Types of QR Codes: All 16 Available and Which to Use for Your Case

The 16 types available at codigo-qr.es and what they are for:

- URL: points to any webpage or link. The most versatile and widely used.
• Text: displays plain text directly on screen. No server, no connection needed.
• vCard: generates a contact file that the phone offers to save to the address book with name, phone, email and website.
• WiFi: encodes network credentials (SSID, password and encryption type). The phone connects automatically when scanned.
• Email: opens the mail client with recipient, subject and body pre-filled.
• SMS: opens the messages app with number and text predefined.
• 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.
• Geolocation: encodes exact GPS coordinates and opens the phone's map app at that point.
• App: leads to the download page on the App Store or Google Play, or detects the operating system automatically (universal mode).
• Pet: for collars or ID tags, with the animal's and owner's details so whoever finds it can get in touch.
• YouTube: direct link to a video, no need to go through the search bar.
• PDF: direct download of a document.
• Audio: link to a track on Spotify, SoundCloud or another player.
• WhatsApp: opens a WhatsApp chat with the number and message already written.

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.

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.

Three types built for specific actions on the phone:

Geolocation QR: encodes an exact latitude and longitude. When scanned, the phone opens its map app right at that point, so the customer does not have to look up the address by hand. Useful on outdoor event posters, parking signage or tourist routes.

App QR: leads straight to the download page on the App Store or Google Play. With universal mode, the same QR detects whether the person scanning is on iPhone or Android and sends them to the right store, no need for two separate codes.

WhatsApp QR: opens a WhatsApp chat with the destination number and, if you want, an initial message already written. The customer only has to tap send. Widely used on counters, packaging and ads to turn offline attention into a conversation in seconds.

Four content types and one special case:

YouTube QR: direct link to a specific video, without going through the search bar or the channel page. Useful on packaging (how-to video), event posters (trailer) or business cards (video portfolio).

PDF QR: downloads a document straight away when scanned. Works for restaurant menus, instruction manuals, catalogues or dossiers, with no need to maintain a webpage to host them.

Audio QR: link to a track on Spotify, SoundCloud or another player. Used on record packaging, invitations with a voice message or audio guides in museums and tourist routes.

Pet QR: designed for collars or ID tags. It encodes the animal's name, the owner's details, a contact phone number and, if you want, the chip number. Whoever finds the animal scans the code and gets in touch directly, without relying on a metal tag staying legible.

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.