How I Built a Fully Client-Side QR Code Generator (And Why I Avoided a Backend)
The Problem with Most QR Generators I was building a simple tool for my own use and needed to generate a QR code for a WiFi network. I tried the popular free tools, and they all did the same thing: They routed the QR code through their own server. They set an expiry date (7 days, 30 days, etc.). They charged you to keep the QR code alive after that. I was frustrated. A QR code is just a pattern…
Building a QR code generator that runs entirely on the user's device was a challenge for the author. They had tried popular free tools, but they all routed the QR code through their own server, set expiry dates, and charged for keeping the code alive. The author was frustrated by the need for expiring QR codes, which led to their decision to create a custom solution.
Their goal was to create a private, client-side tool that does not require a backend, database, or tracking. This meant the generated QR code would point directly to the content, and the tool would run solely in the user's browser. As a result, the QR code would never expire, ensuring long-term functionality even if the site went offline.
The author chose to build the tool using only HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, avoiding the need for frameworks like React or Next.js. By using plain JavaScript, they could generate the QR code image, handle UI, form logic, and even create a history feature—all without relying on a server. The history feature was stored using the browser's localStorage API, ensuring it remained private and never sent anywhere else.
The biggest challenge for the author was handling these features without a server. They found a solution by using localStorage to save the history locally on the user's device. This approach removed the need for server storage, user accounts, and privacy policies about data storage. By removing the server, the author also eliminated complexity, resulting in a fast, free, and private tool.
The author's tool, called EvoTechTool, is a free, client-side QR code generator that supports 11 types of content (including URLs, WiFi, and vCards). It is designed to be fast, free, and private by running entirely in the user's browser. The author encourages others to try out the tool and share their thoughts on the potential of serverless, client-side tools as the future for simple utilities.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.