How to generate an SVG QR code with BaconQRCode?

Use the SvgImageBackEnd with ImageRenderer: instantiate the renderer with SvgImageBackEnd, create a Writer, and call methods like writeFile to output scalable vector graphics, as shown in the README examples.

BaconQRCode vs chillerlan/php-qrcode: which is better?

BaconQRCode is better for reliability with ZXing roots and multiple formats like SVG/EPS, but chillerlan is simpler for basic PNGs with pure PHP. Choose Bacon for flexibility or chillerlan for minimal dependencies.

Why are there white pixels in my QR code when using Imagick?

This is a known bug in ImageMagick that BaconQRCode cannot work around. Switch to SvgImageBackEnd or GDLibRenderer for artifact-free output, as advised in the README's known issues section.

Can BaconQRCode decode QR codes?

No, it only handles encoding (generation). For decoding, you'll need a separate library like a PHP port of ZXing or other QR code readers, as mentioned in the introduction.

How to install and use BaconQRCode with GD?

Ensure GD is enabled in PHP, then use GDLibRenderer instead of ImageRenderer. Instantiate it with a size parameter and pass it to the Writer, as detailed in the README's GDLib section.

What PHP extensions are required for BaconQRCode?

It depends on the backend: Imagick extension for high-quality PNGs, GD for basic support, or none for SVG/EPS. Check the README for backend-specific requirements and installation notes.

Open-Awesome

BaconQRCode W

BSD-2-ClausePHPv3.1.1

A PHP library for generating QR codes with multiple image format backends.

GitHub

2.1k stars227 forks0 contributors

What is BaconQRCode W?

BaconQRCode is a PHP library for generating QR codes, ported from the ZXing library's encoder component. It solves the need for a reliable, performant QR code generation solution in PHP applications, offering multiple rendering backends for different image formats. The library replaces the original ZXing Reed-Solomon implementation with a faster PHP-optimized version to improve encoding speed.

Target Audience

PHP developers who need to integrate QR code generation into web applications, APIs, or command-line tools, particularly those requiring output in specific formats like PNG, SVG, or EPS.

Value Proposition

Developers choose BaconQRCode for its proven ZXing-based encoding reliability, performance optimizations for PHP, and flexibility in output formats through pluggable renderer backends, avoiding the limitations of simpler QR code generators.

Overview

QR Code Generator for PHP

Use Cases

Best For

Generating QR codes for PHP-based e-commerce or ticketing systems
Creating SVG QR codes for scalable print or web graphics
Integrating QR code generation into Laravel or Symfony applications
Producing EPS format QR codes for professional printing workflows
Building custom QR code generation APIs in PHP
Adding QR code functionality to legacy PHP applications with GD library support

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring artifact-free raster images with Imagick, due to the known white pixel bug that cannot be reliably fixed.
Environments where Imagick is unavailable and curved or styled QR codes are needed, as GD support forces squared shapes and lacks gradients.
Applications that need both QR code encoding and decoding, since it only handles generation.
Teams seeking a zero-configuration, drop-in solution, as setup involves choosing backends and managing dependencies like Imagick or GD.

Pros & Cons

Pros

ZXing-Based Reliability

Built on the proven ZXing library's encoder, ensuring accurate and standards-compliant QR code generation, as noted in the README's emphasis on porting from ZXing.

Performance Optimizations

Uses Phil Karn's Reed-Solomon implementation for faster encoding in PHP, explicitly replacing ZXing's slower version to improve speed.

Flexible Output Formats

Supports multiple backends for PNG (via Imagick/GD), SVG, and EPS, allowing developers to choose formats suited to web, print, or scalability needs.

Active Maintenance

Regular updates, CI testing, and code coverage badges indicate ongoing development and stability, with a stable version available on Packagist.

Cons

Imagick Artifact Bug

A documented issue with ImagickImageBackEnd causes white pixel artifacts that the library cannot fix, forcing users to switch backends for clean raster output.

GD Library Limitations

GD support is separate and restrictive, lacking curves and gradients per the README, resulting in squared QR codes and reduced styling options.

Decoder Missing

Only provides encoding functionality, so developers need additional libraries for reading QR codes, limiting its utility in full-featured applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

endroid/qr-code W

PHP QR Code library that helps you create QR codes in a jiffy

Stars4,799

Forks770

Last commit5 months ago

simple-qrcode W

An easy-to-use PHP QrCode generator with first-party support for Laravel.

Stars2,906

Forks457

Last commit1 year ago

php-qrcode-detector-decoder R

This is a PHP library to detect and decode QR-codes. This is first and only QR code reader that works without extensions.

Stars1,413

Forks321