Select QR Type
Email QR Code
Opens email client with pre-filled recipient, subject & body
QR Code Preview
Fill in the form to generate your QR code.
Beyond Simple Text and URLs
A basic QR code just encodes text. But modern smartphones understand special URI schemes and data formats that trigger specific actions — opening a dialer, launching WhatsApp, saving a contact, or dropping a pin on a map — all with a single scan. This tool lets you create all of those types from one place.
Each QR type builds the correct format automatically. You fill in the fields, the tool handles the encoding, and the result works on any smartphone without any app.
All 12 QR Types Explained
| Type | What happens when scanned |
|---|---|
| Opens the mail app with the To address, Subject, and Body already filled in. | |
| SMS | Opens the Messages app with the phone number and pre-written text ready to send. |
| Phone Call | Shows a call prompt so the user can dial the number with one tap. |
| Opens WhatsApp and starts a chat with the number, optionally with a pre-filled message. | |
| vCard Contact | Presents a "Save Contact" prompt — name, phone, email, company, and website are saved to the address book. |
| Location | Opens Google Maps (or the default maps app) pinned to the address or coordinates. |
| X (Twitter) | Opens the X/Twitter profile, post, or page in a browser or the app. |
| Opens the Facebook profile, page, or post in a browser or the app. | |
| Opens the LinkedIn profile or company page. | |
| Opens the Instagram profile. | |
| YouTube | Opens the YouTube channel or video. |
| Telegram | Opens Telegram and navigates to the username or channel. |
Real-World Use Cases
- The vCard QR on a business card is genuinely useful. Someone scans it, taps "Save Contact," and your name, number, email, and company are straight in their phone — no typing, no misreading handwriting, no relying on them to do it later.
- Restaurants and shops get a lot of mileage from the WhatsApp QR. Customers can message you directly without searching for your number. Pair it with a Location QR on a flyer so first-time visitors can find you on the map.
- Creators putting usernames on merch, posters, or packaging: a QR for Instagram, YouTube, or Telegram converts much better than a typed URL. One scan and they're on your profile. No manual search required.
- For events and conferences, Email and Phone Call QR codes on badges or flyers let people reach out on the spot. The SMS type works particularly well for support lines — pre-fill the number and a short message so customers don't have to type anything.
- If you've ever tried to share coordinates or an address verbally, Location QR is the fix. Scan once, maps app opens pinned to exactly the right spot.
Tips for Best Results
- Test-scan with a real phone before printing anything. What renders correctly on screen can sometimes fail on paper if the QR is too small or the contrast is too low.
- SVG is the right format for printed materials — it scales to any size without losing quality. PNG or JPEG for websites, emails, and social posts.
- High contrast matters. Dark dots on a light background or light dots on a dark background both scan reliably. Low-contrast colour combinations (like navy on black) won't scan consistently.
- For social media usernames you can enter just the handle (e.g.
@johndoe) — the full profile URL is built automatically. - Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
Common Questions
How do I create a QR code with this tool?
Pick a type from the tabs, fill in the fields, and the QR generates as you type. Adjust size and colours if needed, then download in PNG, SVG, or JPEG.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free. No account, no login, no watermark.
Do I need a special app to scan these QR codes?
No. The built-in Camera app on iOS 11+ and Android 9+ handles all 12 types natively. For older phones, Google Lens works fine.
Why isn't the WhatsApp QR working on my phone?
Make sure WhatsApp is installed and the phone number is entered with the country code (e.g. +44 for UK, +1 for US). Without the country code the link won't resolve correctly.
Can I customise the QR code colours?
Yes — use the colour pickers in the customisation panel to set the QR dot colour and background. Just make sure there's enough contrast between the two or the QR won't scan.
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