QR code creation API specifically for programmers

The QR Code API is an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows you to automatically generate QR codes from input data (text, URL, numbers, etc.) directly within your application or system. Instead of manually visiting a website to create each QR code, you can simply send an HTTP request (GET/POST) and receive a QR code image (PNG/SVG) to display, store, or print instantly.

Using a QR Code API instead of manual creation enables you to automate bulk QR code generation in systems such as CRM, CMS, or order management platforms. It offers high-speed, real-time processing and can be easily integrated into websites, apps, or internal systems.

Use auto code generation  API QR Code

1. Criteria for Choosing the Best QR Code API

• Free or Paid: Free APIs often limit the number of requests per day or month. Paid APIs tend to offer more stability and reliability.

• Image Format Support: Common formats include PNG, SVG, and EPS. Choose based on your needs: PNG for web/apps, SVG or EPS for printing.

• Monthly/Daily Request Limits: Check the quota for each day or month to avoid unexpected blocks or extra charges.

• Dynamic vs. Static QR Support: Dynamic QR codes allow you to edit content after creation, support tracking, and enable redirects.

• Ease of Integration (Simple REST API): Prefer APIs that use REST with straightforward authentication (simple key/token) rather than complex verification processes.

2. Top 5 Free / Popular QR Code APIs for Developers

goqr.me API

GoQR is one of the oldest and most stable free QR code generation services. It requires no API key, making it convenient for small projects or quick demos.

Advantages:

• No registration, no API key required.

• Simple RESTful interface—call the URL to get a QR image instantly.

• Easily change size and encode content via URL parameters.

Limitations:

• No dynamic QR support, no analytics or tracking.

• No vector image format support (PNG only).

• Limited customization features (color, logo, border, etc.).

Link: https://goqr.me/

Sample Code (Python):

import requests

url = "https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=HelloWorld&size=200x200"

r = requests.get(url)

with open("hello_qr.png", "wb") as f:

    f.write(r.content)

qr-code-generator.com API (Paid / Free Limited)

This is the official API from the qr-code-generator.com platform, known for its professional online QR creation interface.

Advantages:

• Supports dynamic QR codes – content can be updated after creation.

• Built-in tracking/analytics – monitor scan counts.

• Multiple formats (PNG, SVG) and advanced customization options.

Limitations:

• Free plan has request limits.

• Requires account registration and API key.

• REST API requires POST requests with JSON structure → more complex than simpler APIs.

API Link: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/solutions/qr-code-api/

Sample Code (Python):

import requests

r = requests.post(

    "https://api.qr-code-generator.com/v1/create",

    headers={"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"},

    json={"frame_name": "no-frame", "qr_code_text": "https://example.com", "image_format": "PNG"})

with open("qr.png", "wb") as f:

    f.write(r.content)

RapidAPI QR Code Generator

A collection of multiple QR code API providers on the RapidAPI platform, supporting multi-language integrations (Node, Python, Java, etc.).

Advantages:

• Easy to search and choose from various QR code APIs.

• RapidAPI provides centralized key management, limits, and request statistics.

• Dashboard to track usage.

Limitations:

• Requires a RapidAPI account.

• Some APIs on the platform are paid or have low limits.

Link: https://rapidapi.com/collection/qr-code-apis

Sample Code (Python):

import requests

r = requests.get(

    "https://qrcodeutils.p.rapidapi.com/qrcode",

    headers={

        "X-RapidAPI-Key": "YOUR_KEY",

        "X-RapidAPI-Host": "qrcodeutils.p.rapidapi.com"

    },

    params={"value": "https://example.com"})

open("qr.png", "wb").write(r.content)

Google Chart API (deprecated but still functional)

Google Chart API was once a popular QR code creation option. Although deprecated, the endpoint still works reliably.

Advantages:

• 100% free, no key, no registration.

• Simple URL structure, returns PNG quickly.

• Suitable for small demos or POCs.

Limitations:

• No updates/bug fixes – not suitable for long-term products.

• Static QR only, no tracking or customization features.

Link: https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=300x300&cht=qr&chl=HelloWorld

Sample Code (Python):

import requests

url = "https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=https://example.com"

r = requests.get(url)

with open("qr.png", "wb") as f:

    f.write(r.content)

QRickit QR Code API

QRickit offers a free API for basic QR code generation needs, with some customization features like background color and border.

Advantages:

• Easy to use, no registration required.

• Customizable colors, size, and margin via URL parameters.

Limitations:

• No dynamic QR support.

• API interface is less user-friendly compared to modern platforms.

• Minimal official documentation, no SDK.

Sample Code (Python):

import requests

url = "https://qrickit.com/api/qr?d=HelloWorld&qrsize=200"

open("qrickit_qr.png", "wb").write(requests.get(url).content)

3. Detailed Guide to Integrating a QR Code API into Your Application

Below is a step-by-step guide for integrating a QR Code API:

Step 1: Choose the Right API (Free or Paid Depending on Your Needs)

• If you only need to quickly generate static QR codes (free): goqr.me, Google Chart, QRickit

• If you need dynamic QR codes, tracking, logo embedding, or advanced features: QR Code Generator, RapidAPI

Step 2: Create an HTTP GET or POST Request

• Use GET or POST depending on the API requirements.

• Pass the content to be encoded via parameters such as data, chl, or inside the JSON body.

Step 3: Receive the Response as an Image (Base64 / Image File)

• The API will return either a direct image (image/png) or a Base64 string, depending on its configuration.

• You can save the file locally or render it directly in the user interface.

Step 4: Save the QR Image Locally/On the Server or Display It Directly

• Save the QR code image to disk (server or local).

• Display it in your app/website using an <img src=""> tag or by rendering it directly from Base64.

Sample code suggestion (Node.js, PHP, Python).

• Node.js (using axios)

const axios = require('axios');

const fs = require('fs');

const data = "HelloWorld";

const url = `https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=${data}&size=300x300

axios.get(url, { responseType: 'arraybuffer' })

  .then((res) => {

    fs.writeFileSync("qrcode.png", res.data);

    console.log("QR code saved as qrcode.png");

  })

  .catch(err => console.error(err));

• PHP (used)file_get_contents)

<?php

$data = "HelloWorld";

$url = "https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=$data&size=300x300";

$image = file_get_contents($url);

file_put_contents("qrcode.png", $image);

echo "QR code saved as qrcode.png";

?>

• Python (using GoQR API – GET)

import requests

data = "HelloWorld"

url = f"https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data={data}&size=300x300"

response = requests.get(url)

with open("qrcode.png", "wb") as f:

    f.write(response.content)

print("QR Code saved as qrcode.png")

4. Important Notes When Using a QR Code API

• Ensure Data is Encoded in UTF-8 to Avoid QR Errors: QR codes use a specific encoding standard to display content. If the data is not properly encoded in UTF-8 (especially when containing Vietnamese characters, emojis, or special symbols), the QR code may be corrupted or unreadable.

• Be Aware of Free API Request Limits (Quota): Most free APIs limit the number of requests per day or month. Exceeding this may cause errors or incur additional charges. Some APIs allow you to track usage through response headers if supported.

• For Critical Transactions (Payments, Authentication): Avoid using public/free APIs as they may experience downtime, slow responses, or sudden policy changes. Prefer solutions with an SLA (Service Level Agreement) guaranteeing uptime and speed, or generate QR codes using a backend library for full control.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About QR Code APIs for Developers

Is a free QR Code API safe?

→ For general purposes, most are safe to use. However, they are not recommended for handling sensitive data.

Are generated QR codes permanent?

→ Yes, if you download and store the QR image. For dynamic QR codes, their availability depends on the provider’s server.

Can I create dynamic QR codes for free using an API?

→ Yes, some platforms like Me-QR or qr-code-generator offer limited free plans for dynamic QR codes.

Conclusion

A QR Code API helps automate the QR creation process, saving time and effort. Depending on your needs (static QR, dynamic QR, tracking, cost), you can choose options like GoQR.me, QR Code Generator, or RapidAPI. Always pay attention to free usage limits and security considerations when using them for critical projects.

We hope this guide from iCheckQR helps you select and effectively integrate a QR Code API into your workflow.