How to Download QR Codes into Different File Formats

How to download QR Codes on QR Code Generator

Once you’ve logged in to your QR Code Generator account and have finished your QR Code design, you need to print it so it can be added to whichever medium you plan to use it on. You will then see an image of your QR Code on the left with a large “DOWNLOAD” button. This button is viewable regardless of your customization tab selected.

At this stage, you can either click “DOWNLOAD” and your QR Code will automatically be downloaded as a PNG file. Or, you can click on the three dots to the right of the button for additional file format options.

QR Codes can then be downloaded as PNG, JPG, SVG, or EPS files. Please note that it’s also possible to create a PDF version of your QR Code with a few additional steps as mentioned below, but not directly with QR Code Generator software.

Furthermore, it’s possible to download a QR Code again or in another type of format from the list of your QR Codes. Simply click on “Download” next to the QR Code you’d like to download again and you’ll be taken to the same customization screen to select the file format for the download.

One last thing to mention for QR Code sizing and file formats: QR Code Generator offers an option for a high error correction rate before you download. This sets the error tolerance at the max level of 30%, which means that your QR Code can sustain damage to 30% of the pixels before it is unscannable. Please note, however, that using the max error tolerance raises the QR Code density, meaning you will need to increase the minimum printing size.

Now that we’ve given an overview of how to download QR Codes, here is a description of the different image file formats for QR Codes and when you might need them.

What is an SVG file?

How it works: SVG stands for scalable vector graphic. Vector graphics are an image file format that, as opposed to JPEG, for example, isn’t made up of pixels. Instead, it uses paths, which is a particular shape used to create an image. They work well for both simplistic drawings and complex diagrams. An SVG is, therefore, a 2D version of a vector graphic that describes images with a text format and are standard file formats for using vector graphics on digital mediums. For a list of all programs that read SVG files, take a look here.

When to use it: SVG files are useful when you need to scale your QR Code to a large size. As mentioned above, vector graphics don’t use pixels like other images. The issue with pixel-based images is that if you increase their size, their quality is lessened. Due to this path structure, SVG files don’t have this problem. As a result, they are ideal for web-based images, icons, illustrations, and larger QR Codes.

What is an EPS file?

How it works: EPS stands for Encapsulated Postscript and is another type of vector graphic. They are considered the top choice in terms of quality for print graphics with high resolution. Like other vector graphics, EPS files are easily scalable by size and can be opened with typical graphic design programs like Adobe.

When to use it: If you plan on using your QR Code on print materials or print ads, an EPS file could be your best option. Particularly because EPS files use vector graphic paths, they would be ideal for QR Codes for billboard or poster ads so that the quality is clear even from a distance. However, please note that EPS files are only black and white, meaning that any customization features added to your QR Code using QR Code Generator software won’t be visible in this format. If you would like to add customization features to your QR Code separately, an EPS file may be a suitable choice for you.

What is a JPG file?

How it works: JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and is the most common image file type. Typical JPG images use a 10:1 compression ratio, meaning that if you create a 10MB image and export it as JPG, it will end up as 1MB. JPG files compress images by grouping pixels together so that they appear similar to the pixels around them.

When to use it: While JPGs are standard for photography, their issue is that each time they are saved, the image quality decreases. This makes them unsuitable for detailed graphics and illustrations with sharp lines. For QR Codes, it’s best to start with another type of file format, then export to JPG later if you need a smaller file size.

What is a PNG file?

How it works: PNG stands for Portable Network Graphic and is a file that uses compression to match bits of data from the image to shortcodes stored within the file itself. This makes it a smaller file, yet still has a high quality. PNG has “lossless compression”, meaning that quality isn't lost each time the image is opened and saved. They also handle color contrast well for color-rich images.

When to use it: Due to the way they manage image compression, PNG files are often the default for screenshot images. They create nearly perfect pixel representations instead of pressing groups of pixels together like JPGs. While they are larger files than JPGs, PNG files work well for web graphics. So when you use this type of file for your QR Code, it’s more suitable for placement on your website or social media posts.

What is a PDF file?

How it works: PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Developed by Adobe in the 1990s, PDF files are more useful for complete documents rather than singular images. They can contain any elements that any document might include, such as text, images, hyperlinks, buttons, forms, and more.

When to use it: While it’s not likely that you will use QR Codes directly as PDF files, you can still download them as PDF should you wish to. Simply select on the print icon as directed (first image below), and depending on the operating system, you may select “Save as PDF” in the destination input where the printer is usually located (second image below).