Title: EffortLess QR Code Generator
Author: domclic
Published: <strong>August 14, 2025</strong>
Last modified: February 15, 2026

---

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# EffortLess QR Code Generator

 By [domclic](https://profiles.wordpress.org/domclic/)

[Download](https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/effortless-qr-code-generator.1.4.3.zip)

 * [Details](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/#description)
 * [Reviews](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/#reviews)
 *  [Installation](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/#installation)
 * [Development](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/#developers)

 [Support](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/effortless-qr-code-generator/)

## Description

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.

#### Features

 * **Simple shortcode**: Use `[effortless_qrcode url="https://example.com"]` to 
   generate QR codes
 * **Dual rendering modes**: Client-side (JavaScript) or server-side (PHP/PNG)
 * **Developer API**: Generate QR codes programmatically from your plugins/themes
 * **Customizable size**: Control QR code dimensions (100-500 pixels)
 * **Custom colors**: Set dark and light colors for the QR code
 * **Error correction levels**: Choose L, M, Q, or H
 * **Cached PNG images**: Server-rendered QR codes are cached in the uploads folder
 * **Responsive design**: QR codes adapt to different screen sizes
 * **No external dependencies**: All code is bundled locally
 * **Privacy-friendly**: No data sent to external services
 * **Accessibility ready**: Proper alt text support
 * **Performance optimized**: Scripts load only when needed

#### Shortcode Parameters

 * `url` – The URL to encode (required)
 * `size` – Size in pixels (default: 150, min: 100, max: 500)
 * `color_dark` – Dark color in hex format (default: #000000)
 * `color_light` – Light color in hex format (default: #ffffff)
 * `render` – Rendering mode: “client” or “server” (default: client)
 * `ecc` – Error correction level: L, M, Q, H (default: M)
 * `alt` – Alt text for accessibility (server rendering only)
 * `class` – Additional CSS class (server rendering only)
 * `data` – Arbitrary data to encode (plain text, WiFi, vCard, etc.). When set, 
   overrides `url` and disables `link`
 * `link` – Wrap QR code in a clickable link: “yes” or “no” (default: no). Only 
   works with URL content, ignored when `data` is used
 * `title` – Tooltip text shown on hover
 * `target` – Link target attribute: “_blank”, “_self”, etc. (default: _blank)

#### Usage Examples

Basic usage (client-side):
 [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com”]

Server-side rendering:
 [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com” render=”server”]

With custom size and colors:
 [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.com” size=”
200″ color_dark=”#0073aa”]

Server-side with high error correction:
 [effortless_qrcode url=”https://example.
com” render=”server” ecc=”H” alt=”Scan me”]

#### PHP API for Developers

Third-party plugins and themes can generate QR codes programmatically using the `
Effortless_QRCode_Native` class.

**Basic Usage:**

    ```
    <?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">';
        }
    }
    ?>
    ```

**With Custom Options:**

    ```
    <?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
    }
    ?>
    ```

**Display in a Template:**

    ```
    <?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;
    }
    ?>
    ```

#### API Reference

**Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png( $data, $size, $color_dark, $color_light,
$ecc, $margin )**

Generates a QR code PNG image and saves it to the WordPress uploads folder.

**Parameters:**

 * `$data` (string) – Required. The data to encode (URL, text, etc.)
 * `$size` (int) – Optional. Image size in pixels. Default: 150
 * `$color_dark` (string) – Optional. Hex color for dark modules. Default: ‘#000000’
 * `$color_light` (string) – Optional. Hex color for light modules. Default: ‘#ffffff’
 * `$ecc` (string) – Optional. Error correction level (L, M, Q, H). Default: ‘M’
 * `$margin` (int) – Optional. Quiet zone margin in modules. Default: 4

**Returns:**

Array on success with keys:
 * `url` – Public URL to the generated PNG image * `
path` – Server filesystem path to the PNG file * `debug` – Debug information string

Returns `false` on failure.

**Notes:**

 * Images are cached based on all parameters (same input = same file)
 * Files are stored in `wp-content/uploads/effortless-qrcodes/`
 * Requires GD library for PNG generation

#### Error Correction Levels

 * **L** – 7% recovery capacity (smallest QR code)
 * **M** – 15% recovery capacity (default, good balance)
 * **Q** – 25% recovery capacity
 * **H** – 30% recovery capacity (largest QR code, best for print)

Higher error correction allows the QR code to be read even if partially damaged 
or obscured.

#### Privacy

This plugin does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. QR codes are
generated locally (either in the browser or on your server).

#### Requirements

 * **PHP 7.4+** with GD library (for server-side PNG generation)
 * **WordPress 5.0+**
 * **JavaScript enabled** (for client-side rendering only)

## Installation

#### Automatic Installation

 1. Go to your WordPress admin area and navigate to Plugins > Add New
 2. Search for “Effortless QR Code Generator”
 3. Click “Install Now” and then “Activate”

#### Manual Installation

 1. Download the plugin zip file
 2. Upload the `effortless-qr-code-generator` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`
 3. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress

#### After Installation

 1. Use the shortcode `[effortless_qrcode url="your_url"]` in any post, page, or widget
 2. Customize the appearance using the available parameters
 3. Check Settings > QR Code Generator for usage information

## FAQ

### Why is my QR code not displaying?

Make sure:

 1. You’ve provided a valid URL in the shortcode
 2. JavaScript is enabled in your browser (for client-side rendering)
 3. There are no JavaScript conflicts with other plugins
 4. For server-side rendering, ensure the GD library is installed

### What’s the difference between client and server rendering?

**Client-side (default)**: QR codes are generated in the browser using JavaScript.
Requires JavaScript enabled.

**Server-side**: QR codes are generated on your server as PNG images. Better for
SEO and works without JavaScript. Requires GD library.

### Can I customize the QR code colors?

Yes! Use the `color_dark` and `color_light` parameters:
 [effortless_qrcode url=”
https://example.com” color_dark=”#0073aa” color_light=”#ffffff”]

### What’s the maximum size for QR codes?

The maximum size is 500 pixels. The minimum size is 100 pixels to ensure reliable
scanning.

### Does this plugin work with caching plugins?

Yes. Server-side rendered QR codes are saved as PNG files and cached automatically.

### Is this plugin GDPR compliant?

Yes, the plugin doesn’t collect, store, or transmit any personal data.

### Can I use this in widgets?

Yes, the shortcode works in text widgets and any area that supports shortcodes.

### Can I generate QR codes from my plugin or theme?

Yes! Use the PHP API:

    ```
    <?php
    if ( class_exists( 'Effortless_QRCode_Native' ) ) {
        $result = Effortless_QRCode_Native::generate_png( 'https://example.com' );
        if ( $result ) {
            echo '<img src="' . esc_url( $result['url'] ) . '" alt="QR Code">';
        }
    }
    ?>
    ```

### Where are server-rendered QR codes stored?

PNG images are saved to `wp-content/uploads/effortless-qrcodes/`. Files are cached
based on their parameters, so identical QR codes reuse the same file.

## Reviews

There are no reviews for this plugin.

## Contributors & Developers

“EffortLess QR Code Generator” is open source software. The following people have
contributed to this plugin.

Contributors

 *   [ domclic ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/domclic/)

[Translate “EffortLess QR Code Generator” into your language.](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator)

### Interested in development?

[Browse the code](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/effortless-qr-code-generator/),
check out the [SVN repository](https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/effortless-qr-code-generator/),
or subscribe to the [development log](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/effortless-qr-code-generator/)
by [RSS](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/effortless-qr-code-generator/?limit=100&mode=stop_on_copy&format=rss).

## Changelog

#### 1.4.3

 * SECURITY: Replaced innerHTML with textContent for error messages to prevent DOM-
   based XSS
 * SECURITY: Added URL scheme validation (https/http only) before creating clickable
   links in JavaScript
 * SECURITY: Added .htaccess with Options -Indexes to cache directory for Apache
   directory listing protection

#### 1.4.2

 * FIXED: Double-escaping of CSS class attribute on server-rendered QR codes
 * FIXED: `is_plugin_active_for_network()` availability when sites are created via
   WP-CLI
 * IMPROVED: Client-side containers now reserve space to prevent layout shift (CLS)
 * IMPROVED: Server-rendered images use `loading="lazy"` for better performance
 * IMPROVED: QR code images and canvas scale down on narrow screens (`max-width:
   100%`)
 * IMPROVED: Cache key includes plugin version to prevent stale images after updates
 * IMPROVED: Fallback for hosts where `glob()` is disabled
 * IMPROVED: Deduplicated script/style enqueue logic into shared method
 * IMPROVED: Server-side error messages show generic text to non-admin visitors

#### 1.4.1

 * FIXED: QR code generation for data longer than 271 characters (complete RS block
   table for versions 1-40)
 * FIXED: Server-side rendering of non-ASCII characters (UTF-8 double-encoding bug)
 * FIXED: `data` parameter now preserves newlines for vCard, WiFi, and other multi-
   line formats
 * FIXED: Minimum QR code size enforced at 100px to match documentation
 * FIXED: Translations now load correctly via `load_plugin_textdomain()`
 * FIXED: Client-side link wrapping now handles async QR library rendering
 * FIXED: Network-wide deactivation now runs on all sites
 * IMPROVED: Per-site upgrade routine ensures updates apply across multisite networks
 * IMPROVED: Cache directory now includes `index.php` to prevent directory listing
 * IMPROVED: Automatic cache cleanup removes files older than 30 days and caps at
   1000 files
 * IMPROVED: Uninstall now removes generated QR code PNG files and cache directory
 * IMPROVED: `target` attribute validated against allowed values
 * IMPROVED: Scripts load correctly when shortcode is used via `do_shortcode()` 
   in templates
 * IMPROVED: Removed console.log statements from production JavaScript
 * IMPROVED: Full PHPCS/WPCS and PHPCompatibility compliance
 * IMPROVED: Regenerated POT file with correct line references

#### 1.4.0

 * NEW: Full multisite support with network-wide activation and per-site cleanup
   on uninstall
 * NEW: Translation-ready JavaScript strings via wp_localize_script
 * NEW: POT file for translators at languages/effortless-qr-code-generator.pot
 * IMPROVED: Automatic setup for new sites created on a multisite network

#### 1.3.0

 * NEW: `data` parameter to encode arbitrary content (plain text, WiFi, vCard, etc.)
 * NEW: `link` parameter to wrap QR code in a clickable link
 * NEW: `title` parameter for tooltip text on hover
 * NEW: `target` parameter to control link target attribute

#### 1.2.1

 * FIXED: Server-side rendering now correctly displays PNG images
 * FIXED: JavaScript no longer overwrites server-rendered QR codes
 * IMPROVED: Added data-rendered attribute to prevent client-side processing of 
   server QR codes
 * IMPROVED: Cleaned up codebase, removed unused SVG generation code

#### 1.2.0

 * NEW: Native PHP QR code generator – no external library required
 * NEW: Server-side rendering now works on PHP 7.4+
 * NEW: PNG images saved to uploads folder with automatic caching
 * FIXED: QR codes now always readable – added color contrast validation
 * FIXED: Minimum size increased from 50px to 100px for reliable scanning
 * IMPROVED: Better scale calculation based on actual data length

#### 1.1.0

 * NEW: Server-side PHP rendering with `render="server"` attribute
 * NEW: PHP API for developers to generate QR codes programmatically
 * NEW: Error correction level support (L, M, Q, H)
 * Added: Comprehensive admin page with API documentation
 * Improved: Accessibility with proper alt text support

#### 1.0.1

 * Fix names in readme.txt

#### 1.0.0

 * Initial release
 * Basic QR code generation functionality
 * Responsive design
 * Color customization
 * Size control

## Meta

 *  Version **1.4.3**
 *  Last updated **2 months ago**
 *  Active installations **10+**
 *  WordPress version ** 5.0 or higher **
 *  Tested up to **6.9.4**
 *  PHP version ** 7.4 or higher **
 *  Language
 * [English (US)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/)
 * Tags
 * [api](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/api/)[generator](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/generator/)
   [qr code](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/qr-code/)[responsive](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/responsive/)
   [shortcode](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/shortcode/)
 *  [Advanced View](https://pcd.wordpress.org/plugins/effortless-qr-code-generator/advanced/)

## Ratings

No reviews have been submitted yet.

[Add my review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/effortless-qr-code-generator/reviews/#new-post)

[See all reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/effortless-qr-code-generator/reviews/)

## Contributors

 *   [ domclic ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/domclic/)

## Support

Got something to say? Need help?

 [View support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/effortless-qr-code-generator/)