QR codes are not all the same. Each type encodes data in a different format — a WiFi QR must include SSID, password, and security protocol in a specific syntax; a vCard QR must follow the vCard 3.0 spec. Using the wrong type means the scan does nothing useful. Here’s exactly what each type does and when to use it.
URL
Website & Landing Pages
The most scanned QR type globally. Encodes any web address and opens it directly in the phone’s browser on scan. We auto-add https:// if missing. Works for product pages, portfolios, app download pages, payment links, and any web destination. Keep URLs as short as possible — shorter URLs produce simpler QR patterns with fewer dots, which scan faster and remain readable even when small or damaged.
💡 Use when: linking physical materials to web content. Works with link shorteners for analytics.
WiFi
Instant Network Access
Scan to connect to a WiFi network without typing the password. Encodes SSID (network name), password, security type (WPA2, WEP, or open), and whether the network is hidden. Perfect for cafés, hotels, offices, Airbnb listings, and events. Guests scan once and connect — no "the password is on the board" conversations. Supports all modern security protocols including WPA3. Hidden networks require the hidden flag to connect correctly.
💡 Use when: sharing WiFi credentials in hospitality, offices, or events without verbal handoff.
vCard
Digital Business Card
Scan to save a complete contact in the phone’s address book — name, job title, company, phone (work, mobile, fax), email, website, and physical address. Follows the vCard 3.0 spec, compatible with iOS Contacts, Android Contacts, Google Contacts, and Outlook. The most elegant replacement for a paper business card: scan, tap Save, done. Place on the back of a printed card for a professional hybrid approach that also works digitally.
💡 Use when: networking, conferences, replacing or augmenting paper business cards.
Email
Pre-filled Email Composer
Scan opens the native email app with the To address, Subject line, and email body pre-filled. The recipient just taps Send. Encodes a standard mailto: URI with URL-encoded subject and body. Eliminates the friction of customers needing to find your email and compose a message from scratch. Use for customer support QR codes, feedback collection, event registration confirmation, supplier contact forms on packaging, or anywhere you want an instant email with specific context.
💡 Use when: customer feedback, support contact, or pre-filling structured enquiry emails.
Phone
Direct Dial Call
Scan triggers a phone call to the encoded number, after a confirmation prompt on most devices. Uses the tel: protocol. Include country code (e.g. +1 for US) for international compatibility. Ideal for physical locations (storefronts, ads, vehicle signage) where customers should be able to call with a single scan. Much more reliable than typing a phone number from a flyer. Also useful for emergency contact QR codes on equipment, vehicles, and entry points.
💡 Use when: storefronts, vehicle signage, print ads, or anywhere you want one-tap calling.
SMS
Pre-filled Text Message
Scan opens the messaging app with a phone number and optional pre-written message body pre-populated. Uses the sms: protocol. The customer just taps Send. Popular for SMS marketing opt-ins: "Scan to text JOIN to our VIP list." Also useful for appointment confirmations, delivery notifications, quick customer service channels, and voting/survey systems that run via SMS. Compatibility varies slightly between iOS and Android for the message body parameter.
💡 Use when: SMS opt-ins, appointment booking, quick-response customer service.
Location
GPS Map Pin
Scan opens Google Maps (or the native maps app on iOS) directly to the specified latitude/longitude coordinates. Uses the geo: protocol. More precise than a street address — useful for locations without a clean address (event venues, trailheads, beach access points, festival stages). Use “Get my location” to auto-detect your coordinates without manual entry. The resulting QR drops a pin exactly at your coordinates — no search required on the scanner’s end.
💡 Use when: events, pop-up locations, outdoor venues, or precise GPS destinations without clean addresses.
Event
Calendar Invite (iCal)
Scan adds an event directly to the phone’s calendar with title, start time, end time, location, and description pre-filled. Follows the iCalendar (RFC 5545) standard supported by iOS Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook. No need for the recipient to manually create the event or receive a calendar invite email. Use on event posters, conference badges, product launch invitations, webinar promotion materials, and any printed material where you want frictionless calendar entry.
💡 Use when: conferences, product launches, workshops, concerts, or webinars — any event worth calendaring.
Crypto
Cryptocurrency Payment Address
Encodes a cryptocurrency wallet address (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others) in the standard payment URI format that wallet apps recognize. On scan, the wallet app opens with the address pre-filled in the recipient field — the user just enters the amount and confirms. Eliminates the risk of mis-typing a long wallet address. Essential for crypto payment terminals, donation pages, NFT artist payment info, and any physical location accepting crypto payments. Supports BIP-21 (Bitcoin) and ERC-681 (Ethereum) URI schemes.
💡 Use when: crypto payments, donations, or displaying a wallet address in a physical space.
Meeting
Video Call Link
Encodes a Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or any meeting URL. Scan opens the meeting directly — no hunting for the link in email. Use on printed agendas, conference room booking displays, event schedules, and presentation slides. For recurring weekly team calls, print the QR once and place it on the office whiteboard or meeting room door. When the meeting link changes, generate a new QR and replace it. Takes 30 seconds per link update with no reprinting of other materials.
💡 Use when: conference schedules, office meeting rooms, printed agendas, or hybrid event materials.
App
App Store Deep Link
Encodes a direct link to your app’s listing on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or both. Scan takes the user directly to the install page — no searching required. Essential for app marketing: flyers, packaging, business cards, in-store signage, and product inserts. If you want a single QR that works on both iOS and Android, use a smart redirect URL (Universal Link) that detects the device and redirects accordingly. Enter the smart link in the URL type field instead.
💡 Use when: app marketing, packaging inserts, business cards, or any print material promoting a mobile app.
Text
Plain Text Content
Encodes any plain text string — no URL protocol, no special formatting. Scan displays the text directly in the QR scanner or sharing sheet without opening any app. Use for short product serial numbers, asset tags, inventory codes, form reference numbers, license plates, access codes, or any identifier that should be human-readable when scanned. Also useful for recipes, short instructions, or any brief information that should display instantly without requiring internet access. Maximum practical text length is 300–500 characters.
💡 Use when: asset tags, serial numbers, inventory labels, short instructions, or offline informational QR codes.
