How do I customize QR code colors in Swift?

Generate the CIImage, then apply a CIFalseColor filter to change the foreground and background colors. For advanced styling, use the QRCode.fun API.

Can I generate QR codes in SwiftUI?

Yes. Create a function that returns a UIImage from CIQRCodeGenerator, then use Image(uiImage:) in your SwiftUI view. Wrap it in a reusable component for convenience.

How do I make the QR code sharp and not blurry?

Apply a CGAffineTransform to scale the CIImage before converting to UIImage. The default CIQRCodeGenerator output is small, so scaling with interpolation off preserves crisp pixels.

Can I add a logo to a QR code in Swift?

CoreImage does not support logos natively. You can composite a logo onto the QR UIImage using UIGraphicsImageRenderer, or use the QRCode.fun API which handles logos automatically.

Swift QR Code Library

Generate QR Codes with Swift

Swift provides built-in QR code generation through CoreImage's CIQRCodeGenerator filter. No third-party dependencies needed for iOS and macOS apps.

Try QR Generator View API Docs

Setup

CoreImage is included in iOS and macOS SDKs. No additional installation required.

Built-in

import CoreImage // No installation needed — included in iOS & macOS SDK

Generate QR Codes with CoreImage

Code examples using Swift's built-in CIQRCodeGenerator.

Basic QR Code with CoreImage

import CoreImage
import UIKit

func generateQRCode(from string: String) -> UIImage? {
    let data = string.data(using: .ascii)
    guard let filter = CIFilter(name: "CIQRCodeGenerator") else { return nil }

    filter.setValue(data, forKey: "inputMessage")
    filter.setValue("Q", forKey: "inputCorrectionLevel")

    guard let ciImage = filter.outputImage else { return nil }

    // Scale up for crisp rendering
    let transform = CGAffineTransform(scaleX: 10, y: 10)
    let scaledImage = ciImage.transformed(by: transform)

    return UIImage(ciImage: scaledImage)
}

let qrImage = generateQRCode(from: "https://qrcode.fun")

Colored QR Code

func generateColoredQRCode(from string: String,
                              foreground: UIColor = .black,
                              background: UIColor = .white) -> UIImage? {
    let data = string.data(using: .ascii)
    guard let qrFilter = CIFilter(name: "CIQRCodeGenerator"),
          let colorFilter = CIFilter(name: "CIFalseColor") else { return nil }

    qrFilter.setValue(data, forKey: "inputMessage")
    qrFilter.setValue("H", forKey: "inputCorrectionLevel")

    colorFilter.setValue(qrFilter.outputImage, forKey: "inputImage")
    colorFilter.setValue(CIColor(color: foreground), forKey: "inputColor0")
    colorFilter.setValue(CIColor(color: background), forKey: "inputColor1")

    guard let output = colorFilter.outputImage else { return nil }
    let transform = CGAffineTransform(scaleX: 10, y: 10)
    return UIImage(ciImage: output.transformed(by: transform))
}

QRCode.fun API

Generate QR Codes via API in Swift

Call the QRCode.fun API from Swift using URLSession for styled QR codes with custom colors and logos.

Swift API Integration

import Foundation

func generateQRCodeViaAPI(data: String) async throws -> Data {
    let url = URL(string: "https://qrcode.fun/api/generate-qr-styled")!
    var request = URLRequest(url: url)
    request.httpMethod = "POST"
    request.setValue("application/json", forHTTPHeaderField: "Content-Type")

    let payload: [String: Any] = [
        "data": data,
        "width": 300,
        "height": 300,
        "type": "png",
        "margin": 10,
        "dotsOptions": ["color": "#1A2B3C", "type": "rounded"],
        "cornersSquareOptions": ["color": "#8564C3", "type": "extra-rounded"],
        "backgroundOptions": ["color": "#FFFFFF"]
    ]
    request.httpBody = try JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: payload)

    let (responseData, _) = try await URLSession.shared.data(for: request)
    return responseData // Parse JSON to get base64 image
}

// Usage
let imageData = try await generateQRCodeViaAPI(data: "https://qrcode.fun")

Live QR Code Preview

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CoreImage vs API

Compare using CoreImage directly versus the QRCode.fun API.

Feature	CoreImage	QRCode.fun API
Setup complexity	Built-in, no install needed	HTTP request via URLSession
Customization	Basic (tinting with CIFilter)	Full styling: colors, shapes, logos
Offline support	Yes	Requires internet
Maintenance	Part of iOS/macOS SDK	Always up-to-date
Output formats	CIImage → UIImage/NSImage	PNG, SVG

Swift QR Code Use Cases

Common scenarios for QR codes in Swift applications.

iOS Apps

Generate QR codes for sharing links, contacts, Wi-Fi credentials, and app deep links in iPhone and iPad apps.

SwiftUI Views

Create reusable SwiftUI components that render QR codes with custom styling and animations.

macOS Apps

Build macOS tools for generating QR codes for business cards, labels, and document management.

Apple Watch

Display QR codes on Apple Watch for quick access to boarding passes, tickets, and loyalty cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about generating QR codes with Swift.

No. CoreImage's CIQRCodeGenerator filter is built into iOS and macOS. It generates basic QR codes without any dependencies.

Start generating QR codes with Swift

Use our free generator or integrate the API into your iOS and macOS apps.

Open QR Generator Explore API Docs