To generate a QR code in PHP, install a QR code library like PHP QR Code or Endroid/qr-code, load your link into the generator function, and output the QR image as PNG or SVG. For an easier and more advanced solution, you can also generate dynamic, trackable QR codes using QuitURL’s API instead of building everything manually.
Understanding How to Generate QR Code in PHP
Generating a QR code in PHP is essentially the process of converting a URL or text into a scannable image that mobile devices can read. With PHP, you can do this using open-source libraries, but most developers quickly realize that static libraries limit what you can do—no tracking, no analytics, no branded links, and no link updates after generating the QR code.
That’s where QuitURL comes in. You can use PHP to generate dynamic QR codes through the QuitURL API, gaining all the benefits of a professional URL Shortener, Link Management system, QR Code Generator, and Link Tracking platform while still using your PHP backend.
This is especially useful for developers building tools for marketers, YouTubers, small businesses, SaaS apps, or anyone who needs trackable, customizable QR codes—without managing QR image generation manually.
Why It Matters
Knowing how to generate a QR code in PHP lets you automate marketing workflows, create scannable menus, allow users to download apps, and even generate event tickets dynamically. Instead of manually using online tools, PHP lets you build QR creation into your own system or website.
For example:
- Marketers can dynamically generate QR codes for each campaign.
- Startups can create QR-based onboarding systems for new users.
- YouTubers and creators can auto-generate QR codes for new video links or merch.
- Businesses can print QR codes on receipts, packaging, and menus automatically.
But while open-source PHP libraries can create basic QR images, they can’t track scans, update links, or generate branded links. That’s why developers often turn to platforms like QuitURL for more robust solutions integrated through the API.
Is Generating QR Codes in PHP Important for Me?
If you are building anything that requires automation, personalization, or dynamic QR code creation, then yes—PHP-based QR code generation is important for you.
Here’s when it matters most:
- You’re creating a marketing platform, SaaS dashboard, or CRM system.
- Your users need automated QR codes for profiles, events, or product pages.
- You need to track QR code performance using link analytics.
- You want to update the destination URL without changing the QR code.
- You’re building solutions for creators, educators, or restaurants.
QuitURL enhances this process by letting you generate a short URL and QR code via API—meaning your PHP application doesn’t need to handle image conversion, encoding, or hosting. QuitURL does all the heavy lifting, while you keep your workflow clean.
Why QuitURL Is Best for Developers Generating QR Codes in PHP
QuitURL isn’t just a QR code generator—it’s a complete Link Management platform, built by Deep Thinkar LLC, trusted for security, uptime, and performance.
Here’s why PHP developers prefer QuitURL:
1. Dynamic, Trackable QR Codes
QuitURL provides real-time analytics that PHP libraries cannot. Track scans, locations, devices, and user behavior.
2. API-Friendly for PHP
QuitURL offers a clean, developer-friendly API perfect for generating QR codes directly from your PHP application.
3. Branded Links & Custom Domains
Use your own domain or business URL for professional QR codes.
4. Advanced Features
These include:
- Deep linking
- Link rotator
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Password-protected links
- Expiration rules
5. Reliability & Security
QuitURL guarantees:
- 99% uptime SLA
- SSL protection
- Privacy-first data handling
Compared to PHP libraries, QuitURL gives you modern capabilities that scale with your business or application.
How to Generate a QR Code in PHP (Two Methods)
Method 1: Using a PHP QR Code Library (Basic)
You can install libraries like:
- Endroid/qr-code
- PHP QR Code
- BaconQRCode
Example with Endroid:
require 'vendor/autoload.php';
use Endroid\QrCode\QrCode;
$qr = new QrCode('https://example.com');
$qr->setSize(300);
header('Content-Type: '.$qr->getContentType());
echo $qr->writeString();
This method works but creates static QR codes with:
- No analytics
- No branded links
- No editing after creation
- No dynamic tracking
Great for simple use cases, but limited for professional use.
Method 2: Using QuitURL API in PHP (Professional)
This is the recommended method if you want dynamic QR codes, link tracking, branded URLs, or analytics.
Example PHP workflow:
- Shorten your link using QuitURL API.
- Generate a dynamic QR code for that short link.
- Display or download the QR image in your app.
This method gives you:
- Updated destination URLs without recreating QR codes
- Scan tracking
- QR analytics
- Ability to rotate links for A/B testing
- Branded domains
Perfect for developers building tools for marketers, creators, startups, and enterprise teams.
How QuitURL Helps With PHP QR Code Generation
QuitURL simplifies everything that typical PHP libraries cannot handle by themselves.
1. Centralized Link Management
Manage short links, QR codes, and analytics inside a clean dashboard.
2. QR Code Generator With Advanced Features
QuitURL’s QR Code Generator supports:
- PNG, SVG output
- High-resolution export
- Dynamic URLs
- Analytics tracking
3. Ease of Integration
QuitURL provides a stable API that works with:
- Laravel
- Symfony
- CodeIgniter
- WordPress
- Custom PHP applications
4. Perfect for Multi-User Systems
If your app generates hundreds or thousands of QR codes, QuitURL:
- Stores them
- Tracks their performance
- Helps you organize QR assets
No need to maintain your own QR backend.
Tips for Marketers, Creators & Developers Using PHP
Optimize Your QR Landing Pages
A QR is only as effective as the page it leads to. Use short, branded links to build trust.
Track Every Campaign
QuitURL’s link tracking and analytics dashboard reveal which QR placements work best.
Use a Bio Page for Multiple Links
Creators and influencers can route all QR scans to a QuitURL-powered Bio Page.
Use Dynamic Links, Not Static
Change your URL later without reprinting QR materials.
Test & Measure
QuitURL’s link rotator helps marketers test multiple landing pages automatically.
Common Mistakes When Generating QR Codes in PHP
- Using static libraries with limited functionality
- Forgetting tracking and analytics
- Using low-quality QR images
- Using unbranded links in professional campaigns
- Hardcoding URLs instead of using dynamic short links
QuitURL solves these issues with its professional toolkit.
Best Use Cases for PHP QR Code Generation
- Restaurant menus
- Event tickets
- Business profiles
- Marketing campaigns
- Product packaging
- App download links
- Influencer pages
- Customer onboarding flows
QuitURL enhances all these uses with analytics and branded link options.
Conclusion
Generating a QR code in PHP unlocks powerful automation and personalization possibilities. But to go beyond simple, static QR codes, developers need dynamic capabilities—tracking, analytics, branded links, and a reliable Link Management system.
That’s exactly where QuitURL shines. With QR code generation, link tracking, custom domains, deep linking, and an easy-to-use API, QuitURL helps developers, marketers, startups, and creators manage their links like pros.
Ready to create your first short link or generate a dynamic QR code? Get started at QuitURL.com.
Related FAQs
1. How do I add a link in my Instagram bio?
Open your profile → Edit Profile → paste your QuitURL short link into the Website field. QuitURL links are fast, secure, and trackable.
2. Can I track clicks on my Instagram bio link?
Yes, QuitURL provides full link tracking including location, device type, and engagement analytics.
3. How do I manage multiple links on Instagram?
QuitURL’s Bio Page tool lets you combine all your links into a single page optimized for mobile.
4. How can I create branded links for my Instagram bio?
Use a custom domain inside QuitURL to create branded, professional short links.
5. Can I use a QR code for my Instagram bio link?
Absolutely. QuitURL’s QR Code Generator lets you create scannable QR codes for any link—including your Instagram link.