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C# QR Code Generator Application

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
Updated: August 2, 2026

Welcome to our guide on creating QR codes using C#! QR codes and .NET barcode DLL have become popular ways to share information quickly and efficiently. Whether you're developing an app, managing a website, or just looking for a neat way to share links, these codes can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we'll demonstrate how to generate QR codes efficiently using IronQR, ensuring you can generate QR codes tailored to your needs. This library makes it easy for anyone working with C# to create QR codes without getting into complex logic. We'll walk you through the steps, ensuring you have everything you need to get started. Whether you're looking to add QR code generator functionality to your app or just curious about how it's done, you're in the right place. Let's get started.

How to Create a QR Code Generator In C#

  1. Create a Windows Forms Application in Visual Studio
  2. Install QR Library using NuGet
  3. Design the form frontend elements
  4. Write logic of QR generation

  5. Run the application and start creating QR codes

Install QR Code Generator Library in C#

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

First Step:
arrow pointer

Before we start, we need to install the IronQR NuGet Package.

PM > Install-Package IronQR

IronQR: C# QR Library

IronQR is a C# QR Code library for integrating QR code functionality into .NET applications. IronQR supports a wide range of .NET versions and project types, including C#, VB.NET, F#, .NET Core, .NET Standard, .NET Framework, and more, ensuring compatibility with various development environments such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

IronQR distinguishes itself with its advanced features, including the ability to read QR codes and generate QR codes, support for multiple image formats, and customization options like resizing, styling, and adding logos to QR codes.

Some Key Features of IronQR

IronQR extends its functionality beyond basic QR code generation, offering several features designed to accommodate a wide range of QR code-related tasks. Let's go through these features and check their example codes which you will be able to integrate into any type of .NET application template like console app.

Read QR Codes

IronQR excels in decoding QR codes, providing users with a straightforward way to access the information embedded within QR codes. You can quickly and accurately extract data from QR codes, ranging from simple URLs to complex embedded information.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;

IronQr.License.LicenseKey = "License-Key";

// Load the image file that contains the QR Code
var inputImage = AnyBitmap.FromFile("QRCode.png");

// Prepare the image for QR code detection
QrImageInput qrInput = new QrImageInput(inputImage);

// Initialize the QR Code reader
QrReader qrReader = new QrReader();

// Execute QR Code reading on the provided image
IEnumerable<QrResult> qrResults = qrReader.Read(qrInput);

// Assuming you have the QR results in qrResults as before
foreach (var result in qrResults)
{
    Console.WriteLine(result.Value); // Print the QR code content to the console
}

The process starts by incorporating the necessary namespaces: IronQr and IronSoftware.Drawing, with a specific mention of Color from the IronSoftware.Drawing namespace to handle image manipulations.

Before diving into the QR code reading process, it's essential to activate the software with your license key by assigning it to IronQr.License.LicenseKey. The code then proceeds to load the QR code image from a file using AnyBitmap.FromFile("QRCode.png").

With the image loaded, the next step involves preparing it for QR code detection. This preparation is done by creating a QrImageInput object, which serves as a container for the image.

The core of this feature lies in the QrReader class, which is instantiated and used to perform the QR code reading operation. The reader analyzes the prepared image, searching for any QR codes it contains. The result of this operation is a collection of QrResult objects, each representing a detected QR code within the image.

To access and utilize the data encoded in the QR codes, the code iterates over the collection of results using a foreach loop. Each QrResult object contains properties such as the QR code's value, which can be accessed and displayed.

Custom QR Read Mode Options

IronQR provides different modes for reading QR codes, making it versatile for various needs.

  • Mixed Scan Mode: Balances speed and accuracy, useful for QR codes that are not clear or partly hidden.
  • Machine Learning (ML) Scan Mode: Uses advanced technology to read damaged or hard-to-read QR codes, ideal for difficult-to-detect scenarios.
  • Basic Scan Mode: The simplest and fastest way, for clear and straightforward QR codes.
using IronQr;
using IronQr.Enum;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System.Collections.Generic;

IronQr.License.LicenseKey = "License-Key";

// Load the image file that contains the QR Code
var inputImage = AnyBitmap.FromFile("QRCode.png");

QrImageInput mixedScanInput = new QrImageInput(inputImage, QrScanMode.OnlyDetectionModel);
IEnumerable<QrResult> mixedScanResults = new QrReader().Read(mixedScanInput);

QrImageInput mlScanInput = new QrImageInput(inputImage, QrScanMode.OnlyDetectionModel);
IEnumerable<QrResult> mlScanResults = new QrReader().Read(mlScanInput);

QrImageInput basicScanInput = new QrImageInput(inputImage, QrScanMode.OnlyBasicScan);
IEnumerable<QrResult> basicScanResults = new QrReader().Read(basicScanInput);

Read Advanced QR Codes

IronQR's advanced QR code reading capabilities provide a comprehensive approach to QR code scanning and decoding. This feature set goes beyond basic reading, offering a deeper level of interaction and data extraction.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;

IronQr.License.LicenseKey = "License-Key";

var imageToScan = AnyBitmap.FromFile("QRCode.png");

QrImageInput qrInput = new QrImageInput(imageToScan);

QrReader qrScanner = new QrReader();

IEnumerable<QrResult> scanResults = qrScanner.Read(qrInput);

foreach (QrResult qrResult in scanResults)
{

    Console.WriteLine(qrResult.Value);

    Console.WriteLine(qrResult.Url);

    foreach (IronSoftware.Drawing.PointF coordinate in qrResult.Points)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"{coordinate.X}, {coordinate.Y}");
    }
}

To create a QR Code generator using the IronQR library in a C# application, follow these steps carefully. This guide will take you through setting up a Windows form application, installing the IronQR library, writing the code to generate a QR code, and understanding the output.

Step 1: Create a Windows Application in Visual Studio

  1. Start by launching Visual Studio on your computer.

  2. Click on the "Create a New Project" button.

  3. Select Windows Forms App as the project type. Make sure to choose C# as the language.

    Windows Forms App

  4. Enter a name for your project and select the location to save it. Then on the next screen, select .NET framework. Then click Create.

    Project Configuration

Step 2: Install IronQR Library

Now it's time to install the IronQR library in the project. You can install the IronQR library through different methods.

Install using NuGet Package Manager

  1. Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select Manage NuGet Packages.

  2. Type IronQR in the search box and press Enter. Manage NuGet Packages

  3. Find IronQR in the list and click Install next to it.

    Install IronQR

Install using NuGet Package Manager Console

  1. Go to Tools > NuGet Package Manager > Package Manager Console.
NuGet Package Manager
  1. Type Install-Package IronQr and press Enter.
Install IronQR

Step 3: Design Frontend

QR Code Generator

3.1 Title Header

Generate a QR Code

Upon launching the QR Code Generator application, users are immediately presented with a striking header titled "QR Generator IronQR," set in a bold and authoritative font.

3.2 Input Section

Text Input for QR Code

Users can enter the data they wish to encode into their QR code.

Logo Selection

Select Logo

The "Select Logo" area allows for an additional layer of customization. Users can upload a logo that will be embedded in the QR code.

Color Configuration

Background Color

Buttons for color selection allow users to customize their QR code's palette.

3.3 Styling Parameters

Styling

Dimension Settings

Allows users to specify the overall size of the QR code.

Margin Settings

Allows users to specify the white space surrounding the QR code.

3.4 Output Preview

Provides a real-time preview of the generated QR code.

QR Output

3.5 Action Buttons

Generate QR

Triggers the QR code creation process.

QR Code in C#

Save QR Code

Opens a save dialog for saving the QR code.

Save

Reset Form

Clears all previous inputs and selections.

Reset

Step 4: Write Backend Logic

4.1 Setup and Initialization

Includes necessary namespaces: IronQr and IronSoftware.Drawing.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using Color = IronSoftware.Drawing.Color;
public QR_Generator()
{
    InitializeComponent();
    SetLicenseKey();
    EnsureDirectoryExists(qrCodesDirectory);
}

4.2 License Key Configuration

Applies a valid license key for the IronQR library:

private static void SetLicenseKey() {
    IronQr.License.LicenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY";
}

Replace "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY" with your actual license key.

4.3 Directory Management

Checks or creates necessary directories.

private static void EnsureDirectoryExists(string path)
{
    if (!System.IO.Directory.Exists(path))
    {
        System.IO.Directory.CreateDirectory(path);
    }
}

The path to the QR codes directory is defined in the QR_Generator class constructor as qrCodesDirectory, which combines the application's startup path with a "QR Codes" folder name:

string qrCodesDirectory = System.IO.Path.Combine(Application.StartupPath, "QR Codes");

4.4 Color Selection

Provides color dialog components and utility functions.

private string ColorToHex(System.Drawing.Color color)
{
    return $"#{color.R:X2}{color.G:X2}{color.B:X2}";
}

The UpdateColor method takes the selected color and converts it to the IronSoftware.Drawing.Color format using the hexadecimal string, and updates either the QR code's foreground or background color depending on the selection. It also updates the UI to reflect the new color choice:

private void UpdateColor(ref Color targetColor, Control display, bool isBackground)
{
    if (select_color.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
    {
        var hexColor = ColorToHex(select_color.Color);
        targetColor = new Color(hexColor);
        display.BackColor = select_color.Color;
    }
}

Allows the user to select a logo.

private void btn_logo_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    if (select_logo.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
    {
        try
        {
            logoBmp = new AnyBitmap(select_logo.FileName);
            selected_logo.Image = Image.FromFile(select_logo.FileName);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            ShowError("An error occurred while loading the logo", ex.Message);
        }
    }
}

4.6 QR Code Generation

Contains logic for generating QR codes based on user inputs.

private void btn_generate_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    GenerateQRCode();
}

The QrOptions object defines the error correction level, enhancing the QR code's resilience to damage or obscuration. The CreateStyleOptions method generates a QrStyleOptions object, which includes the user's custom settings like colors, dimensions, and the logo. Here's the method in detail:

private QrStyleOptions CreateStyleOptions()
{
    return new QrStyleOptions
    {
        BackgroundColor = bgColor,
        Color = color,
        Dimensions = txt_dimension.Value > 0 ? Convert.ToInt32(txt_dimension.Value) : throw new ArgumentException("Please select valid dimensions!"),
        Margins = Convert.ToInt32(txt_margin.Value),
        Logo = logoBmp != null ? new QrLogo { Bitmap = logoBmp, Width = 50, Height = 50, CornerRadius = 5 } : null
    };
}

4.7 Saving the QR Code

Handles saving the generated QR code.

private void btn_save_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    SaveQRCode();
}

private void SaveQRCode()
{
    if (pictureBox.Image == null)
    {
        MessageBox.Show("There is no QR code to save.", "Error");
        return;
    }

    saveFileDialog.Filter = "PNG Files|*.png|JPEG Files|*.jpg";
    saveFileDialog.Title = "Save QR Code";
    saveFileDialog.FileName = "QRCode";

    if (saveFileDialog.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
    {
        try
        {
            pictureBox.Image.Save(saveFileDialog.FileName, DetermineImageFormat(saveFileDialog.FileName));
            MessageBox.Show("QR Code has been saved!", "Success");
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            ShowError("An error occurred while saving the QR code", ex.Message);
        }
    }
}
private System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat DetermineImageFormat(string filePath)
{
    return System.IO.Path.GetExtension(filePath).ToLower() == ".jpg" ? System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Jpeg : System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Png;
}

4.8 Resetting the Application

Clears user inputs and resets the form state.

private void btn_reset_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    ResetFields();
}

private void ResetFields()
{
    txt_QR.Text = string.Empty;
    txt_dimension.Value = 200;
    txt_margin.Value = 0;
    bgColor = Color.White;
    color = Color.Black;
    txt_selected_color.BackColor = System.Drawing.Color.White;
    txt_selected_bgcolor.BackColor = System.Drawing.Color.Black;
    logoBmp = null;
    selected_logo.Image = null;
    pictureBox.Image = null;
}

4.9 Error Handling

Displays error messages to users.

private static void ShowError(string title, string message)
{
    MessageBox.Show($"{title}: {message}", "Error");
}

4.10 Complete Code Example

The full code combining all the above features can be found in the example file linked to your project.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using Color = IronSoftware.Drawing.Color;

namespace IronQR_QR_Generator_WinForms
{
    public partial class QR_Generator : Form
    {
        string qrCodesDirectory = System.IO.Path.Combine(Application.StartupPath, "QR Codes");
        Color bgColor = Color.White;
        Color color = Color.Black;
        AnyBitmap? logoBmp = null;

        public QR_Generator()
        {
            InitializeComponent();
            SetLicenseKey();
            EnsureDirectoryExists(qrCodesDirectory);
        }

        private static void SetLicenseKey()
        {
            IronQr.License.LicenseKey = "License-Key";
        }

        private static void EnsureDirectoryExists(string path)
        {
            if (!System.IO.Directory.Exists(path))
            {
                System.IO.Directory.CreateDirectory(path);
            }
        }

        private void btn_color_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            UpdateColor(ref color, txt_selected_color, false);
        }

        private void btn_background_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            UpdateColor(ref bgColor, txt_selected_bgcolor, true);
        }

        private string ColorToHex(System.Drawing.Color color)
        {
            return $"#{color.R:X2}{color.G:X2}{color.B:X2}";
        }
        private void UpdateColor(ref Color targetColor, Control display, bool isBackground)
        {
            if (select_color.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
            {

                var hexColor = ColorToHex(select_color.Color);
                targetColor = new Color(hexColor);
                display.BackColor = select_color.Color;
            }
        }

        private void btn_logo_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            if (select_logo.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
            {
                try
                {
                    logoBmp = new AnyBitmap(select_logo.FileName);
                    selected_logo.Image = Image.FromFile(select_logo.FileName);
                }
                catch (Exception ex)
                {
                    ShowError("An error occurred while loading the logo", ex.Message);
                }
            }
        }

        private void btn_generate_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            GenerateQRCode();
        }

        private void GenerateQRCode()
        {
            try
            {
                var options = new QrOptions(QrErrorCorrectionLevel.High);
                var myQr = QrWriter.Write(txt_QR.Text, options);
                var style = CreateStyleOptions();
                var qrImage = myQr.Save(style);
                var fileName = $"{DateTime.Now:yyyyMMddHHmmssfff}_QR.png";
                var fullPath = System.IO.Path.Combine(qrCodesDirectory, fileName);
                qrImage.SaveAs(fullPath);
                pictureBox.Image = Image.FromFile(fullPath);
            }
            catch (Exception ex)
            {
                ShowError("An error occurred during QR code generation or saving", ex.Message);
            }
        }

        private QrStyleOptions CreateStyleOptions()
        {
            return new QrStyleOptions
            {
                BackgroundColor = bgColor,
                Color = color,
                Dimensions = txt_dimension.Value > 0 ? Convert.ToInt32(txt_dimension.Value) : throw new ArgumentException("Please select valid dimensions!"),
                Margins = Convert.ToInt32(txt_margin.Value),
                Logo = logoBmp != null ? new QrLogo { Bitmap = logoBmp, Width = 50, Height = 50, CornerRadius = 5 } : null
            };
        }

        private void btn_save_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            SaveQRCode();
        }

        private void SaveQRCode()
        {
            if (pictureBox.Image == null)
            {
                MessageBox.Show("There is no QR code to save.", "Error");
                return;
            }

            saveFileDialog.Filter = "PNG Files|*.png|JPEG Files|*.jpg";
            saveFileDialog.Title = "Save QR Code";
            saveFileDialog.FileName = "QRCode";

            if (saveFileDialog.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
            {
                try
                {
                    pictureBox.Image.Save(saveFileDialog.FileName, DetermineImageFormat(saveFileDialog.FileName));
                    MessageBox.Show("QR Code has been saved!", "Success");
                }
                catch (Exception ex)
                {
                    ShowError("An error occurred while saving the QR code", ex.Message);
                }
            }
        }

        private System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat DetermineImageFormat(string filePath)
        {
            return System.IO.Path.GetExtension(filePath).ToLower() == ".jpg" ? System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Jpeg : System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Png;
        }

        private void btn_reset_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            ResetFields();
        }

        private void ResetFields()
        {
            txt_QR.Text = string.Empty;
            txt_dimension.Value = 200;
            txt_margin.Value = 0;
            bgColor = Color.White;
            color = Color.Black;
            txt_selected_color.BackColor = bgColor;
            txt_selected_bgcolor.BackColor = color;
            logoBmp = null;
            selected_logo.Image = null;
            pictureBox.Image = null;
        }

        private static void ShowError(string title, string message)
        {
            MessageBox.Show($"{title}: {message}", "Error");
        }
    }
}

Step 5: Run Application

When the application is executed, the main window appears as organized with sections for input, styling, output, and actions. Follow the user interface to enter data, customize your QR code, and generate and save the QR code as desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide has walked you through the process of generating QR codes using the IronQR library in a C# application. By breaking down the steps from setting up your project in Visual Studio, integrating the IronQR library, designing a user-friendly interface, and writing the backend logic, we've demonstrated how accessible it is to add QR code functionality to your applications.

For those interested in exploring the capabilities of IronQR further, it's worth noting that IronQR offers a free trial to get you started. Should you decide to integrate IronQR into your projects, licenses start at $999, providing a cost-effective solution for professional-grade QR code generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IronQR?

IronQR is Iron Software's .NET QR Code library. It integrates QR code functionality into .NET applications, supports various .NET versions, and offers features like QR code reading, generation, and customization.

How do I install IronQR in my C# project?

You can install IronQR through the NuGet Package Manager by searching for 'IronQR' and clicking Install, or via the NuGet Package Manager Console by entering 'Install-Package IronQR'.

What steps are involved in creating a QR code generator in C# using IronQR?

To create a QR code generator, start by creating a Windows Forms Application in Visual Studio, install IronQR, design the UI, write logic for QR code generation, and finally run your application to generate QR codes.

Can I customize QR codes generated with IronQR?

Yes, IronQR allows you to customize QR codes by setting parameters such as dimensions, margins, colors, and adding logos for personalized QR code design.

What is the role of a license key in IronQR?

A license key is required to activate IronQR library features. Set the license key in your application code to enable full functionality of the QR code generation and reading.

What are the different scan modes available in IronQR?

IronQR offers Mixed Scan Mode, Machine Learning Scan Mode, and Basic Scan Mode to balance speed, accuracy, and handle various QR code conditions, including damaged or difficult-to-read codes.

How does IronQR handle QR code reading?

IronQR provides an easy way to read QR codes by loading an image, preparing it for detection, and using a QrReader to analyze and extract embedded data effectively.

Is IronQR compatible with different development environments?

Yes, IronQR supports a wide range of .NET project types and is compatible with various environments like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

What is the suggested way to handle errors when using IronQR?

It's recommended to implement error handling in your application to catch exceptions that may occur during QR code generation or reading, ensuring a smooth experience.

Can I run the QR code generator application on different platforms?

Yes, with IronQR's compatibility across various .NET frameworks, you can run the QR code generator application on multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
Technical Writer

Curtis Chau holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Carleton University) and specializes in front-end development with expertise in Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, and React. Passionate about crafting intuitive and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, Curtis enjoys working with modern frameworks and creating well-structured, visually appealing manuals.

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  1. In Solution Explorer, right-click References, Manage NuGet Packages
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