Reference Guide

QR Code Types
Explained

From simple URLs to WiFi credentials, vCards, and payments — every QR code format with examples, use cases, and when to use each one.

🌐
Most Popular

URL / Website

The most versatile type. Encodes any web address so scanning opens a page directly in the phone's browser. Works for any destination — landing pages, product pages, booking links, social profiles.

https://www.qr-codes.digital/home
Common uses
Landing pages Product listings Booking links Social profiles Portfolios
📶
Most Popular

WiFi Access

Lets guests connect to your WiFi instantly — no typing required. Encodes the network name (SSID), password, and security type. Perfect for cafés, hotels, offices, and homes.

WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeName;P:password123;;
Common uses
Cafés & restaurants Hotel rooms Office hotspots Events & venues
📇
Common

Contact / vCard

Encodes your full contact details — name, phone, email, website, organisation. Scanning lets the receiver save you as a contact instantly. Replaces paper business cards.

BEGIN:VCARD FN:Jane Smith TEL:+254700000000 EMAIL:jane@co.ke END:VCARD
Common uses
Business cards Name tags Email signatures Networking events
🍽️
Most Popular

Restaurant Menu

Links diners to your digital menu — a URL QR code pointing to your online menu page or PDF. Always up to date without reprinting. Became universal during 2020 and remains standard.

https://restaurant.com/menu
Common uses
Table menus Bar drink lists Specials boards Takeaway menus
💳
Most Popular

Payment QR

Links directly to a payment page, M-Pesa till number, PayPal.me link, or bank transfer request. Customers scan and pay without cash or card handling. Standard in East Africa, Asia, and growing globally.

https://pay.example.com/merchant/12345
Common uses
M-Pesa payments Retail checkout Market stalls Freelance invoices Donations
💬
Common

SMS Message

Pre-populates a text message to a specific number. Scanning opens the phone's SMS app with the number and message filled in — user just taps Send. Useful for simple opt-ins and enquiries.

SMSTO:+254700000000:I would like to book a table
Common uses
Bookings Customer service SMS opt-ins Competitions
✉️
Common

Email

Opens the device's email client with a pre-filled To address, subject line, and optional body text. Eliminates typos for important contact addresses on printed materials.

MATMSG:TO:info@company.com;SUB:Enquiry;BODY:Hello;;
Common uses
Business enquiries Feedback forms Support contacts Press kits
📞
Common

Phone Call

Encodes a phone number that opens the dialer pre-filled when scanned. Users tap once to call — ideal for printed business materials where you want zero friction to reach you.

TEL:+254700000000
Common uses
Business cards Flyers Support lines Emergency contacts
📍
Useful

Location / Maps

Opens Google Maps (or the default maps app) to a specific GPS coordinate or address. Helpful on signage, invitations, and anywhere visitors need directions.

geo:-1.2921,36.8219?q=Nairobi+CBD
Common uses
Event venues Office directions Wedding invitations Property listings
📲
Common

App Download

Points to your app's App Store or Google Play listing. Some platforms use a smart link that detects the user's OS and routes accordingly — iOS users go to App Store, Android to Play Store.

https://apps.apple.com/app/yourapp
or https://play.google.com/store/apps/...
Common uses
App marketing In-store promotions Product packaging Onboarding flows
📱
Common

Social Media Link

URL QR code pointing to your social profile — Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, X. Print it on physical materials to grow your following without people having to search for your handle.

https://instagram.com/yourbusiness
Common uses
Packaging Posters Business cards Merchandise Receipts
📝
Useful

Plain Text

Stores any text string directly. No URL, no app — just raw text that displays on screen when scanned. Good for notices, product serial numbers, instructions, or offline information delivery.

Product Serial: QRS-2024-00123 Warranty valid until: 2027
Common uses
Product info Notices Serial numbers Instructions

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Every type above can be static or dynamic. Here's how to choose.

Static QR Code

Data is encoded directly into the pattern. Once printed, the information is permanent — you cannot change the destination without generating a new code.

  • Free to generate — no subscription
  • Works forever — never expires
  • No server dependency
  • Cannot update destination after printing
  • No scan analytics available

Dynamic QR Code

Points to a short redirect URL you control. Change the destination at any time from a dashboard — no reprinting required.

  • Edit destination anytime
  • Scan count, device & location analytics
  • Expiry dates & password protection
  • Requires paid subscription
  • Stops working if service shuts down

Generate any of these for free

Paste your URL, WiFi credentials, contact details or plain text and download your QR code instantly — no account needed.

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