QR Code Types: Every Format Explained (URL, WiFi, vCard & More)
QR codes can encode many different data types — each triggers a different action on the scanner's phone. Learn which type fits your use case.
All QR code types
Static vs. dynamic QR codes
- ·Free — no account needed
- ·Permanent — cannot be changed
- ·No scan tracking
- ·Best for: personal use, one-time campaigns
- ·Download: PNG or SVG
- ·From $9/month or $150 lifetime
- ·Editable — change destination anytime
- ·Full scan analytics
- ·Best for: print materials, business use
- ·No scan limits, no code limits
Common questions
How many types of QR codes are there?
There are many QR code content types, including URL, vCard (contact), Wi-Fi, plain text, email, SMS, phone, calendar events, and platform-specific types for social media, payments, and messaging apps. The underlying QR standard (ISO 18004) is the same — only the encoded data format changes.
What is the most common type of QR code?
URL QR codes are the most common — they encode a website URL and open it in the phone's browser when scanned. All other types (vCard, Wi-Fi, social media) are variations that encode data in a format the phone can automatically act on.
What's the difference between a static and dynamic QR code type?
All QR code types (URL, vCard, Wi-Fi, etc.) can be static or dynamic. A static QR code permanently encodes the data. A dynamic QR code encodes a redirect URL that can be changed — so any content type can be made editable and trackable.
Can any QR code type be made dynamic?
Yes — dynamic QR codes work with any content type by encoding a short redirect URL as the QR payload. The redirect then serves the appropriate content (menu page, vCard download, Wi-Fi credentials) to the scanner.