QR Code Guide: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them Effectively
April 10, 2025
QR Codes are everywhere โ from product packaging and restaurant menus to digital business cards and Wi-Fi sharing. They're fast, contactless, and super easy to use. But what exactly is a QR code, and how do you make one?
In this guide, weโll cover:
- What a QR Code is and how it works
- The most common QR Code formats (with examples)
- A detailed breakdown of the different formats
- A free tool to generate your own QR Code in seconds
What is a QR Code?
A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a type of two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a square grid of black and white squares. QR codes can hold significantly more data than a standard barcode and can be read instantly using a smartphone camera or QR code scanner.
Theyโre widely used for:
- Opening URLs
- Storing contact information
- Accessing Wi-Fi networks
- Sending SMS or emails
- Navigating to map locations
- Downloading apps
Common QR Code Types and Use Cases
| QR Code Type | Use Case |
| URL | Opens a website or landing page |
| Text | Displays a short message or instructions |
| vCard | Saves contact information to a phone |
| Wi-Fi | Connects to a wireless network |
| SMS | Sends a predefined SMS |
| Opens email client with subject/body | |
| Phone Number | Starts a call to the number |
| Geolocation | Opens a location in Maps |
Format details
๐Detailed Wi-Fi QR Code Format
QR Codes can connect a device to a Wi-Fi network โ perfect for cafes, coworking spaces, or Airbnb hosts.
Example :
WIFI:S:YourNetworkName;T:WPA;P:YourPassword;;
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIFI: | Required | Start of Wi-Fi QR string | WIFI: |
| S | Required | SSID (network name) | S:MyWiFiNetwork |
| T | Optional | Encryption type (WEP, WPA, nopass) | T:WPA |
| P | Optional | Password (leave blank if none) | P:supersecret123 |
| H | Optional | Hidden network (true/false) | H:true |
| ;; | Required | End of QR string | ;; |
Make sure to test your Wi-Fi QR code on both Android and iOS โ behavior may vary slightly.
๐ Detailed vCard Format
vCard QR Codes are especially popular for professionals and businesses โ they allow you to encode full contact info that can be saved to any phone.
Example :
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:Smith;John;
FN:John Smith
TITLE:Lead Designer
ORG:Smith Designs LLC
TEL;TYPE=work,VOICE:(111) 555-1212
TEL;TYPE=home,VOICE:(404) 386-1017
TEL;TYPE=fax:(866) 408-1212
EMAIL:smith.j@smithdesigns.com
ADR;TYPE=WORK,PREF:;;151 Moore Avenue;Grand Rapids;MI;49503;United States of America
URL:https://www.smithdesigns.com
END:VCARD
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEGIN:VCARD | Required | Start of vCard data | BEGIN:VCARD |
| VERSION | Required | Specifies vCard version (2.1, 3.0, 4.0) | VERSION:3.0 |
| N | Required | Last name, first name, etc. | N:Smith;John;;; |
| FN | Optional | Full formatted name | FN:John Smith |
| TITLE | Optional | Job title | TITLE:Lead Designer |
| ORG | Optional | Company or organization | ORG:Smith Designs LLC |
| TEL | Optional | Phone numbers with type | TEL;TYPE=work,VOICE:(111) 555-1212 |
| Optional | Email address | EMAIL:smith.j@smithdesigns.com | |
| ADR | Optional | Physical address | ADR;TYPE=WORK,PREF:;;151 Moore Ave;Grand Rapids;MI;49503;USA |
| URL | Optional | Website or portfolio | URL:https://smithdesigns.com |
| END:VCARD | Required | End of vCard data | END:VCARD |
Not all fields are required, but including key ones like N, FN, TEL, and EMAIL ensures your contact info is complete and easily savable.
๐ Detailed Geo QR Code Format
QR Codes can share a specific geolocation (latitude and longitude), opening the default map app on the userโs device.
Example :
geo:37.7749,-122.4194
This example points to San Francisco, CA.
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| geo: | Required | Indicates geolocation type | geo: |
| <latitude> | Required | Latitude coordinate | 37.7749 |
| <longitude> | Required | Longitude coordinate | -122.4194 |
Tip: You can also append altitude like geo:latitude,longitude,altitude, but most devices only use latitude and longitude.
๐ฌ Detailed SMS QR Code Format
SMS QR Codes open the default messaging app with a pre-filled number and message.
Example :
sms:+1234567890?body=Hello, Iโd like more info!
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sms: | Required | Begins the SMS QR Code | sms: |
| <phone number> | Required | Phone number to send the message to | +1234567890 |
| ?body= | Optional | Adds a pre-filled message | ?body=Hello! |
Note: The ?body= field is supported on most Android devices. On iOS, behavior may vary depending on the messaging app.
๐ง Detailed Email QR Code Format
Email QR Codes prefill an email to a specific recipient, including subject and body.
Example :
mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Iโm interested in your services.
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| mailto: | Required | Starts the email QR Code | mailto: |
| <email address> | Required | The recipient's email | hello@example.com |
| ?subject= | Optional | Email subject line | ?subject=Hello |
| &body= | Optional | Email message content | &body=How can I learn more? |
Note: Combine subject and body using & after the ?.
โ๏ธ Detailed Phone QR Code Format
Phone QR Codes initiate a call to a specific number when scanned.
Example :
tel:+1234567890
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| tel: | Required | Starts a phone call | tel: |
| <phone number> | Required | The number to dial | +1234567890 |
๐ Detailed URL QR Code Format
One of the most common types, URL QR Codes simply open a website or web app.
Example :
https://example.com
| Property | Presence | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| https:// or http:// | Required | Full website URL | https://example.com |
Try It Yourself โ Free QR Code Generator
Create any of the above QR Codes instantly using the QR Code Generator by UtilsWeb.
โ
Supports all major formats
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Simple interface โ no signup needed
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Download ready-to-use images for print or web