QRJiffyAre QR Codes Free?
Yes, QR codes are free: the technology is royalty-free, and creating and scanning a code costs nothing. Costs come from QR services, which charge for scan allowances, editing and analytics on the codes they host.
Updated · QRJiffy team
Do you need a licence to use QR codes?
No, QR codes need no licence and carry no royalty fee. Denso Wave invented the QR code in 1994 and chose not to exercise its patent rights. The format is an open international standard, ISO/IEC 18004. The words “QR Code” are a registered trademark of Denso Wave, which only affects how companies use the name, not the codes.
How much does a QR code cost?
Creating a QR code costs $0; QR services charge for scan allowances and features, either monthly or yearly. The table breaks down each cost.
| Cost item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Royalty or licence | None |
| Creating the code | Free |
| Scanning | Free on every phone |
| QR service plan | Monthly or yearly, depending on the provider |
| Printing | Same as the print job without a code |
What do paid QR code plans include?
Paid QR code plans include 4 things: more scans, editable destinations, scan analytics and hosted pages. Editable destinations let one printed code point somewhere new. Scan analytics count scans by time, city and device. Hosted pages store PDFs, menus and profiles.
How much does QRJiffy cost?
QRJiffy is free for 200 scans a month across all your codes, and Pro costs $30 a year for unlimited scans on every code. There is no monthly plan, no per-code fee and no watermark. Every link code can be edited after printing and shows its scans. See QRJiffy pricing.
What is the catch with “free” QR code generators?
The catch is a limit you find after printing: a trial that ends, a scan allowance, a watermark or a forced account. Good generators state the limit before the download. Do QR codes expire? shows how to check whether a code depends on a provider.
Does it cost money to scan a QR code?
No, scanning a QR code is free on every modern phone. iPhone cameras read QR codes from iOS 11, and Android cameras read them through Google Lens. Opening the link uses mobile data like any web page. The how to scan a QR code guide covers each device.
Where can you make a free QR code?
QRJiffy makes QR codes free with no watermark; sign up free and get 200 scans a month across all your codes. Create a free QR code now and download PNG or SVG.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay a monthly fee for a QR code?
No, the QR code format has no fee. Fees come from QR services that host the link behind a code. On QRJiffy there is no monthly plan: free codes get 200 scans and Pro costs $30 a year.
Can I get a QR code without a subscription?
Yes. QRJiffy creates QR codes with no subscription; sign up free and get 200 scans a month across all your codes.
Is it free to use QR codes commercially?
Yes, QR codes are free to use commercially. Denso Wave holds the patent rights but does not exercise them, so no royalty or licence fee applies.
How much does a QR code cost?
Creating a QR code costs nothing; printing is the main cost. QR services charge for scan allowances and extra features. QRJiffy Pro costs $30 a year for unlimited scans.
What is the downside of free QR codes?
Many free QR codes come with limits: a trial period, a scan allowance, a watermark or low-resolution downloads. Read the plan terms before you print.
Sources
- About the patent — DENSO WAVE (QRcode.com)
- What is a QR Code? — DENSO WAVE (QRcode.com)