QR Code Types

QR codes can do more than link to websites. Learn about all the different types of content you can encode and when to use each one.

Supported QR Code Types

URL Plain Text WiFi Network vCard Email Address Phone Number SMS Geographic Location Calendar Event Cryptocurrency

URL / Website Link

Data Format

https://example.com/page

Simply enter the full URL including https:// or http://. The QR code will store the exact URL you provide.

Common Use Cases

Website homepage or landing pages
Product pages and e-commerce links
Social media profiles
App download pages (App Store/Play Store)
Online forms and surveys
Video content (YouTube, Vimeo)

Best Practices

Use HTTPS URLs when possible for security
Keep URLs short for smaller, easier-to-scan codes
Use URL shorteners for long links
Ensure the destination is mobile-friendly
Test the link before printing

Read our detailed guide

Plain Text

Common

Display text content directly when scanned. The text appears on the user's screen without requiring internet access. Ideal for short messages, instructions, codes, or any information that doesn't need a web link.

Data Format

Your message text here

Enter any text you want to display. The scanner will show this text directly. No special formatting required.

Common Use Cases

Product serial numbers or codes
Short instructions or messages
Coupon or discount codes
Secret messages or scavenger hunts
Equipment identification labels
Offline information display

Best Practices

Keep text concise (under 300 characters ideal)
More text = larger, denser QR code
Consider if a URL might serve better
Test readability on various devices
Use plain text without complex formatting

WiFi Network

Very Popular

Connect devices to a WiFi network automatically when scanned. The QR code stores the network name (SSID), password, and encryption type. Users scan once and their phone joins the network—no typing required.

Data Format

WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

WiFi QR codes use a special format: T is the encryption type (WPA, WEP, or nopass), S is the network name (SSID), and P is the password. Most QR generators handle this formatting automatically.

Common Use Cases

Home guest WiFi access
Office and conference room networks
Cafe and restaurant customer WiFi
Airbnb and hotel room connectivity
Event venue internet access
Co-working space networks

Best Practices

Consider using a separate guest network
Remember: password is visible if code is decoded
Update QR code when password changes
Test on both iPhone and Android
Include network name visually near the code

Read our detailed guide

vCard / Contact

Popular

Share contact information that can be saved directly to the phone's address book. vCards can include name, phone numbers, email, address, company, title, website, and more. Perfect for business cards and networking.

Data Format

BEGIN:VCARD\nVERSION:3.0\nN:Doe;John\nTEL:+1234567890\nEMAIL:john@example.com\nEND:VCARD

vCards use a standardized format (VCF). The QR code contains structured data fields. Most QR generators provide a form to enter contact details and generate the proper format automatically.

Common Use Cases

Business cards
Conference name badges
Email signatures
Company directory displays
Networking events
Sales and support contact sharing

Best Practices

Include only essential contact fields
More fields = larger QR code
Test the save-to-contacts flow
Consider a URL to a contact page instead for updates
Verify phone number format works internationally

Read our detailed guide

Email Address

Common

Open the user's email app with a pre-filled recipient address, and optionally a subject line and message body. Great for making it easy for customers to reach you or for collecting feedback.

Data Format

mailto:email@example.com?subject=Subject&body=Message

Uses the mailto: protocol. The email address is required; subject and body are optional. Special characters in subject/body should be URL-encoded.

Common Use Cases

Customer support contact
Feedback collection
Sales inquiries
Newsletter sign-up prompts
Job application emails
Support ticket initiation

Best Practices

Keep subject and body short
Pre-fill helpful context in the body
Test with various email clients
Consider a web form for complex submissions
Ensure the email address is monitored

Phone Number

Common

Initiate a phone call when scanned. The user's phone dialer opens with the number pre-filled, ready to call. Ideal for businesses wanting to make it effortless for customers to reach support or sales.

Data Format

tel:+12345678900

Uses the tel: protocol followed by the phone number. Include country code for international compatibility. No spaces or special characters in the number.

Common Use Cases

Customer support hotlines
Sales contact numbers
Restaurant reservations
Emergency contacts
Service appointment scheduling
Real estate agent contact

Best Practices

Include country code (+1 for US)
Test the number before printing
Consider business hours visibility
Pair with text showing the number
Ensure the line is staffed or has voicemail

SMS / Text Message

Moderate

Open the messaging app with a pre-filled phone number and optional message text. Users can send the message with one tap. Useful for opt-ins, voting systems, or quick customer communication.

Data Format

sms:+12345678900?body=Message text here

Uses the sms: or smsto: protocol. The phone number is required; the body (message text) is optional. URL-encode special characters in the body.

Common Use Cases

SMS marketing opt-ins
Voting and polling systems
Customer service text lines
Appointment confirmations
Event RSVP via text
Two-way SMS support

Best Practices

Pre-fill a keyword for tracking
Keep the message concise
Test on both iPhone and Android
Comply with SMS marketing regulations
Clearly state what happens when they send

Geographic Location

Moderate

Open a maps application showing a specific location. The QR code stores latitude and longitude coordinates or an address. Perfect for helping people find your business, event venue, or meeting point.

Data Format

geo:40.7128,-74.0060 or https://maps.google.com/?q=...

Use the geo: protocol with latitude,longitude coordinates, or simply encode a Google Maps URL. The URL approach is more reliable across different devices.

Common Use Cases

Business location directions
Event venue navigation
Parking lot instructions
Tourist attraction guides
Meeting point coordination
Real estate property locations

Best Practices

Google Maps URLs work most reliably
Test on multiple devices and map apps
Include a text address as backup
Consider indoor navigation needs
Verify coordinates are accurate

Calendar Event

Moderate

Add an event to the user's calendar app. The QR code can include event title, date/time, location, and description. Great for conferences, appointments, or any scheduled event you want attendees to remember.

Data Format

BEGIN:VEVENT\nSUMMARY:Event Name\nDTSTART:20240315T090000Z\nEND:VEVENT

Uses the iCalendar (ICS) format. Includes event details in a structured format. Date/time uses ISO 8601 format. Most generators provide a form interface.

Common Use Cases

Conference session schedules
Appointment reminders
Webinar registrations
Concert and event tickets
Class or meeting schedules
Deadline reminders

Best Practices

Include timezone information
Add location for navigation
Keep description concise
Test calendar import flow
Consider recurring event limitations

Cryptocurrency

Niche

Share cryptocurrency wallet addresses for receiving payments. The QR code encodes the wallet address and optionally an amount. Supported by most crypto wallets for easy, error-free transactions.

Data Format

bitcoin:1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa?amount=0.001

Uses the cryptocurrency protocol (bitcoin:, ethereum:, etc.) followed by the wallet address. Amount and other parameters are optional.

Common Use Cases

Crypto payment acceptance
Donation collection
Peer-to-peer transfers
Invoice payment requests
Tip jars and contributions
Wallet address sharing

Best Practices

Double-check wallet addresses
Specify the cryptocurrency clearly
Consider volatility for fixed amounts
Test with your wallet app
Include fiat equivalent if setting amount

Read our detailed guide

Quick Comparison

Type	Requires Internet	Data Size	Best For
URL	Yes	Small-Medium	Websites, landing pages
Plain Text	No	Variable	Codes, messages, offline info
WiFi	No	Small	Network sharing
vCard	No	Medium	Business cards, contacts
Email	For sending	Small	Support, feedback
Phone	For calling	Very Small	Quick contact
SMS	For sending	Small	Opt-ins, voting
Location	For maps	Small	Directions, venues

Create Any QR Code Type

Snapkit supports all standard QR code formats. Just enter your content and we'll generate the right code.

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Related Resources

Use Cases

Industry examples and ideas

FAQ

Common questions answered

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