How to make a printable QR code
- Choose the content: a link (great on a shop card or cupboard), plain text, or Wi-Fi details so guests can join with one scan.
- Pick the product: a keychain with a ring tab, a sign with a hanging tab, or a flat tag with neither.
- Check the stats: keep the module size above 0.8 mm for a first-try scan – shorter links print smaller and sharper.
- Download a single STL, or the 2-colour ZIP for AMS / MMU printers.
Printing it in two colours
| Printer | What to do |
|---|---|
| Single-colour | Add a filament change / pause at the layer shown under the preview (the base thickness, 2.4 mm by default). A dark base with light modules works too. |
| AMS, MMU or tool-changer | Download the 2-colour ZIP, load both STLs as one object and assign a filament to each part. |
Recommended print settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | PLA or PETG – dark modules on a light base (or the reverse) for contrast |
| Layer height | 0.2 mm (0.12 mm for small modules) |
| Walls | 3 |
| Infill | 15–20% (the plate is thin anyway) |
| Supports | None |
Frequently asked questions
Will a printed QR code actually scan?
Yes – the raised modules act like the black squares on a printed code. For a reliable scan keep the modules at least 0.8 mm wide (the stats line warns you), use good contrast (dark modules on a light base) and good lighting. Phones scan raised QR codes on the first try in most cases.
How do I print it in two colours?
Download the 2-colour ZIP: it has the base and the modules as two separate STL files that line up exactly. Load both into Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer or PrusaSlicer as one object with two parts and assign a filament to each. On a single-colour printer, add a filament change (pause) at the layer shown in the stats (the base thickness, 2.4 mm by default).
Can I encode my Wi-Fi details?
Yes. Pick Wi-Fi, type the network name and password, and the code encodes the standard WIFI: format – scanning it with a phone offers to join that network. Anyone in range of your network can join by scanning, so keep that in mind when you hand the print out.
How big should a QR keychain be?
Short links fit in a 30–40 mm square; long URLs need 45–55 mm. If the module size drops under 0.8 mm, shorten the link (URL shorteners help) or print the code bigger.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Make and download as many QR models as you like, with no account. Everything runs in your browser – the link, text or Wi-Fi password you type never leaves your device.