domclic

<p>Effortless QR Code Generator is a WordPress plugin that allows you to create QR codes using a simple shortcode. It supports both client-side JavaScript rendering and server-side PHP rendering.</p>
<h4>Features</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Simple shortcode</strong>: Use <code>[effortless_qrcode url="https://example.com"]</code> to generate QR codes</li>
<li><strong>Dual rendering modes</strong>: Client-side (JavaScript) or server-side (PHP/PNG)</li>
<li><strong>Developer API</strong>: Generate QR codes programmatically from your plugins/themes</li>
<li><strong>Customizable size</strong>: Control QR code dimensions (100-500 pixels)</li>
<li><strong>Custom colors</strong>: Set dark and light colors for the QR code</li>
<li><strong>Error correction levels</strong>: Choose L, M, Q, or H</li>
<li><strong>Cached PNG images</strong>: Server-rendered QR codes are cached in the uploads folder</li>
<li><strong>Responsive design</strong>: QR codes adapt to different screen sizes</li>
<li><strong>No external dependencies</strong>: All code is bundled locally</li>
<li><strong>Privacy-friendly</strong>: No data sent to external services</li>
<li><strong>Accessibility ready</strong>: Proper alt text support</li>
<li><strong>Performance optimized</strong>: Scripts load only when needed</li>
</ul>
<h4>Shortcode Parameters</h4>
<ul>
<li><code>url</code> – The URL to encode (required)</li>
<li><code>size</code> – Size in pixels (default: 150, min: 100, max: 500)</li>
<li><code>color_dark</code> – Dark color in hex format (default: #000000)</li>
<li><code>color_light</code> – Light color in hex format (default: #ffffff)</li>
<li><code>render</code> – Rendering mode: “client” or “server” (default: client)</li>
<li><code>ecc</code> – Error correction level: L, M, Q, H (default: M)</li>
<li><code>alt</code> – Alt text for accessibility (server rendering only)</li>
<li><code>class</code> – Additional CSS class (server rendering only)</li>
<li><code>data</code> – Arbitrary data to encode (plain text, WiFi, vCard, etc.). When set, overrides <code>url</code> and disables <code>link</code></li>
<li><code>link</code> – Wrap QR code in a clickable link: “yes” or “no” (default: no). Only works with URL content, ignored when <code>data</code> is used</li>
<li><code>title</code> – Tooltip text shown on hover</li>
<li><code>target</code> – Link target attribute: “_blank”, “_self”, etc. (default: _blank)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Usage Examples</h4>
<p>Basic usage (client-side):<br />
    [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com”]</p>
<p>Server-side rendering:<br />
    [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com” render=”server”]</p>
<p>With custom size and colors:<br />
    [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com” size=”200″ color_dark=”#0073aa”]</p>
<p>Server-side with high error correction:<br />
    [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com” render=”server” ecc=”H” alt=”Scan me”]</p>
<h4>PHP API for Developers</h4>
<p>Third-party plugins and themes can generate QR codes programmatically using the <code>Effortless_QRCode_Native</code> class.</p>
<p><strong>Basic Usage:</strong></p>
<pre><code><?php
// Make sure the plugin is active
if ( class_exists( 'Effortless_QRCode_Native' ) ) {

    // Generate a QR code PNG
    $result = Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png( 'https://example.com' );

    if ( $result ) {
        echo '<img src="' . esc_url( $result['url'] ) . '" alt="QR Code">';
    }
}
?>
</code></pre>
<p><strong>With Custom Options:</strong></p>
<pre><code><?php
$result = Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png(
    'https://example.com',  // Data to encode (required)
    200,                    // Size in pixels (default: 150)
    '#0073aa',              // Dark color (default: #000000)
    '#ffffff',              // Light color (default: #ffffff)
    'H',                    // ECC level: L, M, Q, H (default: M)
    4                       // Margin in modules (default: 4)
);

if ( $result ) {
    // $result['url']  - Public URL to the PNG image
    // $result['path'] - Server filesystem path to the PNG file
    // $result['debug'] - Debug information string
}
?>
</code></pre>
<p><strong>Display in a Template:</strong></p>
<pre><code><?php
if ( class_exists( 'Effortless_QRCode_Native' ) ) {
    $result = Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png( get_permalink() );

    if ( $result ) : ?>
        <div class="my-qr-code">
            <img src="<?php echo esc_url( $result['url'] ); ?>"
                 alt="<?php esc_attr_e( 'Scan to visit this page', 'my-theme' ); ?>"
                 width="150"
                 height="150">
        </div>
    <?php endif;
}
?>
</code></pre>
<h4>API Reference</h4>
<p><strong>Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png( $data, $size, $color_dark, $color_light, $ecc, $margin )</strong></p>
<p>Generates a QR code PNG image and saves it to the WordPress uploads folder.</p>
<p><strong>Parameters:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><code>$data</code> (string) – Required. The data to encode (URL, text, etc.)</li>
<li><code>$size</code> (int) – Optional. Image size in pixels. Default: 150</li>
<li><code>$color_dark</code> (string) – Optional. Hex color for dark modules. Default: ‘#000000’</li>
<li><code>$color_light</code> (string) – Optional. Hex color for light modules. Default: ‘#ffffff’</li>
<li><code>$ecc</code> (string) – Optional. Error correction level (L, M, Q, H). Default: ‘M’</li>
<li><code>$margin</code> (int) – Optional. Quiet zone margin in modules. Default: 4</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Returns:</strong></p>
<p>Array on success with keys:<br />
* <code>url</code> – Public URL to the generated PNG image<br />
* <code>path</code> – Server filesystem path to the PNG file<br />
* <code>debug</code> – Debug information string</p>
<p>Returns <code>false</code> on failure.</p>
<p><strong>Notes:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Images are cached based on all parameters (same input = same file)</li>
<li>Files are stored in <code>wp-content/uploads/effortless-qrcodes/</code></li>
<li>Requires GD library for PNG generation</li>
</ul>
<h4>Error Correction Levels</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>L</strong> – 7% recovery capacity (smallest QR code)</li>
<li><strong>M</strong> – 15% recovery capacity (default, good balance)</li>
<li><strong>Q</strong> – 25% recovery capacity</li>
<li><strong>H</strong> – 30% recovery capacity (largest QR code, best for print)</li>
</ul>
<p>Higher error correction allows the QR code to be read even if partially damaged or obscured.</p>
<h4>Privacy</h4>
<p>This plugin does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. QR codes are generated locally (either in the browser or on your server).</p>
<h4>Requirements</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>PHP 7.4+</strong> with GD library (for server-side PNG generation)</li>
<li><strong>WordPress 5.0+</strong></li>
<li><strong>JavaScript enabled</strong> (for client-side rendering only)</li>
</ul>


EffortLess QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes easily with a simple shortcode. Supports client-side (JavaScript) and server-side (PHP/PNG) rendering with a developer API.

Kaya Studio

<p><strong>Why use “Kaya QR Code Generator”?</strong></p>
<p>This plugin creates QR Codes (Quick Response codes) through a widget or a shortCode for easy insertion into your pages, posts, sidebars, WooCommerce products, etc.</p>
<p>Easy install and use, generate dynamic QR Codes with your custom settings. Content can be any text, link and even a Bitcoin address or the current page URL.</p>
<p>The QR Code generator library is included (based on qr.js written by Kang Seonghoon) and don’t need any dependencies.</p>
<h4>QR Code Features</h4>
<ul>
<li>Add a title and choose its horizontal alignment.</li>
<li>Use static or dynamic content to encode in QR Code.</li>
<li>Add a query string to the automatic current page url.</li>
<li>Add an anchor link to the automatic current page url.</li>
<li>Select the information repetition level (Ability to correct read errors).</li>
<li>Set the QR Code image size.</li>
<li>Set the QR Code image border level.</li>
<li>QR Code image color and background color customizable.</li>
<li>Set the QR Code image horizontal alignment.</li>
<li>Add shadows to QR Code image.</li>
<li>Image alternate text customizable.</li>
<li>Clickable link on image customizable (support non-standard URL schemes).</li>
<li>Add a button to download QR Code image on frontend, with custom text and alignment.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Generator Features</h4>
<ul>
<li>Use as built-in Widget.</li>
<li>Use as shortcode with generator assistant.</li>
<li>QR Code preview and download on Shortcode generator assistant.</li>
<li>The Shortcode generator assistant is available on pages, posts, WooCommerce products, any public custom post types and on the plugin option page.</li>
<li>Setting to enable or disable the reduced shortcode generator assistant in editor.</li>
<li>Setting to display or hide Shortcode generator assistant to selected user role.</li>
<li>Setting to display or hide Shortcode generator assistant to selected post type.</li>
<li>Setting to select Shortcode generator assistant Meta box context and priority in editor.</li>
<li>Setting to choose the default QR Code image color and background color.</li>
<li>Compatible with WordPress MultiSite and WooCommerce.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Basic shortcode</h4>
<ul>
<li>Static content: <code>[kaya_qrcode content="my encoded content"]</code>.</li>
<li>Dynamic content: <code>[kaya_qrcode_dynamic][example_shortcode][/kaya_qrcode_dynamic]</code>.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Privacy</h4>
<p>This plugin does not collect or store any user data. It does not set any cookies and does not connect to any third-party applications. This plugin only generate QR Code image based on your custom content.</p>
<h4>Available Languages</h4>
<ul>
<li>English.</li>
<li>French.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Feedback</h4>
<p>Any suggestions or feedback is welcome, thank you for using or trying one of my plugins. Please take the time to let me know about your experiences and rate this plugin.</p>


Kaya QR Code Generator

Excellent


The shortcode works well but there is no support for a logo.  It also doesn't support "&apos;" and similar html entities in the text.


Good but no logo support

Generate QR Code through Widgets and Shortcodes, without any dependencies.

EffortLess QR Code Generator vs Kaya QR Code Generator