Start with the Goal
The right QR code type depends on one question: what should happen when someone scans it?
Different goals require different data formats, and using the wrong one creates friction or confusion for the end user.
Decision Matrix
Find your goal in the left column to identify the right QR code type:
| Your Goal | QR Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drive traffic to a website | URL | Opens the URL directly in the browser |
| Let guests connect to WiFi | WiFi | One-tap network connection, no typing |
| Share contact information | vCard | Saves all fields to phone contacts |
| Collect feedback via email | Opens pre-filled email draft | |
| Run an SMS opt-in campaign | SMS | Opens messaging app with pre-filled text |
| Make it easy to call you | Phone | One-tap phone call initiation |
| Promote an event with RSVP | Event | Adds event directly to calendar |
| Help people find your location | Location | Opens coordinates in maps app |
| Display a coupon or serial number | Text | Shows text without internet |
| Accept payments in India | UPI | Opens UPI payment flow with pre-filled amount |
Common Scenarios
Business Card
Use a vCard QR code. It encodes your name, phone, email, company, title, and website in a format that phones natively understand.
When scanned, the contact is saved with all fields pre-filled — far more reliable than a URL that requires the person to manually copy information.
Learn more: QR Codes for Business Cards.
Restaurant Menu
A URL QR code pointing to your digital menu is the standard approach. Use a URL that you control (not a third-party menu platform) so you can update the menu without reprinting the QR code.
See our full guide: QR Codes for Restaurant Menus.
Marketing Campaign
Use a URL QR code with UTM parameters for tracking. This lets you measure scan rates, attribution, and ROI through Google Analytics or your analytics platform.
For campaigns where you might want to change the destination later, consider a URL shortener that supports redirects.
Conference or Event
Use an Event QR code on flyers and invitations. Attendees scan it and the event is added to their calendar with the correct date, time, location, and description.
For event registration, combine this with a URL QR code pointing to your registration page.
Product Packaging
Use a URL QR code linking to the product page, user manual, or warranty registration. For high-value products, consider adding a serial number in the URL for per-unit tracking.
When in doubt, use URL
Static vs Dynamic: Does It Matter?
Beyond choosing the data type, you need to decide whether to use a static or dynamic QR code.
In short: static codes embed data directly (permanent, no tracking), while dynamic codes use a redirect URL (changeable, trackable).
For a full comparison, read Static vs Dynamic QR Codes.
Key Insight
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