QR Code Maker
Generate custom 3D QR codes with adjustable dot shapes, eye styles, and error correction levels for 3D printing or export as SVG and PNG.
QR Code Maker
The QR Code Maker creates 3D QR codes from text or URLs. You can customize the appearance by selecting different dot shapes and eye styles, then export as a 3D printable model or download as SVG or PNG.
Opening the QR Code Maker
- Open the Design Library
- Find the QR Code Generator in the library
- Click the design tile to open it
The QR Code Maker opens in Maker Mode with the parameter panel on the right.
Parameters
Text to encode
Enter the text or URL you want the QR code to contain. The default value is "cookiecad.com". Longer text creates more complex QR codes with more dots.
Size
The overall width and height of the QR code in millimeters. Default is 25mm. Both dimensions are always equal since QR codes are square.
Extrude depth
The thickness of the 3D extrusion in millimeters. Default is 0.5mm. Increase this value for a more pronounced 3D effect or to create a sturdier print.
Dot shape
The shape used for each data module in the QR code. Select from the visual grid of options:
| Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Square | Standard square dots |
| Square Padded | Square dots with spacing between them |
| Square Rounded | Squares with rounded corners |
| Square Rounded Padded | Rounded squares with spacing |
| Circle | Circular dots |
| Circle Padded | Circular dots with spacing |
| Star | Star-shaped dots |
| Octagon | Octagonal dots |
| Plus | Plus/cross-shaped dots |
| Lines | Dots connected with horizontal and vertical lines |
| Lines Filled | All gaps filled with connecting lines |
| X Shape | X-shaped dots |
| X Shape Interconnected | X shapes with connecting elements |
| Dots Interconnected (various) | Several variations of dots with vertical, horizontal, or combined connecting lines |
| Heart | Heart-shaped dots |
| Diamond | Diamond-shaped dots |
| Square Hollow | Hollow square dots |
| Square Hollow 2 | Alternative hollow square style |
Inner eye shape
The shape used for the center of the three position markers (eyes) in the corners of the QR code. Options include square, rounded square, circle, octagon, plus, diamond, hollow square, and heart.
Outer eye shape
The shape used for the outer ring of the three position markers. Options include:
- Square outline
- Rounded square outline
- Circle outline
- Square with rounded inner corners
- Square with single sharp corner
- Octagon outline
- Square grid pattern
- Circle grid pattern
Error correction level
Controls how much damage or obstruction the QR code can tolerate while remaining scannable:
| Level | Recovery capacity |
|---|---|
| Low (L) | Recovers up to 7% damage |
| Medium (M) | Recovers up to 15% damage (default) |
| Quartile (Q) | Recovers up to 25% damage |
| High (H) | Recovers up to 30% damage |
Higher error correction creates denser QR codes with more dots. Use higher levels when the QR code may be partially obscured or when printing at small sizes.
Exporting
The QR Code Maker includes custom export options in addition to standard 3D exports.
SVG export
Click "Download SVG" to save the QR code as a vector graphic file. SVG files scale without losing quality and work well for laser cutting, vinyl cutting, or high-resolution printing.
PNG export
Click "Download PNG" to save the QR code as a raster image. PNG files are suitable for web use or when you need a standard image format.
3D export
Use the standard export options (STL, 3MF) from the main export menu to save the QR code as a 3D printable model.
Testing your QR code
Before printing or sharing, test that your QR code scans correctly:
- Use your phone's camera or a QR code scanning app
- Point it at the 3D preview in CADit
- Verify it links to the correct content
Decorative dot shapes and low error correction levels may reduce scannability. If the code does not scan, try:
- Selecting a simpler dot shape (square or circle)
- Increasing the error correction level
- Increasing the size
Tips
- For reliable scanning on 3D prints, use a contrasting color scheme (dark code on light background or vice versa)
- The default 0.5mm extrusion depth works well for single-color prints; increase to 1-2mm if printing the QR code as a separate piece to attach to another object
- Square and circle dot shapes scan most reliably; decorative shapes like hearts or stars may reduce scan success rate at smaller sizes
- Higher error correction is recommended for small prints or when using decorative dot shapes