Free QR code generator for labels
QR code label generator – free labels as PDF.
Up to 100 QR codes, Data Matrix codes or barcodes at once: numbered in sequence or from your own list, with human-readable text and captions, print-ready on A4. No sign-up, right in your browser.
- No sign-up
- Up to 100 labels per PDF
- QR, Data Matrix and barcode
- Your data stays in your browser
1Label content
Gives INV-0001, INV-0002 … – max. 100 labels per PDF.
Tip: copy two columns straight from Excel and paste them here.
2Code & layout
QR code: any phone can read it. Data Matrix: the most compact, scanners read it fastest. Barcode 128: for short numbers up to 20 characters.
Adjust for pre-cut label sheets
You will find the dimensions on the packaging. Example 3 × 8 labels of 70 × 37 mm: height 37, margins 0. “Start at no.” lets you reuse partly used sheets. Do a test print on plain paper first.
Print at actual size (100 %), not “Fit to page”.
No sign-up. The PDF is created right in your browser – your data is never uploaded or stored.
In short
With the Scanwiz QR code generator you create labels in three steps: set the content, choose code type and layout, download the PDF. The content is either a sequential number such as INV-0001 to INV-0100 or your own list pasted from Excel. The PDF is created right in your browser, is not stored on any server and can be printed on plain paper, adhesive film or pre-cut label sheets.
How it works
How to create QR code labels.
Four steps, no software to install. If your numbers are already in Excel, you are done in two minutes.
Set the content
Sequential with prefix, start number and digits – or paste your list, optionally with captions in the second column.
Choose the code type
QR code for phones, Data Matrix for small parts and fast scanners, barcode 128 for short numbers.
Check the layout
2 to 4 labels per row, add an extra line such as your company name and check the live preview.
Print and stick
Download the PDF, print at actual size (100 %), cut out or print onto label sheets.
Code types
QR code, Data Matrix or barcode?
All three can be scanned – but not every one suits every label. Here is how to pick the right one.
QR code
The all-rounder. Every phone camera reads it without an app, and it copes with small scratches or dirt.
- Ideal for
- Assets, shelves, folders, anything scanned with a phone
- Content
- Numbers, text and links, including special characters
- Minimum size
- approx. 15 × 15 mm
Data Matrix
The compact one. Smaller than a QR code for the same content, and handheld scanners read it especially fast.
- Ideal for
- Tools, spare parts, measuring equipment, small surfaces
- Content
- Numbers and short text
- Minimum size
- approx. 10 × 10 mm
Barcode 128
The classic. Works with every barcode scanner, but needs width and only suits short content.
- Ideal for
- Item and asset numbers, existing scanner processes
- Content
- Short numbers up to 20 characters, no special characters, no links
- Minimum size
- approx. 40 × 12 mm
Not sure? Go with the QR code. It works equally well with phones and scanners.
Use cases
What businesses print QR labels for.
A code on the item replaces searching, asking around and updating lists – as soon as someone does something with it.
Assets
Laptops, furniture, machines: every item gets its asset number as a code and is assigned in seconds.
Tools
Rotary hammers, cordless drills, measuring devices: check-out and return by scan instead of a paper list on the tool cabinet.
Shelves and storage locations
One code per bin shows what should be there when scanned – the basis for quick picking and stocktakes.
Equipment
Devices that need inspection, ladders, vehicles: the code leads straight to the inspection history and the next due date.
Batches and consumables
Medicines, sterile goods, adhesives and sealants: codes on the shelf or container, batch and expiry date in Scanwiz.
Stocktaking
Label before the stocktake and you count by scan instead of tally sheets – even across several rooms and sites.
Guide
Size, material, printing: what matters.
A label that is unreadable after three months costs more than it saves. Three things make the difference.
How big does the code need to be?
Rule of thumb: side length at least one tenth of the scanning distance. Little content needs less, long links need more.
| Distance | QR / Data Matrix | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | from 1 × 1 cm | Tools, small parts |
| 20 cm | from 2 × 2 cm | Assets, folders |
| 50 cm | from 5 × 5 cm | Shelf bins |
| 1 m | from 10 × 10 cm | Shelf ends, floor locations |
Which material?
Paper is fine for folders and offices. Where it gets dirty, wet or warm, it pays to go further.
- Paper labels: office, files, dry storage
- Film labels (polyester): tools, machines, workshop
- Lamination or protective film: outdoors and cleaning
- Nameplates or engraving: when the device lasts a lifetime
Print it right
Most scanning problems come from printing, not from the code.
- Print at actual size (100 %), not “Fit to page”
- Laser printers for sharp edges, let ink dry well
- Hold a test print on plain paper against the sheet first
- Do not trim the white margin around the code – the scanner needs it
What next?
A label does not know where the item is.
The code on the item is just the start. With Scanwiz every scan becomes a booking – check-out, move, inspection or stocktake, in the mobile app, on the computer or with a handheld scanner. You can reuse the numbers from this generator directly as asset, item or storage location numbers.
FAQ
QR code labels – quick answers.
Is the QR code generator really free?
Yes. You can create up to 100 labels per PDF without signing up or giving an email address – as often as you like. Each PDF page shows our logo at the top and a short note about scanwiz.com at the bottom; the labels themselves stay free of advertising.
Is my data stored?
No. Codes and PDF are created entirely in your browser. Your numbers and captions are not sent to our server and are not stored anywhere.
How do I create multiple QR codes at once?
Choose “Sequential” and enter prefix, start number, number of digits and quantity – for example INV-, 1, 4 and 50 for INV-0001 to INV-0050. Alternatively paste a column from Excel under “Own list”. Every line becomes a label.
Which code type should I use?
The QR code is the safe choice because every phone can read it. Data Matrix is more compact and handheld scanners pick it up especially fast – ideal for tools and small parts. Barcode 128 only suits short numbers up to 20 characters, not links.
Will the labels fit my label sheets?
By default the generator prints on plain A4 with cut lines. For pre-cut sheets open “Adjust for pre-cut label sheets” and enter label height, margins and gaps from the packaging. “Start at no.” lets you reuse partly used sheets. Do a test print on plain paper first.
What is the minimum size of a QR code?
As a rule of thumb the side length should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance: about 2 × 2 cm for a distance of 20 cm. Short content such as asset numbers can be printed smaller than long links. The generator warns you when codes get too small.
Can I use special characters?
Yes, in QR codes and Data Matrix codes. Barcode 128 can only encode letters without accents, digits and common symbols – entries with special characters are skipped and listed.
Why a maximum of 100 labels per PDF?
It keeps the generator fast even on older computers and phones. For more labels simply create several PDFs with matching start numbers. If you want to label your entire inventory, print the labels directly from Scanwiz.
What do I do with the codes after printing?
On its own a label only states a number. With asset or inventory management such as Scanwiz it becomes an item with location, owner and history: one scan with a phone shows where something is, who has it and when it is due for inspection.
Over 250 customers already rely on Scanwiz
Labels that create order.
Try Scanwiz free for 14 days and scan your new codes straight away with your phone – with your whole team, no credit card. Or book a personal demo.
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