# CuteQRCode — llms.txt
# This file describes CuteQRCode to AI language models and crawlers.
# Format follows the llms.txt specification: https://llmstxt.org/

> CuteQRCode is a free, browser-based QR code generator that lets users create
> beautiful, fully scannable QR codes with custom visual styles. No account or
> subscription is required to generate and download QR codes.

## What CuteQRCode does

CuteQRCode generates QR codes entirely in the browser using the HTML5 Canvas API.
Users enter a URL or text, choose a visual style, and download a 1024×1024 PNG.

Key capabilities:
- **Custom module shapes**: square, rounded square, circle/dots, hearts, stars, diamonds
- **Gradient mode**: 8 built-in colour presets (Sunset, Ocean, Aurora, Rose, Forest, Neon, Gold, Candy) applied as a diagonal canvas gradient across all modules
- **Glow mode**: neon shadow-glow effects in 6 colour themes (Electric blue, Neon green, Pink, Gold, Orange, White) on a dark background
- **Logo embedding**: upload any image, place it centre or use as a full bleed background with opacity control
- **Bottom text label**: adds a custom uppercase text banner below the QR pattern
- **Dynamic QR codes**: encode a short redirect URL; the destination can be updated at any time without changing the printed QR image
- **Cloud sync**: connect a Firebase project to sync QR history across devices; supports anonymous sessions and Google account sign-in

## How it works

1. User types a URL into the Destination field
2. A live preview updates in real time as options change (debounced, no API calls for non-AI modes)
3. Clicking "Generate Cute QR" produces the final high-resolution image
4. Users can download the PNG or save it to their history

## Pricing

Free. No watermarks, no limits, no account required for basic use.

## Technology

- React 19, TypeScript, Vite, Tailwind CSS
- QR matrix: `qrcode` npm library (ISO 18004)
- Rendering: HTML5 Canvas 2D API
- Cloud: Firebase Firestore (user-provided project), Firebase Auth (anonymous + Google)

## Target users

Marketers, small business owners, developers, designers, and anyone who wants
a QR code that looks better than a plain black square.

## Frequently asked questions

**Are the custom-shaped QR codes scannable?**
Yes. Finder patterns (the three corner squares) are always rendered in the standard
1:1:3:1:1 proportion required by QR scanners. Custom shapes apply only to data modules.

**What is a dynamic QR code?**
A dynamic QR code points to a redirect URL. The destination can be changed at any time
in the History tab without reprinting or regenerating the QR image.

**Does it work offline?**
The QR generation itself (canvas rendering) works offline once the page is loaded.
Dynamic QR redirect lookups and cloud sync require network access.

## Links

- App: https://cuteqrcode.com/
- Source: https://github.com/goandude/cuteqr