How-To
Beginner
1 min read
257 words
QR Code Content Generation Patterns and Best Practices
QR codes can encode URLs, contact cards, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. Each content type follows a specific format that scanning apps interpret automatically.
Key Takeaways
- The most commonly searched format:
- QR codes include redundancy for damage tolerance:
- Use short URLs or URL shorteners for smaller QR codes
QR Code Content Types
| Type | Format | Scanner Action |
|---|---|---|
| URL | https://example.com |
Opens browser |
mailto:[email protected] |
Opens email composer | |
| Phone | tel:+1234567890 |
Initiates call |
| SMS | smsto:+1234567890:Hello |
Opens messaging app |
| Wi-Fi | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; |
Connects to network |
| vCard | BEGIN:VCARD...END:VCARD |
Adds contact |
| Calendar | BEGIN:VEVENT...END:VEVENT |
Creates event |
| Plain text | Any string | Displays text |
Wi-Fi QR Code Format
The most commonly searched format:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;H:false;;
Parameters:
- T = Authentication type (WPA, WEP, or nopass)
- S = Network SSID (name)
- P = Password
- H = Hidden network (true/false)
vCard Format
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:Doe;John;;;
TEL:+1234567890
EMAIL:[email protected]
ORG:Example Corp
END:VCARD
Error Correction Levels
QR codes include redundancy for damage tolerance:
| Level | Recovery | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| L (7%) | Low | Clean digital displays |
| M (15%) | Medium | General use (default) |
| Q (25%) | Quartile | Printed materials |
| H (30%) | High | Labels, stickers (logo overlay) |
Higher error correction means larger QR codes (more modules) for the same data.
Best Practices
- Use short URLs or URL shorteners for smaller QR codes
- Test scanning with multiple apps and devices
- Maintain adequate quiet zone (margin) around the code
- Use high contrast (dark modules on light background)
- Track scans by appending UTM parameters to URLs