QR Code Types Explained
QR codes aren't just for web links. They support several standardized data formats that phones and scanners recognize automatically. When you scan a WiFi QR code, your phone knows to offer a network connection. When you scan a vCard, it offers to save the contact. Understanding these types helps you choose the right one for your use case.
URL / Web Link
The most common QR code type. Encodes a web address that opens in the user's browser when scanned. Supports any valid URL including deep links to apps.
Encoding Format
The raw URL string, e.g. https://example.com/pageCommon Use Cases
- - Website links on print materials
- - App download links
- - Social media profiles
- - Product information pages
- - Event registration forms
WiFi Network
Encodes WiFi network credentials so anyone who scans the code can instantly connect without typing the password. Supported on iOS and Android.
Encoding Format
WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;Common Use Cases
- - Guest WiFi in homes and offices
- - Hotel and Airbnb check-in
- - Coffee shops and restaurants
- - Conference and event venues
vCard (Contact)
Encodes contact information in the vCard standard format. When scanned, the phone offers to save the contact directly to the address book with all fields pre-filled.
Encoding Format
BEGIN:VCARD\nVERSION:3.0\nN:Doe;John\nTEL:+1234567890\nEMAIL:john@example.com\nEND:VCARDCommon Use Cases
- - Business cards and name badges
- - Conference networking
- - Employee directories
- - Personal contact sharing
Opens the user's default email app with the recipient, subject, and body pre-filled. Useful for feedback forms, support requests, or RSVP flows.
Encoding Format
mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hello&body=MessageCommon Use Cases
- - Customer feedback on receipts
- - Support contact on products
- - RSVP and event responses
- - Newsletter sign-up prompts
SMS / Text Message
Opens the user's messaging app with the phone number and an optional pre-filled message. Commonly used for opt-in text campaigns and quick replies.
Encoding Format
smsto:+1234567890:Your message hereCommon Use Cases
- - Opt-in SMS marketing
- - Voting and polling systems
- - Quick customer replies
- - Two-factor authentication setup
Plain Text
Encodes arbitrary text without any special formatting. The scanned text is displayed as-is on the device. Useful for serial numbers, codes, or short messages.
Encoding Format
The raw text stringCommon Use Cases
- - Promo codes and coupons
- - Serial numbers and asset tags
- - Short messages and notes
- - Inventory and warehouse labels
QR Code Capacity by Error Correction Level
| Level | Recovery | Numeric | Alphanumeric | Binary (bytes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | 7% | 7,089 | 4,296 | 2,953 |
| M (Medium) | 15% | 5,596 | 3,391 | 2,331 |
| Q (Quartile) | 25% | 3,993 | 2,420 | 1,663 |
| H (High) | 30% | 3,057 | 1,852 | 1,273 |
Maximum capacities shown are for Version 40 (177x177 modules), the largest standard QR code. Higher error correction reduces capacity but improves scan reliability.
Which Type Should You Use?
For sharing a website or landing page, use URL. For letting guests connect to your network, use WiFi. For networking and business cards, use vCard. For customer feedback or support, use Email. For opt-in campaigns, use SMS. For everything else (codes, labels, notes), use Plain Text.
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