Ko-fi QR Code Generator
Create free Ko-fi QR codes to accept donations and support from fans.
Ko-fi QR Code Generator
Create instant QR codes to receive donations and support from your fans
Ko-fi Creator Username
Ko-fi username is required
Preview URL
https://ko-fi.com/yourcreatorname
QR Code Preview
Enter your username and click Generate
to preview your QR code
The Complete Guide to Ko-fi QR Codes
Ko-fi QR codes transform your creator support page into an instantly scannable code that fans can use to support your work with the simplicity of buying you a coffee. Founded as a creator-first platform with no platform fees on donations, Ko-fi has become one of the most creator-friendly monetization platforms, serving millions of artists, writers, musicians, podcasters, and content creators worldwide. By encoding your ko-fi.com creator page into a QR code, you make supporting your work as effortless as scanning a code.
What is Ko-fi and How Does Creator Support Work?
Ko-fi is a donation and monetization platform designed specifically for creators who want to receive support from their audience without complex subscriptions or platform fees. Unlike other creator platforms that take 5-30% commissions, Ko-fi operates on a freemium model where basic donations have zero fees (payment processor fees still apply). Supporters can send one-time donations (traditionally framed as "buying you a coffee"), set up monthly subscriptions, purchase digital products, or commission custom work - all through your single Ko-fi creator page.
Your Ko-fi username creates your permanent URL: ko-fi.com/yourusername. This page becomes your complete creator hub where you can share your work, accept multiple types of payments, post creator updates, and build a community. Ko-fi QR codes encode this URL, allowing supporters to instantly access your page, browse your offerings, and contribute support without typing complex URLs or searching through platforms.
How Ko-fi QR Code Donations Work
- •Supporter Scans QR Code: Using any smartphone camera or QR scanner app, supporters scan your displayed Ko-fi QR code from printed materials, digital displays, or your device screen.
- •Ko-fi Page Opens Instantly: The device decodes your ko-fi.com URL and opens your creator page in their mobile browser, displaying your profile, creator bio, recent posts, and support options.
- •Choose Support Method: Supporters select how they want to contribute: one-time donations (equivalent to buying 1-5 "coffees" at customizable amounts), monthly memberships for recurring support, purchasing your digital products, or commissioning custom work.
- •Secure Payment Processing: Ko-fi processes payments through PayPal or Stripe (creator choice) with industry-standard encryption. Supporters can pay using credit cards, PayPal balance, or other payment methods supported by your chosen processor.
- •Instant Creator Notification: You receive immediate email notifications when someone supports you, including the supporter's name, amount, and optional message. Funds transfer to your connected PayPal or Stripe account according to standard processing timelines (typically 1-3 business days).
Primary Use Cases for Ko-fi QR Codes
Artists and Visual Creators
Digital artists, illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers display Ko-fi QR codes on artwork prints, portfolio showcases, art exhibition materials, convention table displays, and social media posts. Supporters who discover your work at galleries, artist alleys, or online can instantly tip you for pieces they love, commission custom artwork, or purchase digital downloads of your art. Many artists include QR codes in the margins of their artwork prints so buyers can easily find and support them for future commissions.
Musicians and Podcasters
Musicians, bands, DJs, and podcast creators embed Ko-fi QR codes on album artwork, concert merchandise, venue posters, podcast show notes, and live streaming overlays. Fans at live performances can scan to tip during shows, purchase unreleased tracks, or subscribe for early access to new music. Podcasters include QR codes in episode graphics so listeners viewing show artwork while streaming can immediately support their favorite shows without navigating away from their podcast app.
Writers and Content Creators
Authors, bloggers, journalists, newsletter writers, and content creators include Ko-fi QR codes at the end of blog posts (as images), in printed book editions, on newsletter headers, and at the conclusion of long-form content. Readers who value your writing can immediately support you instead of encountering complex donation setups or paywalls. Writers offering serialized fiction or exclusive content use Ko-fi memberships accessed via QR codes to gate premium chapters while keeping basic content free.
Community Projects and Open Source
Open source developers, community organizers, educators creating free resources, and nonprofit initiatives use Ko-fi QR codes to accept community support without complex nonprofit paperwork. Display QR codes in GitHub repository READMEs (as images), on project documentation websites, in tutorial videos, and on community resource centers. This enables community members who benefit from your free work to easily contribute financial support, purchase supporter badges, or commission priority feature development.
Best Practices for Ko-fi QR Codes
Design and Implementation Tips
- Test Your Ko-fi Page First: Before creating QR codes, ensure your Ko-fi page is complete with profile picture, bio, clear support options, and at least a few posts or samples of your work. First impressions matter when someone scans your code.
- Include Context Near QR Code: Add text like "Support my work" or "Buy me a coffee" near your QR code so people understand what scanning accomplishes. Without context, generic QR codes often get ignored.
- Strategic Placement Matters: Place QR codes where supporters are already engaged with your work: at the end of valuable content, on completed commission delivery materials, or at the conclusion of performances when appreciation is highest.
- Use High-Quality Formats: Generate SVG versions for print materials to ensure perfect scaling. Use high-resolution PNG (1024px+) for digital displays to prevent pixelation on modern high-DPI screens.
Maximizing Ko-fi Success
- •Enable Multiple Payment Methods: Connect both PayPal and Stripe to your Ko-fi account to accept the widest range of payment options. Some supporters prefer credit cards (Stripe), others prefer PayPal - offering both maximizes conversion.
- •Offer Tiered Support Options: Create different membership tiers on Ko-fi with unique perks. Mention these tiers near your QR code to encourage higher-value recurring support rather than just one-time donations.
- •Acknowledge Your Supporters: Ko-fi lets you send thank-you messages to supporters. Promptly thanking people who scan your QR code and contribute builds community and encourages recurring support.
Why Choose QR Hideout for Ko-fi QR Codes?
Why Choose QR Hideout for Ko-fi QR Codes?
QR Hideout generates static Ko-fi QR codes that work forever - no after-scan ads, no tracking, no server dependency. Here's what makes us different from other QR code generators:
- No After-Scan Ads - Ever: Your Ko-fi creator page opens directly in the browser without any interstitial ads or redirects. Many QR services show ads before directing supporters to your page, reducing donation conversion rates. We never will.
- Static QR Codes Work Forever: Our Ko-fi QR codes encode your ko-fi.com URL directly in the QR pattern. They'll work even if QR Hideout goes offline. Print them on merchandise, business cards, or marketing materials without worrying about subscription renewals or expiration dates.
- Deep Link Support: QR codes can open apps directly on mobile devices using deep linking technology. While Ko-fi is primarily web-based, our codes open the Ko-fi mobile site optimized for instant donations.
- Maximum Privacy - No Tracking: Static QR codes don't track who scans them, when, or where. Your supporters' privacy is completely protected. We don't collect any analytics or user data from scans.
- Free Forever: No watermarks, no signup, no credit card required. Download unlimited Ko-fi QR codes in PNG, SVG, or PDF format. Perfect for artists, content creators, musicians, and anyone building a sustainable creator business.
- Instant Browser Generation: Your Ko-fi QR code is created instantly in your browser with no server processing. No waiting, no email delivery - just instant download and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does QR Hideout show ads after scanning?
Never. QR Hideout generates static QR codes that go directly to your Ko-fi page with zero ads, redirects, or tracking. When someone scans your Ko-fi QR code, they open your creator page immediately without any interstitial ads that could discourage supporters from contributing.
What's the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
Static QR codes encode your Ko-fi URL directly in the code itself - they work forever, even offline. Dynamic QR codes require a server redirect, where competitors often show ads or track users. For creator support platforms like Ko-fi, static codes ensure supporters reach your page instantly without friction that reduces conversion rates.
Can QR codes open the Ko-fi app directly?
Ko-fi is primarily web-based and doesn't have a dedicated mobile app with deep linking. QR Hideout codes open the mobile-optimized Ko-fi website in the default browser, which provides the full donation and membership functionality. The mobile web experience is fast and supporter-friendly for instant contributions.
Will my Ko-fi QR code stop working if QR Hideout goes offline?
No. Our static QR codes encode your ko-fi.com/username URL directly - they'll work forever, even if our website goes offline. Your printed Ko-fi QR codes on merchandise, artwork, or promotional materials will continue directing supporters to your creator page indefinitely.
What if I change my Ko-fi username?
If you change your Ko-fi username, your old URL (ko-fi.com/oldusername) will no longer work. You'll need to generate new QR codes with your updated username and replace any printed materials. Ko-fi does not redirect old usernames to new ones, so plan your username carefully before printing QR codes on permanent materials.
Does Ko-fi charge platform fees?
Ko-fi's basic donation feature has zero platform fees - you receive the full amount minus payment processor fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for Stripe, variable for PayPal). Ko-fi Gold ($9/month) unlocks advanced features like memberships, digital shop, and commissions. Payment processor fees always apply regardless of Ko-fi plan.
Can I customize what supporters see when they scan my QR code?
The QR code opens your public Ko-fi creator page, which you fully control. Customize your page with a profile picture, cover image, bio, recent posts showcasing your work, and clear donation/membership options. First impressions matter - optimize your Ko-fi page before printing QR codes for maximum conversion rates.
Where should I display my Ko-fi QR code?
Display QR codes where supporters are already engaged with your work: on artwork prints, at the end of blog posts (as images), in video descriptions, on podcast cover art, at live performances, on merchandise, in portfolio showcases, at convention booths, and in social media graphics. Place codes where appreciation and willingness to support are highest.
Can supporters send me messages with Ko-fi donations?
Yes! Ko-fi allows supporters to include messages with their donations. You'll receive email notifications with the supporter's name, amount, and their message. This creates personal connections with your audience and helps build community around your creative work.
Is Ko-fi available in my country?
Ko-fi is available globally, but payment processing depends on PayPal and Stripe regional support. Check if Stripe or PayPal operates in your country before heavily promoting Ko-fi QR codes. Most major countries are supported, but some regions have limited payment processor availability. Verify on Ko-fi's website before committing to printed materials.
Important Considerations
Ko-fi QR codes are permanent static links to your creator page. If you change your Ko-fi username, you must generate new QR codes and redistribute them. Ko-fi is available globally but payment processing availability depends on PayPal and Stripe regional support - verify that your country is supported before promoting QR codes. While Ko-fi has zero platform fees on donations, payment processor fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for Stripe, variable for PayPal) still apply. These fees are deducted before funds reach your account.