How to Create Custom QR Codes Using Python

QR codes have become ubiquitous, appearing on everything from business cards to product packaging. These square-shaped patterns can encode a variety of data types, making them an excellent tool for sharing information quickly and easily. With Python, you can create custom QR codes tailored to your specific needs. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of generating QR codes, customizing their appearance, and even embedding logos or images to make them stand out.

What You’ll Learn:

• Creating basic QR codes with Python.

• Customizing QR code appearance (colors, shapes).

• Embedding logos or images into QR codes.

• Saving QR codes in different formats (PNG, SVG).

• Practical applications for custom QR codes.

1. Setting Up the Environment

First, ensure Python is installed on your machine. We'll need the following libraries:

pip install qrcode[pil] pillow

Library Overview:

• qrcode: Generates QR codes with customizable options.

• Pillow: Enhances the QR code by adding colors, images, and other customizations.

2. Creating a Basic QR Code

Step 1: Generating a Simple QR Code

We’ll start by generating a basic QR code that encodes a URL.

import qrcode

def generate_basic_qr(data, filename="qrcode.png"):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,  # controls the size of the QR code
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,  # allows error correction up to 30%
        box_size=10,  # controls how many pixels each “box” of the QR code is
        border=4,  # the number of boxes thick the border should be
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    img = qr.make_image(fill='black', back_color='white')
    img.save(filename)

# Example usage
generate_basic_qr("https://www.bytescrum.com")

3. Customizing the QR Code Appearance

Step 2: Changing Colors

We can customize the QR code's appearance by changing the foreground (QR pattern) and background colors.

import qrcode

def generate_colored_qr(data, filename="colored_qrcode.png"):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,
        box_size=10,
        border=4,
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    img = qr.make_image(fill_color="darkblue", back_color="lightyellow")
    img.save(filename)

# Example usage
generate_colored_qr("https://www.bytescrum.com")

Step 3: Adding Rounded Corners and Styling

For a more sophisticated look, we can add rounded corners to the QR code’s modules.

import qrcode
from PIL import Image, ImageDraw


def generate_styled_qr(data, filename="styled_qrcode.png"):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,
        box_size=10,
        border=4,
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white").convert('RGB')

    # Create a mask with rounded corners
    mask = Image.new("L", img.size, 0)
    draw = ImageDraw.Draw(mask)
    radius = 15  # Adjust as needed for rounded corners
    draw.rounded_rectangle((0, 0, img.size[0], img.size[1]), radius, fill=255)

    # Apply the rounded mask to the image
    img = Image.composite(img, Image.new("RGB", img.size, "white"), mask)

    img.save(filename)


# Example usage
generate_styled_qr("https://www.bytescrum.com")

4. Embedding Logos in QR Codes

Step 4: Adding a Logo or Image

To make your QR code unique, you can embed a logo or an image in the center of the QR code.

import qrcode
from PIL import Image

def generate_qr_with_logo(data, logo_path, filename="qr_with_logo.png"):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,
        box_size=10,
        border=4,
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white").convert('RGB')

    logo = Image.open(logo_path)
    logo = logo.resize((50, 50))

    pos = ((img.size[0] - logo.size[0]) // 2, (img.size[1] - logo.size[1]) // 2)
    img.paste(logo, pos)

    img.save(filename)

# Example usage
generate_qr_with_logo("https://www.bytescrum.com", "logo.png")

5. Saving QR Codes in Different Formats

Step 5: Exporting QR Codes as SVG or PNG

You can save the generated QR code in different formats, including SVG for scalable vector graphics.

import qrcode

def save_qr_as_svg(data, filename="qrcode.svg"):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,
        box_size=10,
        border=4,
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white", image_format='SVG')
    img.save(filename)

# Example usage
save_qr_as_svg("https://www.bytescrum.com")

6. Practical Applications of Custom QR Codes

Step 6: Using QR Codes in Real Life

Here are some practical applications for the custom QR codes you’ve created:

• Business Cards: Embed your contact information in a QR code on your business card.

• Marketing: Use QR codes in flyers and posters to link directly to your website or promotions.

• Event Tickets: Generate QR codes for event tickets, which can be scanned at entry.

• Wi-Fi Sharing: Create a QR code to share Wi-Fi credentials, allowing users to connect easily.

Feel free to expand on this project by exploring more customization options or integrating QR code generation into larger Python applications.