QR Code Types Explained - URL, WiFi, vCard, SMS and More

Published 2025-05-20 · BraisedEgg Tools

QR Code Types Explained — URL, WiFi, vCard, SMS and More

QR codes aren't just for URLs. They can encode WiFi passwords, contact cards, SMS messages, and much more. This guide covers every QR code type and when to use each.

What Is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D barcode that can store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. It was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts.

QR Code Types

1. URL QR Code

The most common type. Scanning it opens a website.

Format: Just the URL text

https://tools.braisedegg.com

Best for:

  • Marketing materials
  • Restaurant menus
  • Product packaging
  • Posters and flyers

Generate one with the QR Code Generator.

2. WiFi QR Code

Scanning it connects to WiFi automatically — no typing the password.

Format:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;
  • T: Security type (WPA, WEP, or nopass)
  • S: Network name (SSID)
  • P: Password

Best for:

  • Home guests
  • Cafe customers
  • Office visitors
  • Hotels

3. vCard QR Code (Contact Card)

Scanning it adds a contact to the phone's address book.

Format:

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:John Doe
TEL:+1234567890
EMAIL:john@example.com
URL:https://example.com
END:VCARD

Best for:

  • Business cards
  • Conference badges
  • Email signatures
  • Networking events

4. SMS QR Code

Scanning it opens a text message with a pre-filled number and message.

Format:

SMSTO:+1234567890:Hello, I saw your QR code!

Best for:

  • Customer feedback
  • Contest entries
  • Appointment reminders
  • Marketing campaigns

5. Email QR Code

Scanning it opens an email with pre-filled recipient and subject.

Format:

mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hello&body=I saw your QR code

Best for:

  • Customer support
  • Newsletter signups
  • Feedback collection

6. Phone Call QR Code

Scanning it dials a phone number.

Format:

tel:+1234567890

Best for:

  • Customer service
  • Emergency contact
  • Booking lines

7. Plain Text QR Code

Scanning it shows text. The simplest type.

Best for:

  • Instructions
  • Notes
  • Codes and coupons

Error Correction Levels

QR codes have built-in error correction. Even if part of the code is damaged or obscured, it can still be read.

Level Recovery Use Case
L (Low) 7% Clean environments, digital screens
M (Medium) 15% General use (default)
Q (Quartile) 25% Printed materials, outdoor use
H (High) 30% Industrial, dirty environments

Higher error correction = larger QR code = more modules (squares).

QR Code Sizing Guide

Use Case Minimum Size Recommended
Digital screen 200px 400px+
Business card 2cm 2.5cm
Poster (1m distance) 3cm 5cm
Billboard (10m distance) 30cm 50cm+

Rule of thumb: QR code size (in mm) = scanning distance (in mm) ÷ 10

QR Code Best Practices

  1. Test before printing — scan with multiple phones
  2. Use high contrast — black on white is best
  3. Don't add logos in the center unless error correction is H
  4. Leave a quiet zone — at least 4 modules of white space around the code
  5. Use short URLs — shorter text = simpler QR code = easier to scan
  6. Don't distort — keep it square, don't stretch

Generate QR Codes

Use the QR Code Generator to create QR codes for any purpose. It supports:

  • Custom sizes (128px to 512px)
  • All error correction levels (L, M, Q, H)
  • Download as PNG
  • Runs in your browser — no data sent to servers

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