Build a URL Shortener with QR Codes: Step-by-Step Tutorial

What We’re Building A URL shortener that automatically generates a QR code for every shortened link. Users paste a long URL, get a short link, and can download a QR code that points to it. We’ll use Node.js with Express for the backend and the ToolCenter QR Code API for generating QR codes. Prerequisites Node.js 18+ installed A ToolCenter key Basic knowledge of Express.js Project Setup mkdir url-shortener-qr cd url-shortener-qr npm init -y npm install express nanoid Project Structure u ├ ├ │ └ r ─ ─ ─ l ─ ─ ─ - s s p └ p h e u ─ a o r b ─ c r v l k t e i i a e r c n g n . / d e e j e . r s x j - . s q h o r t n / m l Step 1: Build the Server Create server.js: ...

February 17, 2026 · 5 min · ToolCenter Team

7 Best Free QR Code Generators in 2026

QR codes are everywhere in 2026 — from restaurant menus and product packaging to digital business cards and event tickets. Choosing the right QR code generator can save you time, money, and headaches. We tested and compared the 7 best free QR code generators available today, evaluating them on features, customization, tracking, and API access. What to Look for in a QR Code Generator Before diving into the comparison, here are the key features that matter: ...

February 13, 2026 · 5 min · ToolCenter Team