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Generate QR Codes in C# - Complete Tutorial for .NET Developers

ByJacob Mellor

November 5, 2018

Updated  July 13, 2025

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Need to generate QR codes in your C# application? This tutorial shows you exactly how to create, customize, and verify QR codes using IronBarcode—from simple one-line implementations to advanced features like logo embedding and binary data encoding.

Whether you're building inventory systems, event ticketing platforms, or contactless payment solutions, you'll learn how to implement professional-grade QR code functionality in your .NET applications.

View the IronBarcode YouTube Playlist

How Do I Install a QR Code Library in C#?

Start using IronBarcode in your project today with a free trial.

First Step:

Start for Free

Install IronBarcode using the NuGet Package Manager with this simple command:

Install-Package BarCode

Install via NuGet

Alternatively, download the IronBarcode DLL directly and add it as a reference to your project.

Import Required Namespaces

Add these namespaces to access IronBarcode's QR code generation features:

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Linq;

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Linq;

Imports IronBarCode

Imports System

Imports System.Drawing

Imports System.Linq

How Can I Create a Simple QR Code in C#?

Generate a QR code with just one line of code using IronBarcode's CreateQrCode method:

using IronBarCode;

// Generate a QR code with text content
var qrCode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode("hello world", 500, QRCodeWriter.QrErrorCorrectionLevel.Medium);
qrCode.SaveAsPng("MyQR.png");

using IronBarCode;

// Generate a QR code with text content
var qrCode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode("hello world", 500, QRCodeWriter.QrErrorCorrectionLevel.Medium);
qrCode.SaveAsPng("MyQR.png");

Imports IronBarCode



' Generate a QR code with text content

Private qrCode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode("hello world", 500, QRCodeWriter.QrErrorCorrectionLevel.Medium)

qrCode.SaveAsPng("MyQR.png")

The CreateQrCode method accepts three parameters:

• Text content: The data to encode (supports URLs, text, or any string data)
• Size: Pixel dimensions for the square QR code (500x500 in this example)
• Error correction: Determines readability in suboptimal conditions (Low, Medium, Quartile, or High)

Higher error correction levels enable QR codes to remain readable even when partially damaged or obscured, though they result in denser patterns with more data modules.

A basic QR code containing "hello world" text, generated at 500x500 pixels with medium error correction

How Do I Add a Logo to My QR Code?

Embedding logos in QR codes enhances brand recognition while maintaining scannability. IronBarcode automatically positions and sizes logos to preserve QR code integrity:

using IronBarCode;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;

// Load logo image
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");

// Create QR code with embedded logo
GeneratedBarcode myQRCodeWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Customize appearance
myQRCodeWithLogo.ResizeTo(500, 500).SetMargins(10).ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen);

// Save the branded QR code
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("myQRWithLogo.png");

using IronBarCode;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;

// Load logo image
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");

// Create QR code with embedded logo
GeneratedBarcode myQRCodeWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Customize appearance
myQRCodeWithLogo.ResizeTo(500, 500).SetMargins(10).ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen);

// Save the branded QR code
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("myQRWithLogo.png");

Imports IronBarCode

Imports IronSoftware.Drawing



' Load logo image

Private qrCodeLogo As New QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png")



' Create QR code with embedded logo

Private myQRCodeWithLogo As GeneratedBarcode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo)



' Customize appearance

myQRCodeWithLogo.ResizeTo(500, 500).SetMargins(10).ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen)



' Save the branded QR code

myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("myQRWithLogo.png")

The CreateQrCodeWithLogo method intelligently handles logo placement by:

• Automatically sizing the logo to maintain QR code readability
• Positioning it within the quiet zone to avoid data corruption
• Preserving the logo's original colors when changing QR code colors

This approach ensures your branded QR codes remain fully functional across all scanning devices and applications.

QR code featuring the Visual Studio logo, demonstrating IronBarcode's automatic logo sizing and positioning

How Can I Export QR Codes to Different Formats?

IronBarcode supports multiple export formats for different use cases. Export your QR codes as images, PDFs, or HTML files:

using IronBarCode;
using System.Drawing;

// Create QR code with logo
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");
GeneratedBarcode myQRCodeWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Apply custom styling
myQRCodeWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen);

// Export to multiple formats
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPdf("MyQRWithLogo.pdf");      // PDF document
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyQRWithLogo.html"); // Standalone HTML
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("MyQRWithLogo.png");       // PNG image
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("MyQRWithLogo.jpg");      // JPEG image

using IronBarCode;
using System.Drawing;

// Create QR code with logo
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");
GeneratedBarcode myQRCodeWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Apply custom styling
myQRCodeWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen);

// Export to multiple formats
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPdf("MyQRWithLogo.pdf");      // PDF document
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyQRWithLogo.html"); // Standalone HTML
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("MyQRWithLogo.png");       // PNG image
myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("MyQRWithLogo.jpg");      // JPEG image

Imports IronBarCode

Imports System.Drawing



' Create QR code with logo

Private qrCodeLogo As New QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png")

Private myQRCodeWithLogo As GeneratedBarcode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo)



' Apply custom styling

myQRCodeWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen)



' Export to multiple formats

myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPdf("MyQRWithLogo.pdf") ' PDF document

myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyQRWithLogo.html") ' Standalone HTML

myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("MyQRWithLogo.png") ' PNG image

myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("MyQRWithLogo.jpg") ' JPEG image

Each format serves specific purposes:

• PDF: Ideal for printable documents and reports
• HTML: Perfect for web integration without external dependencies
• PNG/JPEG: Standard image formats for versatile usage

How Do I Verify QR Code Readability After Customization?

Color modifications and logo additions can impact QR code scannability. Use the Verify() method to ensure your customized QR codes remain readable:

using IronBarCode;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System;
using System.Drawing;

// Generate QR code with logo
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");
GeneratedBarcode myVerifiedQR = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Apply light color (may affect readability)
myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.LightBlue);

// Verify the QR code can still be scanned
if (!myVerifiedQR.Verify())
{
    Console.WriteLine("LightBlue is not dark enough to be read accurately. Let's try DarkBlue");
    myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkBlue);
}

// Save verified QR code
myVerifiedQR.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyVerifiedQR.html");

// Open in default browser
System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(new System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo
{
    FileName = "MyVerifiedQR.html",
    UseShellExecute = true
});

using IronBarCode;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System;
using System.Drawing;

// Generate QR code with logo
QRCodeLogo qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png");
GeneratedBarcode myVerifiedQR = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo);

// Apply light color (may affect readability)
myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.LightBlue);

// Verify the QR code can still be scanned
if (!myVerifiedQR.Verify())
{
    Console.WriteLine("LightBlue is not dark enough to be read accurately. Let's try DarkBlue");
    myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkBlue);
}

// Save verified QR code
myVerifiedQR.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyVerifiedQR.html");

// Open in default browser
System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(new System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo
{
    FileName = "MyVerifiedQR.html",
    UseShellExecute = true
});

Imports IronBarCode

Imports IronSoftware.Drawing

Imports System

Imports System.Drawing



' Generate QR code with logo

Private qrCodeLogo As New QRCodeLogo("visual-studio-logo.png")

Private myVerifiedQR As GeneratedBarcode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo)



' Apply light color (may affect readability)

myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.LightBlue)



' Verify the QR code can still be scanned

If Not myVerifiedQR.Verify() Then

	Console.WriteLine("LightBlue is not dark enough to be read accurately. Let's try DarkBlue")

	myVerifiedQR.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkBlue)

End If



' Save verified QR code

myVerifiedQR.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyVerifiedQR.html")



' Open in default browser

System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(New System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo With {

	.FileName = "MyVerifiedQR.html",

	.UseShellExecute = True

})

The Verify() method performs a comprehensive scan test on your QR code. This ensures compatibility across different scanning devices and lighting conditions before deployment.

A successfully verified QR code in dark blue, demonstrating proper contrast for reliable scanning

How Can I Encode Binary Data in QR Codes?

QR codes excel at storing binary data efficiently. This capability enables advanced applications like encrypted data transfer, file sharing, and IoT device configuration:

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Convert string to binary data
byte[] binaryData = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/");

// Create QR code from binary content
QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode(binaryData, 500).SaveAsPng("MyBinaryQR.png");

// Read and verify binary data integrity
var myReturnedData = BarcodeReader.Read("MyBinaryQR.png").First();

// Confirm data matches original
if (binaryData.SequenceEqual(myReturnedData.BinaryValue))
{
    Console.WriteLine("Binary Data Read and Written Perfectly");
}
else
{
    throw new Exception("Data integrity check failed");
}

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Convert string to binary data
byte[] binaryData = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/");

// Create QR code from binary content
QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode(binaryData, 500).SaveAsPng("MyBinaryQR.png");

// Read and verify binary data integrity
var myReturnedData = BarcodeReader.Read("MyBinaryQR.png").First();

// Confirm data matches original
if (binaryData.SequenceEqual(myReturnedData.BinaryValue))
{
    Console.WriteLine("Binary Data Read and Written Perfectly");
}
else
{
    throw new Exception("Data integrity check failed");
}

Imports IronBarCode

Imports System

Imports System.Linq



' Convert string to binary data

Private binaryData() As Byte = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/")



' Create QR code from binary content

QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode(binaryData, 500).SaveAsPng("MyBinaryQR.png")



' Read and verify binary data integrity

Dim myReturnedData = BarcodeReader.Read("MyBinaryQR.png").First()



' Confirm data matches original

If binaryData.SequenceEqual(myReturnedData.BinaryValue) Then

	Console.WriteLine("Binary Data Read and Written Perfectly")

Else

	Throw New Exception("Data integrity check failed")

End If

Binary encoding in QR codes offers several advantages:

• Efficiency: Stores data in compact binary format
• Versatility: Handles any data type (files, encrypted content, serialized objects)
• Integrity: Preserves exact byte sequences without encoding issues

This feature distinguishes IronBarcode from basic QR code libraries, enabling sophisticated data exchange scenarios in your applications.

QR code storing binary data, demonstrating IronBarcode's advanced encoding capabilities

How Do I Read QR Codes in C#?

IronBarcode provides flexible QR code reading capabilities. Here's the simplest approach:

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Read QR code with optimized settings
BarcodeResults result = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", new BarcodeReaderOptions() { 
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode 
});

// Extract and display the decoded value
if (result != null && result.Any())
{
    Console.WriteLine(result.First().Value);
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("No QR codes found in the image.");
}

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Read QR code with optimized settings
BarcodeResults result = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", new BarcodeReaderOptions() { 
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode 
});

// Extract and display the decoded value
if (result != null && result.Any())
{
    Console.WriteLine(result.First().Value);
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("No QR codes found in the image.");
}

Imports IronBarCode

Imports System

Imports System.Linq



' Read QR code with optimized settings

Private result As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", New BarcodeReaderOptions() With {.ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode})



' Extract and display the decoded value

If result IsNot Nothing AndAlso result.Any() Then

	Console.WriteLine(result.First().Value)

Else

	Console.WriteLine("No QR codes found in the image.")

End If

For more complex scenarios requiring fine-tuned control:

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Configure advanced reading options
BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.Faster,           // Optimize for speed
    ExpectMultipleBarcodes = false,        // Single QR code expected
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode, // QR codes only
    Multithreaded = true,                  // Enable parallel processing
    MaxParallelThreads = 4,                // Utilize multiple CPU cores
    RemoveFalsePositive = true,            // Filter out false detections
    ImageFilters = new ImageFilterCollection() // Apply preprocessing
    {
        new AdaptiveThresholdFilter(),    // Handle varying lighting
        new ContrastFilter(),              // Enhance contrast
        new SharpenFilter()                // Improve edge definition
    }
};

// Read with advanced configuration
BarcodeResults result = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", options);

using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Linq;

// Configure advanced reading options
BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.Faster,           // Optimize for speed
    ExpectMultipleBarcodes = false,        // Single QR code expected
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode, // QR codes only
    Multithreaded = true,                  // Enable parallel processing
    MaxParallelThreads = 4,                // Utilize multiple CPU cores
    RemoveFalsePositive = true,            // Filter out false detections
    ImageFilters = new ImageFilterCollection() // Apply preprocessing
    {
        new AdaptiveThresholdFilter(),    // Handle varying lighting
        new ContrastFilter(),              // Enhance contrast
        new SharpenFilter()                // Improve edge definition
    }
};

// Read with advanced configuration
BarcodeResults result = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", options);

Imports IronBarCode

Imports System

Imports System.Linq



' Configure advanced reading options

Private options As New BarcodeReaderOptions With {

	.Speed = ReadingSpeed.Faster,

	.ExpectMultipleBarcodes = False,

	.ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode,

	.Multithreaded = True,

	.MaxParallelThreads = 4,

	.RemoveFalsePositive = True,

	.ImageFilters = New ImageFilterCollection() From {

		New AdaptiveThresholdFilter(),

		New ContrastFilter(),

		New SharpenFilter()

	}

}



' Read with advanced configuration

Private result As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read("QR.png", options)

These advanced reading options enable reliable QR code detection in challenging conditions like poor lighting, image distortion, or low-quality prints.

What's Next for QR Code Development?

Now that you've mastered QR code generation with IronBarcode, explore these advanced topics:

• Extract QR codes from PDF documents
• Implement batch QR code processing
• Apply image corrections for difficult scans

Download Resources

Access the complete source code and examples:

• GitHub Repository
• Source Code Download

API Documentation

Explore the complete feature set in the API reference:

• QRCodeWriter Class Reference
• BarcodeReader Class Reference
• GeneratedBarcode Class Reference

Alternative: IronQR for Advanced QR Applications

For projects requiring cutting-edge QR code capabilities, consider IronQR--Iron Software's specialized QR code library featuring machine learning-powered reading with 99.99% accuracy and advanced generation options.

Ready to implement QR codes in your .NET application? Start your free trial or download IronBarcode today.

Jacob Mellor

  Chat with engineering team now

Chief Technology Officer

Jacob Mellor is Chief Technology Officer at Iron Software and a visionary engineer pioneering C# PDF technology. As the original developer behind Iron Software's core codebase, he has shaped the company's product architecture since its inception, transforming it alongside CEO Cameron Rimington into a 50+ person company serving NASA, Tesla, and global government agencies.

Jacob holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester (1998–2001). After opening his first software business in London in 1999 and creating his first .NET components in 2005, he specialized in solving complex problems across the Microsoft ecosystem.

His flagship IronPDF & IronSuite .NET libraries have achieved over 30 million NuGet installations globally, with his foundational code continuing to power developer tools used worldwide. With 25 years of commercial experience and 41 years of coding expertise, Jacob remains focused on driving innovation in enterprise-grade C#, Java, and Python PDF technologies while mentoring the next generation of technical leaders.

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