qrcode
QR Code image generator
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes. qrcode is a mature, well-maintained library with no security issues, low install friction, and a permissive BSD license. It's suitable for any project needing QR code generation—from simple one-liners to complex styled codes. The single runtime dependency and optional image extras keep bloat minimal.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Image output requires optional dependencies: install with the pil extra for advanced image features, or the package falls back to built-in encoding.
- Low friction: pure Python with a single optional runtime dependency (colorama).
- Active maintenance, last commit 2026-03-25, and no known vulnerabilities.
License · maintenance · safety
BSD (permissive) — BSD license (permissive). You can use, modify, and distribute freely in commercial and private projects with minimal restrictions.
last release 2025-05-01 (470 days) · last repo commit 2026-03-25 · 4,929 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 27,727,013 downloads/mo, #850 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install qrcode
import qrcode
img = qrcode.make('Some data here')
img.save('qrcode.png')- Whether the pure Python PNG encoder is included by default or requires a separate install.
- Performance characteristics when encoding large amounts of data or generating many codes in sequence.
- Exact behavior and fallback chain when optional image dependencies are not installed.
What it is and what it does
qrcode is a pure-Python QR code generator that encodes text or binary data into Quick Response codes—two-dimensional barcodes readable by standard QR scanners. It supports multiple output formats: PNG images, SVG vector graphics, and ASCII art for console display. The package provides both a simple one-line API for quick generation and a full QRCode class for fine-grained control over error correction levels, code size, colors, and styling.
The library's main dependency is colorama for console output. Optional image dependencies are available via extras. It supports Python 3.9 through 3.13 and has been actively maintained since 2011, with no known security vulnerabilities. Use it to embed codes in web applications, generate codes for inventory systems, create scannable links in documents, or add QR functionality to CLI tools.
Use it for
- Generate QR codes for URLs in web applications or email campaigns to drive traffic or track engagement.
- Create inventory or asset tracking codes for warehouse or retail systems that can be scanned with mobile devices.
- Embed styled QR codes with custom colors in printed materials or marketing collateral.
- Build CLI tools that output QR codes as ASCII art or image files for quick sharing or documentation.
- Encode contact information or credentials into scannable QR codes for event check-ins or guest onboarding.
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes.
qrcode is a mature, well-maintained library with no security issues, low install friction, and a permissive BSD license. It's suitable for any project needing QR code generation—from simple one-liners to complex styled codes. The single runtime dependency and optional image extras keep bloat minimal.
Install
qrcode on PyPI
Before you install
Low friction: pure Python with a single optional runtime dependency (colorama). Active maintenance, last commit 2026-03-25, and no known vulnerabilities.
Image output requires optional dependencies: install with the pil extra for advanced image features, or the package falls back to built-in encoding.
License in practice
BSD license (permissive). You can use, modify, and distribute freely in commercial and private projects with minimal restrictions.
Quickstart
pip install qrcode
import qrcode
img = qrcode.make('Some data here')
img.save('qrcode.png')
Verify before relying
- Whether the pure Python PNG encoder is included by default or requires a separate install.
- Performance characteristics when encoding large amounts of data or generating many codes in sequence.
- Exact behavior and fallback chain when optional image dependencies are not installed.
Package facts
| License | BSD permissive |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release <4.0,>=3.9 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | 1 packagecolorama |
| Maintenance | Actively maintained 470 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 27,727,013 / month, #850 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableIntended Audience :: DevelopersLicense :: OSI Approved :: BSD LicenseLicense :: Other/Proprietary LicenseOperating System :: OS IndependentProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 3Programming Language :: Python :: 3 :: OnlyProgramming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9Topic :: Multimedia :: GraphicsTopic :: Software Development :: Libraries :: Python Modules |
Evidence: qrcode-8.2-py3-none-any.whl
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See also django-qr-code · pypng · PyQRCode · zxing-cpp · pyStrich · segno · treepoem · pdf417gen · qreader · drawsvg