JavaScript Notes
Learn to build a QR code generator in JavaScript using the QRCode.js library, with custom colors, size, logo overlay, and download as PNG functionality.
What You'll Learn
- How to use the QRCode.js library to generate QR codes
- How to customize colors, size, and error correction level
- How to add a logo overlay on top of the QR code using Canvas API
- How to download the QR code as a PNG image
- How to generate QR codes for URLs, WiFi, vCards, and plain text
Project Overview
A QR code generator takes a text input (URL, WiFi credentials, contact info) and converts it into a scannable QR code image. Behind the scenes, the QRCode.js library handles the complex encoding; your job is to wire up the UI.
Component Structure
How It Works — Flow Diagram
Step-by-Step Build
Step 1 — Load QRCode.js
Step 2 — HTML Structure
Step 3 — Tab-Based Input Templates
Step 4 — Build QR Content String
Step 5 — Generate QR Code
Step 6 — Copy to Clipboard
Step 7 — Auto-Regenerate on Input / Option Change
Console Output
// User types "https://wohtech.com" in URL tab
buildContent() → "https://wohtech.com"
new QRCode(display, { text: "https://wohtech.com", width: 256, ... })
→ Canvas rendered in #qrDisplay
downloadBtn.href = "data:image/png;base64,..."
// WiFi tab: SSID="HomeNet", Pass="secret123"
buildContent() → "WIFI:T:WPA;S:HomeNet;P:secret123;;"
→ QR code encodes WiFi credentials (phone can scan to connect)
// User changes ECC to H (highest error correction)
generate() → QR code regenerated with correctLevel: QRCode.CorrectLevel.H
(more modules visible — more error resilience)Edge Cases to Handle
| Situation | Expected Behavior |
|---|---|
| Empty input | Don't generate / show placeholder |
| Very long URL | QR becomes denser but still scannable at L/M ECC |
| Same dark/light color | QR invisible — warn the user |
| Canvas not supported | Fallback to <img> (QRCode.js does this automatically) |
| Copy fails (non-HTTPS) | Graceful fallback message |
Challenge Yourself
- Logo overlay — draw a centered company logo on the canvas after QR generation
- SVG export — use a library that generates SVG instead of canvas
- Batch generator — paste a list of URLs and download QR codes as a ZIP
- QR code history — show thumbnails of the last 5 generated codes
- Scan your own QR — integrate a QR scanner on the same page
Best Practices
- Use
ECC = Hwhen adding a logo overlay (30% of pixels can be obscured) - Always
display.innerHTML = ""before regenerating to remove the previous QR - Use
canvas.toDataURL("image/png")for the download link - Debounce the text input to avoid generating a QR on every keystroke
- Test the generated QR with multiple scanner apps to ensure readability
Exam Focus
Revise definitions, diagrams, examples, and short-answer points for Build a JavaScript QR Code Generator - Step by Step Project Tutorial.
Interview Use
Prepare one clear explanation, one practical example, and one common mistake for this JavaScript Master Course topic.
Search Terms
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