm square or larger is usually fine for scanning at a normal distance. Smaller codes are harder to scan.
• Keep strong contrast. Dark squares on a light background work best. The tool warns you if the colours are too close together, or if the squares are lighter than the background, because many scanners cannot read that.
• Leave a clear border. The code already has an empty border around it. Do not crop it away, and do not print other things right up against it.
• Use the SVG for professional printing. It stays sharp at any size.
• Test the printed card. After printing, scan the card with two different phones. Never trust the preview alone.

Why a QR code is safe to use

The code holds only the text you typed. It is made in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and it has no tracking link inside. It works for as long as the thing it points to still exists. If you change your WhatsApp number, the old code will lead to the old number, so print a new card.

Remember that anyone can scan the code, so only put on it what you are happy to share publicly.

Common problems

The scan opens the wrong number. Check the country code. Without it, WhatsApp cannot find the right account.

It will not scan. Check the contrast, make the code bigger, and keep it flat and well lit. A raised error correction level helps with scuffs.

The message looks wrong. Special characters and emoji work, but keep the message short.

Frequently asked questions

Does the QR code expire?

No. It simply holds the text you typed. It works as long as the link or number it points to still works.

Will it work on every phone?

Most phone cameras read QR codes without an app. WhatsApp links open the chat when WhatsApp is installed.

Can I put my logo in the middle?

This tool does not add logos. A logo covers part of the code, which can make it harder to scan.

Is my number sent anywhere?

No. The code is made inside your browser, on your device. Nothing you type is sent to our servers.

Can I change the colours?

Yes. Choose the colour of the squares and the background. Keep strong contrast, and test the result before you print.