Types of QR Codes With Examples and Use Cases

When was the last time you scanned a QR Code? It probably wasn’t long ago.

QR Codes are now a part of daily life, and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile and are used almost everywhere, from billboards to product packaging and even on movie tickets you buy.

This versatility comes from the many types of QR Codes, each designed to meet specific business needs and use cases.

This article explains the different types of QR Codes and when to use them. It will help you choose the right type that fits your needs. Let’s get started.

Table of contents

1. What are the main types of QR Codes?
2. Types of QR Codes based on data flexibility
3. Types of QR Codes based on use cases
4. Types of QR Codes based on formats
5. Which QR Code works best for your industry?
6. Choosing the right QR Code type with The QR Code Generator (TQRCG)
7. Pick the QR Code that works for you
8. Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of QR Codes?

There are more than 30 variations of QR Codes in use today. But most fall into three broad categories based on data flexibility, use case, and format type:

1. Data flexibility: Refers to whether the content linked to the QR Code can be edited after the code is created.
2. Use case: This is based on the type of content encoded in the QR Code.
3. Format type: This is based on the amount of data and the size of the QR Code. Some formats are created for specialized use cases.

Understanding how QR Codes differ across these parameters can help you pick the right kind for your campaign. Let’s look at each of these QR Codes in detail. 

Types of QR Codes based on data flexibility

Data flexibility is your ability to change the content once a QR Code is created. The two types of QR Codes based on this are: static and dynamic. To choose the right solution for your needs, it’s essential to understand the difference between static and dynamic QR Codes. 

1. Static QR Code

In a static QR Code, the data is directly encoded into the QR Code itself. This means the content cannot be edited once the code is generated. Any changes require you to create a new QR Code.

Pros:

• Free to create using any QR Code generator
• Never expires, ensuring long-term accessibility
• Simple and reliable for permanent, unchanging information.

Cons:

• Content is fixed and cannot be updated after creation
• No ability to track scans or measure user engagement

Best uses:

• Sharing permanent information such as Wi-Fi passwords, documents, or plain text
• One-time campaigns where updates are not required

2. Dynamic QR Code

A dynamic QR Code lets you edit the destination URL or content without changing the QR Code design. This means you can print the code once and still change the content later. Moreover, dynamic QR Codes offer tracking features to show who scanned the code, when, and where.

Pros:

• Content can be updated or redirected at any time, even after printing
• Provides detailed analytics such as scan count, location, device type, and engagement metrics
• Can be set to expire or be deactivated for time-sensitive campaigns

Cons:

• Typically requires a paid QR Code platform (though some platforms offer limited free dynamic codes)
• Relies on third-party services for management and analytics

Best uses:

• Marketing campaigns that require performance tracking and retargeting
• Content that changes frequently or varies by location, time of day, or user behavior
• When advanced analytics are needed, such as the number of scans, devices used, or scan locations

Choosing between static and dynamic QR Codes

Types of QR Codes based on use cases

Today, there are QR Codes for almost all your needs. Let’s look at the most common QR Codes based on their use cases:

1. Communication and contact sharing

• vCard/contact card QR Code: Instantly saves your contact information to a user’s phone. Suppose you are a real estate agent using this for a flyer, and your number changes, you don’t need to reprint them.
• Email QR Code: This QR Code directly opens in the email inbox of the person who scanned it with your email already inputted. Email QR Codes can be added in your marketing materials with pre-filled requirements.
• SMS QR Code: Scanning this QR Code initiates a text message to a pre-defined number. Restaurants can use this to gather feedback on a designated number.

2. Marketing and content delivery

• URL QR Code: Directs you to the landing page or website URL you added while creating the QR Code. For example, museums can share the history behind a particular display.
• Landing page/campaign QR Code: This code routes users to marketing or promotional pages with UTM information added. If you are a store owner, you can easily update your seasonal promotion details.
• Multi-URL QR Code: This code displays multiple URLs simultaneously on a web page. It can also display different content based on the device type, location, time of day, or language. This is great for marketers promoting an app or service on different platforms.
• App Store QR Code: This QR Code directs users to your app on their app store based on their device. It makes it easy for users to download your app without manually typing it.
• Social media QR Code: This QR Code takes users to your social media profile or a link-in-bio landing page. This can include platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Facebook.
• YouTube QR Code: This QR Code opens a specific YouTube video. It’s perfect if you want to direct users to a product demo or tutorial without them needing to search.
• Video QR Code: Scanning this QR Code opens a hosted video file or landing page. Use this for customer testimonials or behind-the-scenes content.
• Audio QR Code: This QR Code plays an audio clip or podcast. For example, you can link to a voice note, music sample, or your Spotify QR Code.
• PDF QR Code: This QR Code links to downloadable brochures, menus, or guides. That means if you are a restaurant owner with new specials weekly, you don’t need to generate a QR Code every time.
• Document QR Code: This QR Code opens a document such as a Canva file or PowerPoint presentation. It is ideal for resumes, pitch decks, or proposals.
• Image QR Code: Scanning this QR Code shows an image, such as a poster, banner, or ad creative. You can use it to display a product mockup or creative visual.
• Newsletter QR Code: This QR Code takes readers to a sign-up form to join your email list. You can use this on booths, packaging, or receipts to grow subscribers.

3. Engagement and data collection

• Form QR Code: This QR Code opens a Google Form or any form builder of your choice to collect leads, feedback, or event registrations.
• Survey QR Code: This QR Code links directly to a survey you created on platforms such as SurveyMonkey. It can be great for post-purchase feedback or team member engagement surveys.

4. Event and scheduling

• Event QR Code: This QR Code displays event details such as date, time, and location, and lets users save the event to their calendar. It can be used for conferences, workshops, and webinars.
• Calendar QR Code: This QR Code lets the user add an appointment or event to your digital calendar. You can add links to Calendly or Google Calendar to the code and add it to your business card.

5. Utility and access

• Plain text QR Code: Scanning this QR Code shows you simple text. You can use it in games like a treasure hunt to give hints in different locations.
• Location QR Code: This QR Code opens a Google Maps location. It helps share store addresses or venue directions.
• Wi-Fi QR Code: This QR Code connects users to your Wi-Fi network without them needing to type the password. It can be used in cafes, co-working spaces, or guest lounges.
• Payment QR Code: This QR Code takes users to a payment platform such as PayPal or a UPI QR. It’s commonly used in retail counters, donation drives, and freelancer invoices.
• Inventory QR Code: Displays inventory information or links to a product page. Great for inventory management or in retail stores to alert out-of-stock products.

Types of QR Codes based on formats

Not all QR Codes look the same, or offer the same functionality. Some QR Codes can store more data or fit in a tiny space on a soda can. There are multiple variations of QR Codes based on their format. 

Let’s look at the most common ones.

Which QR Code works best for your industry?

There are countless ways QR Codes can be used to generate revenue. In this section, we’ll give you some of the best replicable examples of how to use QR Codes in your industry.

Marketers and sales professionals

QR Codes can help you connect your field marketing to digital marketing by tracking your campaigns and re-targeting your prospects digitally. The best part is that you can endlessly reuse your old flyers and banners at any outdoor event. For long-term campaigns, this is an investment. Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Promo code QR Code: Share exclusive discounts via print ads or packaging to drive quick conversions.
• Feedback QR Code: Collect real-time responses from events or product experiences.
• Newsletter signup QR Code: Grow your email list by placing signup forms in stores, booths, or packaging.
• Review QR Code: Prompt customers to leave reviews after purchase or service completion.

Example: Pizza Hut used a dynamic QR Code on the back of its delivery vehicles to promote its Cheeseburger Melt. When scanned, the code offered a free Cheeseburger and Pepsi to accompany it.

Pro tip: Get advanced analytics into your QR Code campaigns with UTM links.

UTM links are a great way to get insights into which of your marketing efforts worked most effectively. You can create different links for the same QR Code based on the medium to which you will distribute it. For example, a different QR Code link can be used for a flyer and a billboard.

The QR Code Generator (TQRCG) has an inbuilt Campaign URL link builder. Here’s how you access it:

Step 1: Click the loudspeaker icon on the right side of the Enter URL input box.

Step 2: Add your URL, Campaign medium, source, and name.

Step 3: Click on Confirm, and your QR Code UTM link is ready to use!

HR and corporate teams

If you are in HR or corporate teams, vCard and multi-link QR Codes can make it easy for you to share information. You can also use it for recruitment drives. Here are a few ideas:

• vCard/business card: Share your contact information instantly at job fairs or events.
• Internal form QR Code: Distribute HR forms such as leave requests or policy updates, efficiently.
• Log in session QR Code: Have a code to track employee check-ins and check-outs.

Example: McDonald’s used QR Codes shaped like its most popular items to attract job applicants. They put these QR Codes all over France, where people usually spend time at bus and train stops. The codes had a #reQRuitement to signify they were for a recruitment campaign.

Hospitality and F&B professionals

46% of restaurants in the US already use QR Codes for menus, and the other 48% use them for digital payments. But there are a lot more ways you can use QR Codes:

• Menu QR Code: Share your latest menu and update it in real-time without reprinting.
• QR Code for kitchen display systems: Send orders digitally from the table to the kitchen.
• Table tent QR Code: Promote upsells or gather feedback right from the customer’s seat.
• QR Codes on promotional flyers: Share special offers or event information in nearby locations.

Example: IHG Hotels & Resorts added QR Codes to in-room TVs, allowing guests to stream content from their phones via Apple AirPlay. This way, guests can enjoy a personalized entertainment experience.

Churches and educational institutes

Churches can encourage community participation, keep members informed, and gather donations with QR Codes. Here are some ways you can make it happen:

• Church bulletins QR Codes: Share weekly service schedules, sermons, and announcements.
• Church membership QR Codes: Let new members register or existing ones update records.
• Church event QR Codes: Simplify event sign-ups and RSVPs for prayer meets or community gatherings.
• Church Donations QR Code: Enable digital tithes or fundraising with payment-enabled QR Codes.

Example: The Church of England has a provision to get QR Codes for donations. Members can get QR Codes via their charity provider to collect donations via a QR Code in their Church.

Regarding the educational sector, QR Codes can simplify access to resources and study materials. They are ideal for both students and faculty. Here are some ways QR Codes can supplement schools:

• QR Codes on lecture slides: Link to extra materials, reading lists, or presentations.
• QR Codes on campus maps: Help new students and visitors find their way around campus.
• QR Codes on study guides: Give quick access to notes or reference material before exams.
• QR Codes on administrative forms: Let students submit forms or pay fees digitally.

Example: From 2026, almost all textbooks to be used by first- and second-year high school students in Japan will have QR Codes. These QR Codes will link to additional visual and audio materials, adding more current information not covered in the textbooks.

Choosing the right QR Code type with The QR Code Generator (TQRCG)

Picking the wrong type of QR Code can mean reprinting all your marketing material if something changes later. The QR Code Generator (TQRCG) solves this with its Smart Selector. It’s an easy-to-use feature automatically recommends the right QR Code type for your specific use case.

How the Smart Selector works

Let’s walk through how TQRCG’s Smart Selector helps you get it right from the start.

Step 1: Choose the right destination for your campaign

When you open the QR Code Generator (TQRCG),  you’ll see a list of content types:

1. URL 
2. PDF
3. Multi-URL
4. Contact/ vCard
5. Plain text
6. App 
7. SMS
8. Email
9. Phone

Select the type of QR Code you wish to create.

Step 2: Smart Selector recommends the right QR Code type

If your use case needs editing and tracking later (such as PDFs or URLs), TQRCG automatically sets it to a dynamic QR Code.

It uses a static QR Code for fixed content such as plain text or one-time contact details.

 Step 3: Customize and download

Personalize the QR Code design, test it, and download for print or digital use

Pick the QR Code that works for you

Whether you categorize them by data flexibility, endless use cases, or diverse formats, there’s a type of QR Code built for your exact need. The key is knowing which one to use (and when). Static QR Codes are great for quick, one-time use, while dynamic QR Codes let you edit, track, and personalize at scale.

At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing what fits your needs best. And if you want to make that choice easier, The QR Code Generator (TQRCG) has you covered. Its Smart Selector helps you pick the right type automatically. Plus, you can customize, track, and manage all your QR Codes in one place.

Ready to get started? Sign up and try TQRCG today!

Frequently asked questions