Types of QR Codes

Discover every QR code type — understand what each one does, when to use it, and which types can be tracked with real-time analytics.

URL QR Codes

Most Popular Easy to Use Universal Fully Trackable

The most versatile QR code type — simply encodes a URL and redirects the scanner to any web page. Used by businesses of every size for product pages, landing pages, menus and campaigns. When created as a dynamic code in Guru QR, you can change the destination at any time without reprinting.

Best Used For:

  • Website landing pages and campaigns
  • Product information and e-commerce pages
  • Online restaurant menus
  • Event registration and ticketing
  • Social media profiles and portfolios
  • Video content and tutorials
  • Contact forms and feedback surveys
  • Digital business cards

vCard QR Codes

Professional Contact Sharing Trackable via URL

A vCard QR code encodes your full contact information — name, phone, email, company, website and more — so anyone who scans it can save your details directly to their phone's contacts in a single tap. Far more effective than paper business cards, and impossible to lose.

Best Used For:

  • Business cards and stationery
  • Email signatures
  • Conference and event badges
  • Networking events
  • Real estate agent boards
  • Trade show booth displays

WiFi QR Codes

Convenient Guest-Friendly

Encode your WiFi network name (SSID) and password so guests can connect instantly — no typing required. Perfect for hospitality businesses, co-working spaces and anywhere that offers guest WiFi. Note: WiFi QR codes are static and cannot be dynamically edited or tracked.

Best Used For:

  • Coffee shops, cafes and restaurants
  • Hotels and guest houses
  • Office and co-working space receptions
  • Retail stores and showrooms
  • Medical and dental waiting rooms
  • Airbnb and short-let properties

SMS / Text QR Codes

Engagement Marketing Trackable via URL

Pre-fill an SMS message with a recipient number and message body. When scanned, the user's messaging app opens with everything ready to send — they just tap send. Great for opt-ins, shortcode campaigns and direct customer engagement.

Best Used For:

  • Competition and contest entries
  • Customer feedback collection
  • SMS newsletter opt-ins
  • Appointment booking reminders
  • Survey participation invites
  • Customer support shortcodes

Email QR Codes

Communication Support

Pre-populate an email with a recipient address, subject line and message body. Scanning opens the user's email app with everything filled in — making it effortless for customers to reach you or respond to a campaign.

Best Used For:

  • Customer support contact points
  • Product and purchase feedback
  • Product enquiry forms on packaging
  • Sales team contact at events
  • Partnership and supplier enquiries
  • Press and media contacts

Location / Map QR Codes

Navigation Directions

Encode GPS coordinates or an address so that scanning opens the location directly in Google Maps, Apple Maps or the user's default map app. Eliminates the frustration of customers failing to find you and is far more reliable than printed written directions.

Best Used For:

  • Retail and restaurant locations
  • Event venue directions
  • Delivery and click-and-collect points
  • Tourist attraction and heritage site guides
  • Meeting point coordination at large events
  • Property listings and viewings

Make any QR code dynamic — change the destination without reprinting

With Guru QR's dynamic QR codes (available from the Hobbyist plan at $6/mo), you can update the destination URL of any QR code at any time. Print a menu today, update it tomorrow. Run a seasonal campaign without a new print run. Dynamic codes are available on all paid plans.

QR Code Type Comparison

At a glance — which QR code types support tracking, dynamic editing and analytics.

QR Code Type Trackable Dynamic / Editable Analytics Plan Required
URL QR Codes Free (basic) / Paid (full)
vCard QR Codes Hobbyist+
WiFi QR Codes Any plan (static)
SMS / Text QR Codes Hobbyist+
Email QR Codes Hobbyist+
Location / Map QR Codes Hobbyist+

Ready to Create Your First QR Code?

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