URL QR Codes (The Most Common Type)
A URL QR code opens a website or webpage when scanned. This is the most widely used type of QR code and covers the majority of use cases:
- 1.Website links. Link to your homepage, landing page, product page, or any URL. The scanner's phone opens the page in their default browser.
- 2.Social media profiles. Link to your Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube channel. Great for business cards and marketing materials.
- 3.PDF documents. Link to a hosted PDF file — menus, brochures, manuals, or flyers. The PDF opens directly in the phone's browser.
- 4.App download links. Link to your app on the App Store or Google Play. Users scan and go directly to the download page.
- 5.Google Maps locations. Share a Google Maps link so people can get directions to your business, event venue, or meeting point.
Best practice: Keep URLs short. Long URLs create denser QR codes that are harder to scan at small sizes. Use a URL shortener if needed. Learn more in our how to create a QR code guide.
vCard QR Codes (Save Contact Info Instantly)
A vCard QR code encodes contact information — name, phone number, email, company, job title, and address. When someone scans it, their phone prompts them to save the contact directly to their address book.
What Data Can a vCard Include?
Full name, phone number (mobile, work, home), email address, company name, job title, website URL, physical address, and even a note. The more data you include, the denser the QR code becomes, so include only what is essential.
Best Use Cases
Business cards are the most common use case. Instead of hoping someone manually types your phone number from a card, they scan and save. Also great for conference badges, name tags, and networking events. Read our full guide on QR codes for business cards.
WiFi QR Codes (Connect Without Typing Passwords)
A WiFi QR code encodes your network name (SSID), password, and encryption type. When scanned, the phone automatically connects to the WiFi network — no manual password entry needed.
This type is perfect for restaurants, cafes, hotels, Airbnbs, offices, and homes. Instead of writing the WiFi password on a chalkboard or repeating it to every guest, display a QR code and let people connect with a scan.
Important: The password is encoded in the QR code, so use a guest network for public spaces. Read our detailed guide on creating WiFi QR codes for security tips and setup instructions.
Text, Email, Phone & SMS QR Codes
These types are less common but useful in specific situations:
Plain Text
Displays a text message on screen when scanned. No internet connection required — the text is stored in the QR code itself. Use cases: product serial numbers, short instructions, promotional codes, or messages. The downside is that text QR codes cannot be updated after creation and the data length is limited.
Opens the scanner's email app with a pre-filled recipient, subject line, and optionally body text. Great for feedback collection — print a QR code on receipts or packaging that opens a pre-addressed "How was your experience?" email.
Phone Number
Initiates a phone call to a pre-set number when scanned. Useful for customer service lines, emergency contacts, or "Call us" signs. The phone shows the number and asks for confirmation before dialing.
SMS
Opens the messaging app with a pre-filled phone number and optionally a message. Used for opt-in marketing ("Scan to text JOIN to 12345") or customer support text lines.
Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes
Beyond the data type, QR codes are also categorized as static or dynamic:
- ✓ Static QR codes encode data directly in the QR pattern. Once created, the data cannot be changed. They work forever, do not require internet to decode (except URL types that link to a website), and are completely free to use. OmnisPDF generates static QR codes.
- ✓ Dynamic QR codes encode a redirect URL that points to a server. The server owner can change where the redirect goes anytime. This lets you update the destination without reprinting the QR code. The downside: they require a third-party service (often paid) and stop working if that service goes down.
For most use cases, static QR codes are the better choice. They are simpler, more reliable, and do not depend on any third-party service. If you need the ability to update, use a URL shortener (like Bitly) as your own redirect layer — the QR code points to the short URL, and you change where it redirects.
How to Choose the Right QR Code Type
Match your goal to the right type:
- ✓ Want people to visit a website? Use URL type.
- ✓ Want people to save your contact info? Use vCard type. Best for business cards.
- ✓ Want people to connect to WiFi? Use WiFi type.
- ✓ Want to share a PDF? Use URL type linking to a hosted PDF.
- ✓ Want people to call you? Use Phone type.
- ✓ Want to display a code or message? Use Text type.
- ✓ Want feedback via email? Use Email type.
No matter which type you choose, follow our QR code best practices for sizing, contrast, and testing to ensure reliable scanning.