QR Code Types Directory

    Explore the versatility of QR code formats. Find specifications, offline scanning capabilities, best use cases, and download print-ready QR codes for free.

    Link

    URL / Website

    Link directly to any website, social profile, or web page.

    Scan Action:Opens Web URL
    Offline Use: Web Required
    Best For:Websites, social profiles, and articles
    Create URL / Website CodeRead Full Guide
    Text

    Plain Text

    Display any text message, serial number, or note.

    Scan Action:Displays Plain Text
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Passwords, notes, and raw details
    Create Plain Text CodeRead Full Guide
    WiFi

    WiFi Network

    Let guests connect to your WiFi without typing a password.

    Scan Action:Connects to WiFi Network
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Cafes, Airbnbs, and home guests
    Create WiFi Network CodeRead Full Guide
    Email

    Email Address

    Open the user's email client with a pre-filled message.

    Scan Action:Drafts Pre-filled Email
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Support, feedback, and RSVPs
    Create Email Address CodeRead Full Guide
    Call

    Phone Number

    Prompt a phone call to a specific number instantly.

    Scan Action:Initiates Phone Call
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Sales and customer inquiries
    Create Phone Number CodeRead Full Guide
    SMS

    SMS Message

    Open the SMS app with a pre-filled text and recipient.

    Scan Action:Drafts Pre-filled SMS
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:SMS marketing and rapid opt-ins
    Create SMS Message CodeRead Full Guide
    vCard

    vCard / Contact

    Share your contact details to be saved in one click.

    Scan Action:Saves Contact File
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Networking and digital business cards
    Create vCard / Contact CodeRead Full Guide
    Location

    Location / Maps

    Share a specific geographic location or address.

    Scan Action:Opens Navigation Map
    Offline Use: Web Required
    Best For:Physical stores and event venues
    Create Location / Maps CodeRead Full Guide
    Event

    Event / Calendar

    Add event details to the user's calendar easily.

    Scan Action:Adds Calendar Event
    Offline Use: Offline OK
    Best For:Webinars, conferences, and meetups
    Create Event / Calendar CodeRead Full Guide
    UPI Pay

    UPI Payment

    Accept payments quickly through UPI apps.

    Scan Action:Launches Payment App
    Offline Use: Web Required
    Best For:Shops, vendors, and peer transactions
    Create UPI Payment CodeRead Full Guide
    Educational Guide

    Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes: The Key Differences

    Understanding how QR codes package data is key to selecting the right type for your project. Here is an honest, technical breakdown.

    Static QR Codes (Standard)

    Static QR codes encode the payload **directly within the graphic matrix**. Since the values are hardcoded, the graphic is permanent. This also means more data yields a denser, more complex dot pattern.

    100% Free Forever: These codes never expire, require zero subscriptions, and will function indefinitely as long as the printed graphic remains unscratched.
    Offline Reading: Crucial network and text configurations (like WiFi passwords, business cards, plain text, and emails) scan completely offline.
    Cannot Edit: Once printed or exported, the target destination cannot be modified. A single typo requires printing a brand new QR code.
    No Analytics: Since scans talk directly to the hardware scanner without passing through any servers, scan counts and analytics cannot be tracked.

    Dynamic QR Codes (Tracker)

    Dynamic QR codes store a **short redirection link** instead of the actual data. When a user scans the code, they are briefly routed to an intermediate server, which instantly reads the scanner's metadata and redirects them to the final URL.

    Fully Editable Payload: Update the target URL anytime—even after printing millions of flyers—without ever changing the actual QR code image.
    Rich Scan Analytics: Monitor real-time counts, precise scan dates, geographic locations, device operating systems, and web browser versions.
    Ongoing Subscriptions: Redirection routing servers typically require a monthly subscription. If you cancel your membership, the link breaks.
    Requires Active Internet: Unlike static WiFi or text, a scanner must have active cellular or internet coverage to resolve the link routing.
    Technical Matrix

    QR Code Feature Matrix

    Compare direct technical characteristics of different static formats generated entirely free by FTQR.

    QR TypeOffline Scanning?Required ActionSecurity ProfileCustom Logo?
    URL / Website No (Requires Web)Opens Web URL Standard (Accesses Web) Supported
    Plain Text Yes (Offline OK)Displays Plain Text High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    WiFi Network Yes (Offline OK)Connects to WiFi Network High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    Email Address Yes (Offline OK)Drafts Pre-filled Email High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    Phone Number Yes (Offline OK)Initiates Phone Call High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    SMS Message Yes (Offline OK)Drafts Pre-filled SMS High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    vCard / Contact Yes (Offline OK)Saves Contact File High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    Location / Maps No (Requires Web)Opens Navigation Map Standard (Accesses Web) Supported
    Event / Calendar Yes (Offline OK)Adds Calendar Event High (100% Client-Side) Supported
    UPI Payment No (Requires Web)Launches Payment App Standard (Accesses Web) Supported

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get instant answers to the most common questions regarding QR code functionality, custom branding, and longevity.

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