Types of QR Codes: Which One to Use for Your Case
There are 9 types and they are not interchangeable — choosing the wrong one can mean costly reprints
Not all QR codes are the same. A URL QR is different from a WiFi QR, and both differ from a vCard QR. Choosing the right type from the start avoids creating a code that does not work for what you need.
What types of QR codes exist?
There are 9 types: URL, WiFi, vCard, email, SMS, plain text, Crypto, event (vEvent) and business vCard. Each encodes a different data format.
The 9 types available at codigo-qr.es and what they are for:
- URL: points to any webpage or link. The most versatile and widely used.
• WiFi: encodes network credentials (SSID, password and encryption type). The phone connects automatically when scanned.
• vCard: generates a contact file that the phone offers to save to the address book with name, phone, email and website.
• Email: opens the mail client with recipient, subject and body pre-filled.
• SMS: opens the messages app with number and text predefined.
• Text: displays plain text directly on screen. No server, no connection needed.
• Crypto: generates a wallet address to receive cryptocurrency payments.
• vEvent: creates a calendar event with title, location, start and end date.
• Business vCard: like vCard but includes company name, job title, department and corporate website.
When should you use URL, WiFi and vCard QR codes?
URL for any editable web destination. WiFi to grant access without typing a password. vCard so the customer saves your contact in one scan.
The three most used types in business:
URL QR: the most flexible because the destination is editable with a dynamic QR. Works for restaurant menus, online shops, Instagram, PDFs, event landing pages or any URL. A dynamic URL QR can change destination without reprinting.
WiFi QR: the customer scans and the phone connects automatically. No need to see the password. Works with WPA2 and WPA3 on modern iOS and Android. Ideal for hospitality, waiting rooms, clinics and coworking spaces.
vCard QR: generates a .vcf file with all contact details. The customer opens the QR, accepts the save prompt and the contact is in their address book. Best option for business cards and trade fair stands.
What are email, SMS and text QR codes used for?
Email pre-fills subject and recipient. SMS pre-fills number and message. Text displays content offline, useful where there is no signal.
Three specialised types with specific use cases:
Email QR: when scanned, the mail client opens with the recipient, subject and message body already filled in. The user just taps send. Useful for physical contact forms, trade stands or flyers.
SMS QR: opens the messages app with the number and text already written. The user taps send. Works without an internet connection because it uses the GSM network. Useful for SMS support services or booking confirmations.
Text QR: displays the encoded text directly on screen without redirecting to any server. No connection needed. Useful for instructions in areas without signal, machinery manuals or warehouse product labels.
When do I need a dynamic QR instead of a static one?
Dynamic QR when the destination may change, when you want scan analytics or when reprinting would be costly. Static for fixed data with no server cost.
The practical difference:
Static QR: the data is fixed inside the code. If you change the URL, WiFi password or contact phone number, you need to reprint. It does not go through any server, there is no analytics and it never expires. Free forever.
Dynamic QR: the code points to an editable short link. You change the destination from the dashboard in 20 seconds. Every scan is recorded with date, time, country and device. Requires an active server to function.
Use dynamic when: the destination may change (seasonal menu, event with revisable dates, switch of booking platform), you want to know how many people scan the QR, or you have many printed materials and reprinting would be expensive.
Use static when: the data is permanent (main website, fixed WiFi, stable contact) or you need it to work offline.
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Generate the QR type you need
9 types available free for static QR. Dynamic QR with analytics on the Free plan.
Preguntas frecuentes
- Is there a QR type for videos?
- Not as a specific type, but you can use a URL QR pointing to the video on YouTube, Vimeo or your own server. With a dynamic QR you can change the video without reprinting the code.
- What is the difference between a vCard QR and a digital business card?
- The vCard QR saves the contact directly to the phone's address book (name, phone, email). A digital business card is a webpage with your information, which opens in the browser. The vCard does not require a connection to be saved.
- Which QR type has the most analytics?
- Only dynamic URL QR codes have full analytics: total scans, country, city, device and time. Static codes record nothing because they do not pass through any server.
- Can I combine types in the same QR?
- No: each QR has a single data type. To combine several destinations (menu + WiFi + social media), you need one QR per function or a bio link with all links on a single page.
Jose Flores
Fundador de codigo-qr.es · codigo-qr.es
Jose Flores es fundador de codigo-qr.es, herramienta de generación de QR dinámicos y códigos de barras creada en Barcelona en 2026. Especializado en soluciones digitales para pequeños negocios, desarrolla herramientas que permiten a restaurantes, comercios y profesionales digitalizar su comunicación sin infraestructura técnica propia.
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