Lejumo allows shortening a URL and generating the corresponding QR code in one operation, without changing pages. The QR code is calculated in the browser from the short link (22 characters), producing a code 4× less dense than a QR encoding the original URL. Ideal for print materials: business cards, flyers, posters.
Why shorten a URL before generating a QR code?
The density of a QR code depends directly on the number of characters encoded. A 150-character URL forces the QR standard to use a higher version (more modules), making the code denser and harder to read at a distance. By first shortening the URL — the Lejumo short link is 22 characters — you get a low-version QR, made up of fewer black and white modules. The result: scannable at arm's length, printable at 1.5 cm on a business card.
Above 27 characters, your QR code becomes hard to scan
The QR code standard (ISO/IEC 18004) defines version levels from 1 (21×21 modules) to 40 (177×177 modules). Each additional character can push to a higher version. Below 27 alphanumeric characters, the QR stays at version 2 or 3 — i.e. 25×25 or 29×29 modules — printable at 1 cm per side and scannable at 10 cm. Beyond 80 characters, you typically reach version 5 or 6, requiring a minimum print size of 3 cm. A 200-character URL often demands version 10 or above, making scanning very difficult in real conditions (poor lighting, angle).
Use cases: business card, flyer, poster, packaging
- Business card — limited space of 85×55 mm; a 1.5 cm QR is sufficient with a short link, impossible with a long URL.
- A5/A4 flyer — the QR can occupy a corner without disrupting the layout, even at a small size.
- Poster or banner — short link + QR: the viewer can scan from a distance or type the short URL if they have no camera.
- Product packaging — reduced space on the pack; a dense QR is unreadable with till scanners or low-resolution smartphones.
QR density comparison — long URL vs Lejumo short link
| Lejumo short link | Long URL (150 chars) | Medium URL (80 chars) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR version | Version 2–3 | Version 8–10 | Version 5–6 |
| Minimum print size | 1.5 cm | 4–5 cm | 2.5–3 cm |
| Scannable at arm's length | ✓ Yes | ✕ Difficult | Depends on conditions |
| Characters encoded | ~22 | ~150 | ~80 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the QR code expire at the same time as the short link?
- The QR code itself is a PNG image generated locally in your browser — it does not "expire". However, the redirect associated with the short link will expire according to the duration chosen (1 day, 7 days, 30 days, 1 year, or permanent). After expiry, scanning the QR will display a redirect error page. For durable print use, select "Permanent".
- What PNG file size can I download?
- The size slider lets you choose between 64 and 512 pixels per side, in steps of 8 px. The generated PNG file is typically 2 to 20 KB depending on the resolution. For print use, 256 px is sufficient for printing at 300 dpi up to 2 cm per side; for a poster, choose 512 px then resize in your software.
- Can I generate a QR code without shortening the URL?
- Yes, the QR Code Generator page lets you encode any URL or Wi-Fi network directly without going through a shortener. However, for small print materials (business cards, labels), shortening the URL first produces a much more readable QR code.
- URL shortener, URL compressor, URL reducer — are these the same thing?
- Yes, all these terms refer to the same service: a tool that transforms a long URL into a short link. Lejumo fulfils all these functions for free and without registration.
- Can I change the colour of the QR code?
- Yes, the palette offers 10 preset colours (black, navy, dark green, burgundy, orange…) and a free colour picker. Make sure to maintain sufficient contrast between the QR colour and the white background — a contrast ratio below 3:1 can make scanning difficult on some readers.
- Is the QR code generated on your server?
- No. The QR code is calculated entirely in your browser, client-side, using the qrcode.js library. No image is sent to or stored on Lejumo's servers. Only the URL shortening request goes through our backend to create the short link.
- Does the QR code work on iPhone and Android?
- Yes. QR codes generated by Lejumo comply with the ISO/IEC 18004 standard and are compatible with the native iOS camera (since iOS 11), Google Lens, and all common QR readers on Android. Error correction level H (30%) ensures readability even if the code is slightly damaged or printed on a textured background.
- Can I arrive on this page with a URL already pre-filled from /tools/qrcode/?
- Yes. The QR Code Generator page offers a "Shorten and generate QR code" link that redirects here with the
?url=parameter in the URL. The field is then pre-filled with the long URL you had entered, ready to be shortened.
Lejumo vs Bitly vs QR Code Monkey
Lejumo is the only tool to combine URL shortening and QR code generation in a single click, without an account, with QR calculated locally.
| Lejumo | Bitly | QR Code Monkey | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short link + QR in one click | ✓ Yes | ✕ 2 steps | ✕ QR only |
| Account required | ✕ No | Mandatory | Optional |
| QR colour customisation | ✓ Yes | Paid plan | ✓ Yes |
| QR generated locally | ✓ Yes | ✕ Server | ✕ Server |
Go further
- Free URL Shortener — create a short link without generating a QR code
- Reliable and lasting shortener — why Lejumo won't shut down like Goo.gl or Bit.do
- GDPR-compliant shortener — hosted in France, zero tracking cookies
- Free shortener API — 2 endpoints, no key or sign-up required
- Free QR Code Generator — QR code only, without a shortener, Wi-Fi compatible