20+ Types of QR Codes You Should Know

Quick Response (QR) Codes have become essential tools for businesses, marketers, and individuals to seamlessly bridge the physical and digital worlds. With different types of QR codes and QR Code sizes emerging, it’s useful to understand their functionalities and the specific use cases they serve. This guide covers over 20 types of QR codes, each designed to meet unique needs in various sectors.

Looking to add a QR code to your business card? Be sure to check out our blog for step-by-step instructions: How to Put a QR Code on Business Card.

QR Code Formats and Differences

QR code types come in multiple formats and versions, each designed with unique characteristics to cater to specific use cases. Here’s an overview:

• Standard QR Code: The most common format, storing data in black and white square modules.
• Micro QR Code: Smaller than the standard QR code, ideal for limited space applications.
• Model 1 and Model 2: Two versions of QR codes; Model 2 allows for larger data capacity and is more common today.
• Frame QR Code: Supports a frame in the design, ideal for branding and adding icons.
• rMQR Code: A rectangular format optimized for flexible space usage, often in packaging.

Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the right QR code format for your needs. Now, let’s explore the diverse types of QR codes you should know about!

+20 Types of QR Codes

1. URL QR Code

A URL QR Code transforms any website link into a single, scannable code. This simple qr code type is powerful for marketers looking to drive traffic quickly to landing pages, blogs, or exclusive offers. Whether placed on flyers, products, or business cards, the URL QR Code eliminates the need to type long URLs, making it a go-to for marketers worldwide.

2. vCard QR Code

With a vCard QR Code, you’re no longer just sharing a business card with a QR—you’re making a connection. This QR code structure allows users to save contact information directly to their phones with a scan, making it perfect for networking events or as a feature on a digital business card. It’s especially useful for professionals who want to make a lasting impression without the hassle of manually entering details.

Can I Use My Apple Wallet Business Card on All Devices?

Yes, your Apple Business Card is compatible with iPhones, Apple Watches, and other Apple devices. You can also share it digitally with non-Apple users.

3. Social Media QR Code

The Social Media QR Code is a direct ticket to your online presence. Each platform—whether Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook—can have its own QR code format, taking users straight to your profile. For brands, influencers, and anyone wanting to grow their audience, this type of QR code is a game-changer, ideal for campaigns where gaining followers is the primary goal.

QR Codes for Different Social Media Platforms

• Instagram QR Code: Attracts followers directly to your Instagram, great for visual brands or influencers.

• LinkedIn QR Code: LinkedIn QR code desktop is essential for professional networking and job seekers.

• TikTok QR Code: Perfect for creators wanting to reach younger audiences.

• Facebook QR Code: Connects directly to a business or personal Facebook page, helpful for local businesses.

• X QR Code: Boosts follower count with ease; popular at conferences and events.

4. Wi-Fi QR Code

The Wi-Fi QR Code lets guests access your Wi-Fi network with a quick scan, no password entry needed. This QR code format is perfect for hospitality businesses like cafes, restaurants, or waiting rooms, where you want to provide guests with easy access to the internet while also controlling access.

5. Event QR Code

An Event QR Code directly shares details like event location, time, and date. It can even prompt users to add the event to their calendar with a single tap. This QR code format is highly effective for event organizers and marketers, as it removes any confusion about details and increases the likelihood of attendance.

6. PDF QR Code

A PDF QR Code gives instant access to a downloadable document. Use it to share menus, product manuals, whitepapers, or eBooks without requiring a website. This QR code format makes it especially useful for businesses needing to provide customers with immediate, portable information without the hassle of website redirects.

7. SMS QR Code

With an SMS QR Code, users scan the code to initiate a pre-written text message. Businesses use this type to encourage customers to sign up for newsletters, promotions, or loyalty programs with just one click, streamlining the customer interaction process significantly. It’s highly effective for engaging customers, such as for QR code to text message campaigns.

8. Email QR Code

The Email QR Code helps users contact you effortlessly. By scanning, users are directed to their email app with a pre-filled recipient and subject line. It’s perfect for businesses offering customer support, feedback forms, or inquiries.

9. Text QR Code

A Text QR Code stores and displays a simple message, providing immediate information without needing an internet connection. This type of QR code format is often used in secure environments or for short instructions and tips, such as a Wi-Fi password or product code.

10. Phone QR Code

The Phone QR Code is ideal for businesses that want to make it easy for customers to contact them. When scanned, it opens the user’s phone dialer with a predefined number. It’s commonly used in service-based businesses, ensuring immediate, convenient communication.

11. QR Code Model 1 and Model 2

Model 1 was the earliest version, whereas Model 2 introduced improvements like higher capacity and better error correction. Model 2 is the widely used format today, preferred for its flexibility and ability to store larger amounts of data in a compact form.

12. Micro QR Code

The Micro QR Code is perfect for limited spaces, like small packaging. Though it holds less data, it still performs well for single-use cases or minimal information requirements, ideal for inventory control or retail.

13. rMQR Code

The rMQR Code’s rectangular shape makes it adaptable for various applications, such as narrow product labels or packaging. This QR code type is a newer format and is gaining traction in retail due to its space efficiency.

14. SQRC

The SQRC holds encrypted data, keeping certain information private. This QR code type is commonly used within organizations to store sensitive data accessible only to authorized personnel, making it ideal for logistics, internal tracking, or product authentication.

15. Frame QR Code

The Frame QR Code is designed to support branding by allowing a logo or image in the center. Perfect for businesses wanting to strengthen brand recognition, it provides functionality without sacrificing style, commonly seen on promotional materials.

16. Bitcoin QR Code

The Bitcoin QR Code enables seamless cryptocurrency transactions, allowing users to send or receive Bitcoin simply by scanning. This QR code type is increasingly common on donation sites, e-commerce platforms, and personal profiles for digital payment convenience.

17. PayPal QR Code

The PayPal QR Code simplifies transactions by allowing users to pay directly to a PayPal account. Perfect for small businesses, freelancers, or even charitable donations, this QR code type is widely used for cashless and contactless payments.

18. Location QR Code

A Location QR Code opens the exact address in map applications like Google Maps, directing users effortlessly. This QR code type is useful for events, retail stores, or service-based businesses, ensuring visitors have no trouble finding you.

19. App Store QR Code

An App Store QR Code brings users straight to your app download page on iOS or Android, eliminating any guesswork. For app developers and companies, this QR code type can be integral to a marketing campaign, boosting app downloads directly from physical or digital media. As users engage with apps that handle media, like photo storage apps, they may also need to manage their device storage, including learning how to delete them without removing them from iCloud.

20. YouTube QR Code

The YouTube QR Code is ideal for sharing videos, linking users directly to a YouTube video or channel. For businesses, it’s a valuable tool for customer engagement, product tutorials, or promotional content.

21. Google Forms QR Code

The Google Forms QR Code connects users directly to a survey or feedback form, optimizing the process of gathering data. Commonly used in customer feedback, event registrations, or training assessments, this QR code simplifies and streamlines data collection.

22. Dynamic QR Code

A Dynamic QR Code can be updated without reprinting the code, making it versatile for long-term campaigns or temporary promotions. The flexibility to change content behind the scenes makes it highly valuable in marketing.

23. Static QR Code

A Static QR Code is a fixed code that can’t be altered after creation. It’s ideal for content that won’t change, such as permanent URLs or phone numbers, commonly used for evergreen resources or long-term customer-facing content.

By exploring these types of QR codes, you’re now equipped to choose the right one for your business or personal needs. The right QR code can open new possibilities for engagement, convenience, and customer interaction.