QR Code Types Explained: URL, PDF, WiFi, vCard, Maps, Payments & More

• URL / Website (most used) • PDF / Document • WiFi • vCard (Contact) • WhatsApp (Click to Chat) • Google Maps (Location) • Email / SMS / Phone • Reviews • Payments • Event / Forms / App download

Best for: landing pages, menus, campaigns, social bios, product pages What to encode: a clean URL (short and stable) Pro tips • Use a page you control (so you can update content without changing the QR) • Add a fallback short URL under the QR for trust

Best for: restaurant menus, brochures, manuals, course handouts What to encode: a public PDF link Pro tips • Keep PDFs lightweight for mobile • For best UX: link to a landing page with buttons (“Open PDF / Download”)

Best for: cafés, offices, clinics, waiting rooms, events What it does: helps users join WiFi without typing password Recommended approach • Use a Guest WiFi network (public QR can be photographed)

Best for: business cards, events, storefront support contact What it does: opens “Add contact” experience on many devices Pro tips • Prefer a business phone/email for public prints • If you add a logo, increase size and test

Best for: customer support, ordering, bookings, delivery What to encode: a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat link like https://wa.me/<number> (international format). <a href="https://faq.whatsapp.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">faq.whatsapp.com</a> Pro tips • Use international number format (no spaces) • Optionally add a pre-filled message (test across devices)

Best for: stores, clinics, events, pickup points What to encode: a Google Maps share link (or directions link) Pro tips • Use one QR per branch/location • Place at eye level (reduces awkward scanning angles)

Best for: quick actions (contacting you fast) • Email QR: opens “compose email” • SMS QR: opens messaging with prefilled text • Call QR: opens dialer Pro tips • Keep prefilled messages short • Provide a visible phone/email as backup

Best for: collecting more real reviews at checkout What to encode: your official review link / review form link Policy reminder • Don’t offer incentives in exchange for reviews (can violate platform policies)

Best for: tips, counters, events, donations Two patterns 1. Official app QR (inside the payment app) 2. Payment link QR (QR opens a link page) Global example (PayPal.Me) • PayPal.Me lets you create a personal payment link and share it. <a href="https://www.paypal.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paypal.com</a> • Then you can convert that link into a QR. Safety • Payment QRs are common targets for sticker replacement scams—print your handle/name under the QR. <a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ncsc.gov.uk</a>

Event QR • Link to schedule, map, check-in, WhatsApp support Forms QR • RSVP, feedback, survey, lead capture App download QR • Link to a page that detects device (iOS/Android) and routes correctly

• Size: bigger is safer (especially posters/signs) • Contrast: dark on light • Quiet zone: keep a clean margin • Format: SVG for print; high-res PNG for digital • Test on iPhone + Android before mass printing

QR codes are just links—treat them like links. • Be cautious with QR codes in open/public places (tampering risk). <a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ncsc.gov.uk</a> • Add a visible short URL under printed QRs so users can verify destination. • For payment & parking-like use cases, inspect signage regularly.

Which QR type is best for most businesses? URL QR to a mobile-friendly landing page (menu, location, contact buttons). Can I update the destination without reprinting? Yes—if your QR points to a landing page you control (or a stable redirect you own). Are QR codes safe? They can be, but scams exist (quishing). Use visible URLs and protect signs from sticker tampering. <a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ncsc.gov.uk</a>