To convert a link into a QR code, copy the link, paste it into a free QR code generator such as the atom.bio QR code generator and download the QR image. When someone scans it with their phone camera, the link opens. It takes a few seconds, you don't need an account, and the code doesn't expire because the link is stored in the QR itself.
How to turn a link into a QR code, step by step
- Copy your link: the full address of your website, Instagram, TikTok, a form, a menu, anything. Include the https:// part.
- Open the tool: go to the free atom.bio QR code generator.
- Paste your link into the field. The QR code is created right away.
- Download your QR code as an image and use it on print or online.
- Test it: scan it with your phone before you print anything, to make sure it opens the right page.
That's it. We built this tool to be the simplest version possible: no sign-up, no watermark, no expiry.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a square barcode that stores information, usually a link. When someone points their phone camera at it, the phone shows the link and opens it with one tap, so nobody has to type a long URL.
Why convert a link into a QR code?
QR codes are handy whenever people see your link on paper or a screen and would have to type it:
- Networking: add a QR to your business card so people reach your LinkedIn, website or CV directly.
- Marketing: put QR codes on flyers, posters or packaging to send customers to your store, social profiles or a promotion.
- Restaurants and events: share a digital menu, a survey or a registration form with one scan.
- WhatsApp: turn your WhatsApp link into a QR code so customers can start a chat from your shop window.
- Digital content: send people to a video, playlist, gallery or landing page.
Tips before you print your QR code
- Test it on two phones (an iPhone and an Android if you can) before printing.
- Print it big enough to scan from where people will stand, and leave a white margin around it.
- Keep good contrast: a dark code on a light background scans best.
- Tell people what they'll get: "Scan to see the menu" works better than a QR code on its own.
- Point it to a page you can change if the info might change (more on that below).
For more ideas on where to put it, see our guide on how to share your link with a QR code.
Can the QR be customized?
Our free generator makes a classic black-and-white QR code, which is the easiest kind to scan. What you can customize is the page it opens. If you create a free atom.bio link page, a page where you gather all your links in one place, you can:
- Design that page with your own images, colors and fonts.
- Use the QR code atom.bio creates automatically for your page.
- Change the links on the page anytime, without reprinting the QR code.
- See your visits in your free stats. Every scan of your page's QR code counts as a visit in your free stats, with the country, city and time of day. Scans are grouped with direct visits under "Direct link or QR", so the stats can't tell a scan apart from someone typing your link.
If you're new to link pages, here's what Linktree is and how this kind of page works. For business uses like menus and flyers, see our QR code landing page guide.
How to get the link from a QR code
Going the other way is just as easy. Open your phone camera and point it at the QR code: the link appears on screen, and you can tap it to open it or press and hold to copy it. If the QR code is in a screenshot or a photo, apps like Google Lens can read it from the image.
Looking for a link in bio tool too?
Many people who make a QR code also want a page to point it to. If that's you, see how to gather all your social networks in one link, or compare the best Linktree alternatives before you build your page.
Creating a QR code doesn't need technical skills or paid tools. With atom.bio you can turn any link into a scannable code in seconds, and create a free page for it to open if you want one.
QR code FAQ
How do I convert a link into a QR code for free?
Copy the link, paste it into the atom.bio QR code generator and download the QR code as an image. It's free, takes a few seconds and you don't need an account.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a square barcode that stores information, usually a link. When someone points their phone camera at it, the phone shows the link and opens it with one tap.
Do QR codes made from a link expire?
No. A QR code made with our generator stores your link inside the code itself, so it keeps working for as long as the link works. If the page behind the link is deleted, the QR code will open an error page.
Can I update the link behind a QR code without reprinting it?
Not the link stored in the QR, but you can change what people see. Point your QR code to an atom.bio page and update the links on that page whenever you want: the printed QR code stays the same and keeps working.
How do I get the link from a QR code?
Open your phone camera and point it at the QR code: the link appears on screen and you can tap it or copy it. If the QR is in a screenshot or photo, apps like Google Lens can read it from the image.