Overview

While the QR code itself is always the same matrix of black and white modules, what varies is the data payload encoded inside.

Different data formats trigger different behaviors on the scanning device — opening a browser, connecting to WiFi, saving a contact, or making a payment.

Not sure which type to use?

Read our guide on Choosing the Right QR Code Type for a decision matrix that maps your use case to the ideal format.

URL QR Code

The most common QR code type. Encodes a web address that opens in the user’s default browser when scanned. Supports any valid URL including deep links to apps.

https://example.com

Product packagingPrint adsBusiness cardsEvent posters

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WiFi QR Code

Encodes WiFi credentials so users can connect to a network by scanning — no password typing required. Supports WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA3, and open networks.

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;

Hotels & AirbnbsCafes & restaurantsOffice guest networksHome sharing

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vCard QR Code

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.

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:Doe;John
TEL:+1234567890
END:VCARD

Business cardsEmail signaturesConference badgesLinkedIn profiles

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Email QR Code

Opens the user’s email app with pre-filled recipient, subject, and body. Reduces friction for customer support, feedback forms, and contact requests.

mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Hi%20there

Customer supportFeedback collectionNewsletter signup promptsContact cards

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SMS QR Code

Opens the messaging app with a pre-filled phone number and optional message text. Used for opt-in campaigns, support lines, and quick responses.

smsto:+1234567890:Your message here

SMS opt-in campaignsCustomer supportEvent RSVPOrder confirmations

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Phone QR Code

Initiates a phone call to the specified number when scanned. Simple but effective for customer service lines, emergency contacts, and sales inquiries.

tel:+1234567890

Customer hotlinesEmergency contactsSales teamsReservation lines

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Calendar Event QR Code

Encodes event details in iCalendar format. When scanned, the phone prompts the user to add the event to their calendar with all details pre-populated.

BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Meeting
DTSTART:20260415T100000Z
DTEND:20260415T110000Z
END:VEVENT

Conference schedulesMeeting invitesWebinar registrationsConcert tickets

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Location QR Code

Encodes geographic coordinates that open in the user’s default maps app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc.). Optionally includes a label for the location.

geo:40.7128,-74.0060

Store locationsEvent venuesTourism guidesDelivery addresses

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Plain Text QR Code

Encodes arbitrary text that is displayed on-screen when scanned. No internet connection required. Useful for serial numbers, instructions, or coupon codes.

Any text content up to ~4,296 characters

Product serial numbersAssembly instructionsCoupon codesWi-Fi passwords (manual)

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UPI Payment QR Code

Encodes UPI payment information for India’s Unified Payments Interface. Supports pre-filled amounts, merchant names, and transaction notes for instant mobile payments.

upi://pay?pa=user@upi&pn=Name&am=100&cu=INR

Merchant paymentsInvoice QR codesDonation collectionPeer-to-peer transfers

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Quick Comparison

Type	Requires Internet	Typical Data Size	Scanner Action
URL	Yes	50–200 chars	Opens browser
WiFi	No	50–100 chars	Connects to network
vCard	No	200–500 chars	Saves contact
Email	No*	50–200 chars	Opens email app
SMS	No	30–100 chars	Opens messaging app
Phone	No	15–20 chars	Initiates call
Event	No	200–400 chars	Adds to calendar
Location	Yes	20–50 chars	Opens maps
Text	No	Variable	Displays text
UPI	Yes	50–150 chars	Opens payment app

* Email QR codes open the email app offline but sending requires internet.

Did You Know?

URL QR codes account for over 70% of all QR codes created worldwide. The second most common type is vCard, popular in professional networking and business card replacement.

Create any type of QR code

Our generator supports all 10 QR code types with full customization — colors, logos, dot styles, and multiple export formats.

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Types of QR Codes

Key Takeaways