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QR Code types and their uses

Learn the different types of QR Codes you can create on The QR Code Generator and what you can use them for

Bidisha Sinha avatar
Written by Bidisha Sinha
Updated over a week ago

The QR Code Generator offers a variety of QR Codes, each designed for a specific purpose. Here's a quick overview of the types available and where you can use them:

1. URL type QR Code

What it does: Links to a website or web page.

Use cases:

  • Marketing & Promotions: Direct users to websites, product pages, or campaigns via ads, posters, and packaging.

  • Business & Operations: Streamline access to menus, registration forms, feedback surveys, or check-in pages.

  • Social Media & Personal Branding: Link to profiles, portfolios, or websites from business cards, emails, or resumes.

  • Events & Entertainment: Provide event details, tickets, or exhibit information in a quick, contactless format.

  • Education & Learning: Share resources, assignments, or additional content easily in classrooms or online learning.

2. PDF type QR Code

What it does: Opens a PDF document directly.

Use cases:

  • Product Manuals & Guides: Link to instruction booklets, user manuals, or warranty documents without bulky prints.

  • Business & Operations: Share company profiles, service catalogs, brochures, or policy documents easily and professionally.

  • Events & Education: Provide access to event schedules, speaker bios, handouts, or class notes in a single scan.

  • Marketing & Sales: Distribute portfolios, case studies, price lists, or marketing decks through print ads or business cards.

  • Legal & Admin: Attach contracts, NDAs, terms and conditions, or compliance documents for quick, secure reference.

3. Multi-URL type QR Code

What it does: Leads to a page with multiple links.

Use cases:

  • Social Media & Personal Branding: Share all your platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, portfolio, blog) from one QR Code — great for bios, resumes, and business cards.

  • Event & Campaign Hubs: Provide attendees or viewers with access to a schedule, speaker list, ticket info, and feedback forms — all in one place.

  • Marketing & Promotions: Link to product pages, discounts, how-to videos, or social reviews from a single scan on posters or packaging.

  • Education & Training: Offer students access to multiple resources like readings, videos, assignments, and external tools from one centralized QR code.

  • Client Onboarding & Support: Give new clients a single point of access to tutorials, FAQs, contact info, documents, and portals.

4. File type QR Code

What it does: Opens a doc, image, or video file.

Use cases:

  • Marketing & Sales Collateral: Share brochures, case studies, pitch decks, or product sheets in print or digital campaigns.

  • Training & Onboarding: Provide access to handbooks, training materials, or onboarding checklists in workplaces or classrooms.

  • Event Materials: Distribute speaker slides, schedules, floor plans, or event kits via posters, badges, or welcome packs.

  • Customer Support & Instructions: Offer downloadable guides, FAQs, service manuals, or troubleshooting documents directly on packaging or devices.

  • Administrative & Legal Use: Share policies, contracts, application forms, or consent documents securely and efficiently.

5. Contact type QR Code

What it does: Saves contact details to the user's phone.

Use cases:

  • Networking & Business Cards: Instantly share your name, phone number, email, job title, and company info without manual typing.

  • Events & Conferences: Enable easy connection between attendees, speakers, or exhibitors with scannable badges or materials.

  • Retail & Service Professionals: Let customers quickly save your contact for appointments, inquiries, or support (e.g., salons, real estate agents, consultants).

  • Customer Touchpoints: Add to brochures, menus, or store displays so customers can contact you without searching.

  • Job Applications & Portfolios: Include on resumes or portfolios to help recruiters or clients connect with you instantly.

6. Social Media type QR Code

What it does: Opens a specific social media profile.

Use cases:

  • Personal Branding & Networking: Share all your social profiles (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) from one scan — perfect for resumes, business cards, or portfolios.

  • Marketing & Promotions: Use on posters, packaging, or merchandise to drive traffic to your brand’s social pages and grow your audience.

  • Events & Campaigns: Let attendees follow or tag your event pages instantly by scanning QR codes on banners, booths, or badges.

7. Plain Text type QR Code

What it does: Displays simple text.

Use cases:

  • Quick Info Sharing: Share short messages, instructions, or announcements directly without needing a website or file.

  • Event Details: Display event timings, venue instructions, or reminders that users can read instantly after scanning.

  • Product Info: Provide product details, ingredients, or safety warnings right on packaging or labels.

8. App type QR Code

What it does: Links directly to an app’s download page (App Store or Google Play).

Use cases:

  • App Downloads: Direct users straight to your app’s download page on the App Store or Google Play for easy installation.

  • App Updates & Promotions: Share links to app update pages or special in-app offers through print ads, packaging, or events.

  • User Onboarding: Quickly guide new users to download and start your app from onboarding materials, welcome kits, or demos.

9. Location QR Code

What it does: Opens a map with a pinned location.

Use cases:

  • Event Venues & Directions: Help attendees quickly find the exact location of an event, conference, or meetup by scanning the code.

  • Retail & Hospitality: Share your store, restaurant, or hotel location to make it easy for customers to navigate or book rides.

  • Tourism & Travel: Provide visitors with map locations for landmarks, museums, or tourist spots during self-guided tours.

10. SMS QR Code

What it does: Opens a text message with a pre-filled number and message.

Use cases:

  • Quick Customer Support: Let customers send a predefined text message to your support number instantly for faster assistance.

  • Marketing Campaigns: Enable users to easily join promotions, contests, or subscriptions by sending a text with a single scan.

  • Event RSVP & Feedback: Simplify event confirmations or feedback collection by prompting attendees to send a specific SMS.

11. Email QR Code

What it does: Opens an email draft with recipient, subject, and body pre-filled.

Use cases:

  • Quick Contact: Allow people to instantly open a new email draft with your address, subject, and message pre-filled for easy communication.

  • Customer Support & Feedback: Make it simple for customers to send inquiries or feedback without typing your email manually.

  • Marketing & Promotions: Encourage users to scan and email you directly to request brochures, quotes, or special offers.

12. Phone QR Code

What it does: Initiates a phone call to a preset number.

Use cases:

  • Instant Calling: Let customers or contacts call you immediately by scanning the QR Code—perfect for business cards or storefronts.

  • Customer Support: Place on product packaging or manuals so users can quickly reach your helpline without searching for the number.

  • Event or Service Booking: Make it easy for clients to book appointments or reservations by calling directly from the QR Code scan.

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