Complete QR Code Guide

Everything you need to know about QR codes - types, use cases, design tips, and printing best practices. Pick the right QR code for your needs and create it for free in QR Studio.

18 Types of QR Codes

Each type encodes data in a different format. Choose the one that best fits your goal.

URL

Encodes a web address. The most common type - after scanning, the browser opens the page directly.

Text

Encodes plain text - a message, note, serial number, or any short information.

E-mail

Opens a new email with pre-filled recipient, subject, and body. Handy for support or contact.

Phone

Starts a phone call to the specified number. Great for business cards and ads.

SMS

Opens a new SMS with pre-filled number and message. Useful for opt-in, voting, or quick replies.

Wi-Fi

Connects to a Wi-Fi network automatically - no need to type the password. Perfect for cafes, hotels, and offices.

vCard

Encodes a full contact card - name, phone, email, company, address. Saves directly to the phone's contacts.

Location

Encodes GPS coordinates. After scanning, the map opens at the specified location. Ideal for events and businesses.

QR Payment (CZ)

Czech payment QR in SPD format - encodes bank account, amount, and variable symbol. Supported by all Czech banks.

SEPA

European bank transfer in EPC QR format. Encodes IBAN, amount, and payment reference. Used across Eurozone.

Event

Creates a calendar event in iCalendar format - with date, time, location, and description. One scan adds it to the calendar.

PayPal

PayPal payment or donation. Encodes recipient, amount, and note. Useful for quick payments and fundraising.

Crypto

Cryptocurrency payment (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Encodes wallet address, amount, and message.

Opens WhatsApp chat with pre-filled number and message. Great for customer support or direct contact.

Opens Telegram chat or profile. Supports phone number or username.

App / Store

Link to an app in Google Play or App Store. Opens the app page directly.

Meeting

Link to an online meeting (Zoom, Teams, Meet). Encodes meeting ID, password, or URL.

Social profile

Link to a social media profile (Instagram, Facebook, etc.). Encodes username or profile URL.

How to Choose the Right QR Code Type

Link to a webpage? → URL. The simplest and most universal type.
Share a contact? → vCard. All info in one scan.
Share Wi-Fi password? → Wi-Fi. Guests connect without typing.
Accept a payment? → QR Payment (CZ) or SEPA (EU). Direct bank transfer.
Invite to an event? → Event. The date goes straight to the calendar.

Design Best Practices

Contrast matters most. Dark modules on a light background. Avoid light colors on light, or inverted QR codes.
Quiet zone. Always keep a margin around the QR code (at least 4 modules). Without it, scanners may have trouble.
Logo size. A logo in the center should not exceed 25 % of the QR code area. QR Studio automatically switches to high error correction (H) when a logo is added.
Test before printing. Always verify your QR code with a real phone camera. QR Studio includes an automatic readability check.

Printing Tips

Minimum size: 2 × 2 cm for print. For billboards and large formats, use SVG or PDF export.
Format: SVG or EPS for unlimited scaling, PDF for print-ready output, PNG / JPG / WebP for digital use.
Material: Avoid highly reflective surfaces. Matte paper works best for scanning.
Placement: QR code should be at eye level and easily reachable by a phone camera.

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