QR Code Types and Uses: What Can QR Codes Be Used For?

QR codes provide a way to connect physical or digital materials with information that can be accessed by scanning the code.

A QR code can contain different types of information depending on the generator and the format being used. Common applications include website links, text, contact information, menus, event information and other digital destinations.

One of the most common uses for a QR code is linking directly to a website.

A URL QR code can be placed on a poster, business card, product package, presentation or printed document. Someone scanning the code can then open the encoded webpage without manually typing the address.

This can be useful when a web address is long or when you want to make a digital destination accessible from a physical location.

QR codes can be used to provide text when the generator supports text encoding.

Text QR codes can be useful for short instructions, notes, reference information or other content that does not require the user to visit a website.

The amount of information that can be encoded depends on the QR code's capacity and the type of data being used.

QR codes can also be used to share contact information when the QR format and scanning application support the relevant contact-data format.

This can provide a convenient way to transfer details such as a name, phone number or email address without requiring someone to type the information manually.

Before distributing a contact QR code, test it with the devices and applications your intended audience is likely to use.

A QR code can complement a traditional business card by providing a digital destination or contact information.

For example, a business card can include a QR code that opens a website, portfolio or supported contact information.

The code should remain large enough and clear enough to scan without making the rest of the card difficult to read.

Restaurants, cafés and other businesses can use QR codes to provide access to digital menus.

A menu QR code can link to a webpage containing the current menu, which can make updating the information easier than replacing printed menus.

Before using a menu QR code, make sure the destination works on common mobile devices and remains accessible to the intended audience.

QR codes can provide convenient access to event information such as a website, registration page or other supported destination.

They can be included on invitations, posters, tickets, event programs and other materials.

Test the code before distributing event materials and confirm that the destination contains the information attendees are expected to find.

QR codes can connect printed marketing materials to digital content.

A poster, flyer or product advertisement can use a QR code to direct people to a website, campaign page or other digital destination.

The QR code should have a clear purpose so that people understand what they will access after scanning it.

Product packaging can use QR codes to provide additional digital information without putting all of the content directly on the package.

Possible destinations include product information, instructions, support pages or other relevant web content.

The placement and size of the QR code should account for the physical shape and printing conditions of the packaging.

Posters and flyers can use QR codes to provide a quick connection between printed information and an online destination.

Because posters and flyers may be viewed from different distances, consider the final size and placement of the code when designing the material.

Leave enough surrounding space so that the QR code remains visually distinct from nearby text and graphics.

A QR code can provide access to digital content such as a webpage, document or other supported destination.

This can be useful when the QR code is displayed on a screen and needs to provide another device with a quick way to access information.

The destination should be tested before the QR code is distributed or displayed.

QR codes are also used by payment systems to encode payment-related information.

Payment QR codes are generally tied to a particular payment service or payment standard rather than being interchangeable with every QR code generator.

If you need a payment QR code, use the payment provider's supported QR system and follow its requirements rather than assuming that a general-purpose QR generator creates a compatible payment code.

A static QR code directly contains the information encoded into it. If that information needs to change later, the QR code generally needs to be replaced unless the encoded destination itself provides another way to manage the content.

A dynamic QR code typically uses a managed destination that can allow the destination behind the code to be changed without replacing the printed QR code.

The exact features of dynamic QR codes depend on the service providing them.

The best QR code setup depends on what you want the person scanning it to accomplish.

If the goal is to open a website, a URL QR code is a straightforward option. If you need to provide text or supported contact information, choose the corresponding format.

For specialized uses such as payments, use the QR system supported by the relevant provider.

A QR code should be tested using the type of device and scanning environment expected by the audience.

For printed QR codes, test the final printed version rather than only the original digital file. For QR codes displayed on screens, test them at the expected viewing distance.

Testing helps identify problems with size, contrast, distortion, destination URLs or unsupported data formats before the code is distributed.

The [MartTools QR Code Generator](/tools/qr-generator) can be used to create QR codes from supported information.

Choose the type of content you want to encode, enter the required information and generate the QR code. Test the finished code before using it in printed or digital materials.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see [How to Create a QR Code](/blog/how-to-create-a-qr-code).

Decide what you want people to access or do after scanning.

Choose a QR code format that supports the required information.

Use a specialized payment QR system when working with payment providers.

Check that the destination or encoded information is correct.

Test the QR code on the devices and materials where it will actually be used.

Make the purpose of the QR code clear to the people scanning it.