The 15 Most Common Types of QR Codes—And When to Use Each

QR codes have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, from scanning menus at restaurants to making contactless payments. Their versatility stems from their ability to store various types of data, making them useful across different industries. Here's a breakdown of 15 common QR code types and their ideal use cases:

1. URL QR Code

• Function: Directs users to a website or landing page.
• Best for:
  • Driving traffic to your website from print materials (brochures, posters, business cards).
  • Promoting online content, such as blog posts, articles, or videos.
  • Sharing product information or special offers.

2. Text QR Code

• Function: Displays plain text information.
• Best for:
  • Sharing Wi-Fi passwords.
  • Providing simple instructions or messages.
  • Encoding serial numbers or product codes.

3. vCard QR Code

• Function: Stores contact information, allowing users to easily save it to their address book.
• Best for:
  • Business cards.
  • Networking events.
  • Sharing contact details at conferences or trade shows.

4. Email QR Code

• Function: Opens the user's email app and pre-fills the recipient's address and subject line.
• Best for:
  • Facilitating customer feedback or inquiries.
  • Promoting email newsletters or subscriptions.
  • Simplifying contact for support or sales.

5. Phone Number QR Code

• Function: Initiates a phone call to a specific number.
• Best for:
  • Enabling customers to easily contact businesses.
  • Providing quick access to customer service or sales hotlines.
  • Promoting phone-based promotions or services.

6. SMS QR Code

• Function: Sends a pre-written text message to a specified phone number.
• Best for:
  • Running SMS-based marketing campaigns.
  • Collecting customer feedback or survey responses.
  • Enabling users to subscribe to services or promotions.

7. Wi-Fi QR Code

• Function: Allows users to connect to a Wi-Fi network by scanning the code, without manually entering the password.
• Best for:
  • Restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
  • Offices and co-working spaces.
  • Events and conferences.

8. Geolocation QR Code

• Function: Opens a map application and displays a specific location.
• Best for:
  • Providing directions to a business or event.
  • Highlighting tourist attractions or points of interest.
  • Sharing meeting locations or real estate listings.

9. App Download QR Code

• Function: Directs users to the app store (iOS or Android) to download a specific mobile application.
• Best for:
  • Promoting mobile app downloads.
  • Encouraging users to install a business or event app.
  • Simplifying the app installation process.

10. Social Media QR Code

• Function: Links to a specific social media profile or page.
• Best for:
  • Growing social media following.
  • Promoting social media campaigns or contests.
  • Connecting with customers or fans on social platforms.

11. Event QR Code

• Function: Provides event details such as date, time, location, and allows users to add the event to their calendar.
• Best for:
  • Promoting events, conferences, or webinars.
  • Simplifying event registration and ticketing.
  • Sharing event schedules or speaker information.

12. PDF QR Code

• Function: Allows users to download a PDF document.
• Best for:
  • Sharing brochures, menus, or product catalogs.
  • Providing access to manuals, guides, or reports.
  • Distributing digital documents without requiring a website.

13. Image Gallery QR Code

• Function: Displays a collection of images.
• Best for:
  • Showcasing products, artwork, or real estate properties.
  • Providing visual content for marketing or promotional materials.
  • Enhancing presentations or portfolios.

14. Payment QR Code

• Function: Enables users to make payments by scanning the code.
• Best for:
  • Facilitating mobile payments at retail stores or restaurants.
  • Enabling peer-to-peer payments.
  • Supporting contactless transactions.

15. Multi-URL QR Code

• Function: Directs users to different URLs based on factors like their location, language, time of day, or device.
• Best for:
  • International marketing campaigns.
  • Personalized content delivery.
  • A/B testing different landing pages.

By understanding the unique capabilities of each QR code type, you can effectively leverage them to enhance your marketing, streamline your operations, and improve user experiences.