QR Code Types: 16+ Primary QR Code Solutions
Little do people know, there are various QR code types you can create, and each has its unique function.
Apart from customizable QR codes, QR code generators have also advanced and revolutionized various types of solutions. So what are these? Keep on reading to learn more!
What is a QR code, and how is it generated?
QR codes are created using a QR code generator online.
A QR code, or quick response code, is a type of matrix barcode (or 2D barcode) that was first developed in 1994 for the Japanese automotive market.
A barcode is an optical mark visible by a computer, providing details regarding the object to which it is connected.
In practice, QR codes also include data that leads to a page or program with a locator, tag, or tracker.
Thanks to its easy readability and greater storage capacity than traditional UPC barcodes, the Quick Response system became common beyond the car industry.
QR codes also became widely used in brand monitoring, object recognition, time tracking, record processing, and general communication applications.
QR code types: 20 QR code solutions and their functions
QR TIGER can generate a wide array of QR codes and even customize them. Here are the lists of the QR code solutions.
URL QR code (static and dynamic)
You can use this type of QR code to convert a website or any landing page link into a QR code. URL QR code is available in static or dynamic type.
vCard QR code (dynamic)
With a vCard QR code, you can store information such as your social media accounts like Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, email, address, and many more!
File (dynamic)
File QR code lets you store various files. QR TIGER’s file QR code solution supports different file formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG, MP4, Excel, and Word.
Since the file QR code is dynamic in nature, you can change the stored file in your QR code anytime and redirect scanners to a new file.
Link in Bio QR code or Social Media QR code (dynamic)
You can generate your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp, URL, and other profile accounts using this QR code solution.
Once your social media QR code is scanned, it will display your social media profiles, making it convenient for the scanners to like, follow, subscribe, or connect to your pages.
Landing page QR code or H5 editor QR code (dynamic)
Landing page QR code (previously called the H5 editor QR code) allows you to make a custom mobile-optimized webpage or landing page.
With this solution, you can create a quick setup for a landing page in a matter of seconds. You don’t need to buy your own domain or use a website builder, which can cost you a hefty price.
Google Form QR code
The Google Form QR code solution lets you store your Google Form link in the QR code.
You can use this solution when administering a digital check-in, event registration, online attendance, questionnaires and surveys, and feedback acquisition.
This QR code solution will immediately lead your audience to your Google Form in just a single scan.
Wi-Fi QR code (static)
This creates a better user experience for internet users.
App stores QR code (dynamic)
App stores QR code will redirect your scanners to the Google Play Store, App Store, or AppGallery. They will be automatically redirected based on their devices’ operating systems.
This solution allows scanners to download and install mobile applications instantly.
GS1 digital link QR code (dynamic)
Generate GS1-compliant QR codes to provide standardized product identification for smoother product flow throughout the supply chain.
You can choose from two versions: The simplified and extended forms.
With this dynamic solution, you can easily update unique product codes that are globally recognized.
Multi URL QR code (dynamic)
The multi URL QR code solution is one of the most QR code solutions to date.
It’s a multifunctional tool that redirects scanners to different landing pages depending on: 1. Device language; 2. Scanning time; 3. Number of QR code scans; and 4. Scanner’s geographical location.
This QR code solution can be used to run specific marketing campaigns. It’s best for location-based campaigns, limited promo ads, or translated web pages with localized content.
MP3 QR code (dynamic)
You can convert your podcast, MP3, or soundtrack using an MP3 QR code. This is ideal for a music event concert, advertising, or marketing!
This solution supports audio files in MP3 and WAV formats. Scanners can directly listen to the audio file stored in the QR code using this solution.
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest QR code (static and dynamic)
You can also generate an individual QR code for popular online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Email QR code (dynamic)
Once scanned, people can instantly email or send you a message via email. They no longer need to type your email credentials manually.
Text QR code (static)
This type of QR code solution allows you to display a simple text consisting of words, numbers, and special characters. A combination of all of them in one.
It is one of the most basic QR code types. It displays texts or messages even without an internet connection.
SMS QR code (static)
SMS QR code is a static QR code solution that can store a mobile phone number and a message. It streamlines contact information-sharing and communication, making it more efficient.
Once scanned, it redirects people to the messaging app containing the stored mobile number and pre-filled message.
Event QR code (static)
Event QR code is a static solution that allows users to store event details like the name of the event, location, and duration of the entire event (start and end time of the event).
Location QR code (static)
Location QR code, also a static QR code solution, allows users to store exact location points using the specific area’s latitude and longitude.
This solution helps people easily navigate their way to a specific location using a mapping service app on their device.
Static QR code vs. Dynamic QR code
QR codes have two types: Static QR codes and Dynamic QR codes. Let’s explore these QR code types and learn how they work to understand the difference of these two QR code formats.
This part is crucial to know which type of QR code is best for your business or campaign.
Static QR codes
Static QR codes are free to create in any online QR code generator. But mostly, they only function for a limited time.
For example, some QR code generators will require a 14-day trial period; your static QR code will not function after that. Thus redirecting you to an error 404 page.
But in QR TIGER, you can produce as many static QR codes as you like, and they will never expire, and your QR codes will have unlimited scans!
But the catch? The data behind a static QR code will only lead you to a permanent address, and it is not changeable.
This applies to all QR code generator software. Once the QR code is static, the information is hard-coded and cannot be changed.
Dynamic QR codes
Dynamic QR codes are an advanced type of QR code. That’s why they require an active subscription to any online QR code generators.
With dynamic QR codes, you are free to edit, change, or update the stored data in your QR code anytime, even when it has been printed or deployed.
Dynamic QR codes are not just editable, but they’re also trackable. QR code tracking feature allows users to monitor the QR code performance.
Users can view the scan activity, such as the total and unique scans, scan time stamp, scan location, device used, GPS map, and Map chart.
There are two QR code formats you can save your custom QR code: PNG and SVG format. These two formats ensure high quality image.
Best QR code practices
In order to make your QR code gain traction and scans, there are certain guidelines a user should follow in order to make a successful QR code campaign. Here’s how to make the most of your QR code:
Put a frame and call-to-action in your QR code
Always put a frame and CTA to your QR code so people know what to do with your QR code or what your QR code is all about.
This gives them direction and makes your QR code more credible and professional. This way, people will likely scan your QR code.
Customize your QR code
Monochromatic QR code colors don’t gain so much attention.
A custom-made QR code gains more traction and scans than a plain-looking QR code. Make your QR code stand out by personalizing it. You can incorporate your branding elements to match your brand.
Add colors to your QR code, play with the patterns and eyes, set unique edges, and add a customized frame and logo to make it stunning.
Note: Don’t over-customize your QR code to the point of compromising its scannability.
Adding your brand’s logo
Branded QR codes leave an impression and result in 80% more scans than monochromatic QR code colors.
Make your QR codes a part of your overall brand awareness strategy by adding your business logo and other essential branding elements.
Adding a logo makes your QR code even more unique, credible, and professional-looking.
Apply the right QR code size
Your QR code will vary in size. They will vary when attached or printed on business cards, flyers, brochures, magazines, and billboards.
Before printing your QR code, always do a scan test to ensure it scans and leads you to the right landing page.
QR TIGER QR Code Generator: All-in-one QR code software
QR TIGER is a trusted QR code generator serving more than 850,000 brands worldwide, including Disney, Universal, TikTok, McDonald’s, Cartier, Lululemon, and Hilton.
It’s an innovative product known for its excellence on ProductHunt and consistently receiving top ratings on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Sourcerforge.
What makes QR TIGER unique is its exceptional performance. It can create 3,000 QR codes in one go. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and brands with high-volume QR code needs.
It’s an all-in-one software that offers a wide range of smart QR code solutions and advanced features to help all businesses achieve QR code-powered campaigns.
QR TIGER is not just a QR code generator. It’s your companion toward successful tech-savvy campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of QR codes are there?
QR code has many types, and they mainly encode information in four standardized modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji)
But to categorize the types of QR code solutions, these are URL QR codes, Link in Bio QR codes for social media, vCard, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Multi URL, app stores, WIFI, Landing page (H5 editor), and many more.
SVG QR code or PNG QR code: Which file format to choose when you download your QR code?
SVG or Scalable Vector Graphics allows you to scale up your QR code to any size without affecting its image quality.
For example, if you are planning to print your QR code in a billboard type, SVG format is the best option.
PNG Portable Network Graphics is a format to use online but can also be printed, although a PNG has less quality than an SVG. It is a raster graphics file format that supports lossless data compression.
