The Complete Guide to QR Code Formats: What Each Type Does and When to Use It

QR codes may look the same, but what’s inside determines how your phone or scanner reacts. Encode the wrong format, and a WiFi QR might just show plain text instead of connecting you to the network.

At QRCodeAI.online, we support all standard QR code data formats — each designed for a specific action. This guide explains what each one does and when to use it.

Why Format Matters

QR codes use standardized URI schemes recognized by operating systems like iOS and Android. When you scan a properly formatted code, your device triggers a native action:

• “Join this WiFi network”
• “Save this contact”
• “Open this website”

But if you encode the same data as plain text, your phone will only display it — no action, no automation.

1. URL (Web Address)

Format: Standard https:// or http:// link
Action: Opens the website in the default browser
Use for:

• Menus, portfolios, landing pages
• Event registration
• Social media profiles
  Best Practice: Use a short, trusted domain (e.g., yourbrand.com) to build user confidence.

2. WiFi Network

Format: Encodes SSID, password, and encryption type (WPA/WEP/None)
Action: On iOS and Android, prompts “Join Network”
Use for:

• Guest WiFi in cafes, offices, or homes
• Event venues
• Real estate open houses

  🔒 The password is never shown in plain text — and with QRCodeAI, it never leaves your browser.

3. vCard (Contact Information)

Format: Standard VCARD format with name, phone, email, etc.
Action: Prompts “Add [Name] as a contact?”
Use for:

• Business cards
• Resumes
• Networking events
• Team directories

  📲 Supports full contact details — including job title, website, and organization.

4. SMS (Text Message)

Format: sms:[number]?body=[message]
Action: Opens messaging app with pre-filled recipient and message
Use for:

• Customer support (“Scan to text us”)
• Appointment confirmations
• Feedback requests

  💬 The user can edit the message before sending.

5. Email

Format: mailto:[address]?subject=[...]&body=[...]
Action: Opens default email app with pre-filled fields
Use for:

• Collaboration requests
• Support tickets
• Newsletter sign-ups

6. Phone Number

Format: tel:[number]
Action: Prompts “Call [number]?”
Use for:

• Emergency contacts
• Business directories
• Event hotlines

7. Plain Text

Format: Any unstructured text
Action: Displays the text only — no automatic action
Use for:

• Short notes
• Codes or passwords (not recommended for sensitive data)
• Debugging

  ⚠️ Avoid this for actions like WiFi or contact sharing — use the proper format instead.

How to Generate the Correct Format

With QRCodeAI.online:

1. Select the data type (e.g., “WiFi Network”)
2. Fill in the fields — the tool auto-generates the correct technical format
3. Customize design (optional): colors, logo, corner styles
4. Test it using the built-in scanner (camera or file upload)
5. Download as PNG (for print) or SVG (for digital scaling)

🛡️ All processing happens locally in your browser. No data is ever sent to a server.

Pro Tips for Perfect Scanning

• Maintain contrast: Dark code on light background (e.g., #ff6f48 on white works well)
• Keep logo small: Never cover more than 30% of the code
• Test on multiple devices: iPhone, Android, older models
• Use static QR codes: They’re permanent, private, and never break

Final Thought

A QR code is only as good as its format.
By choosing the right type, you turn a simple square into an instant, trusted action — whether it’s connecting to WiFi, saving a contact, or opening your website.

And with the right tool, getting it right is effortless.

👉 Create Your Perfect QR Code Now — Free & Private