QR types

QR code types

Q: What is the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?

A static QR code encodes the final destination directly into the pattern. If that URL changes, the code stops working. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect instead — the destination can be updated from your dashboard at any time without reprinting. URL, PDF, and app download types on Qrinly are dynamic by default.

16 formats across 4 categories. Some encode data directly. Managed destination types can be updated after printing.

How it works

What happens when someone scans a QR code

The full sequence from scan to action takes under one second — no app required on any modern phone.

1
Camera detects the pattern
Any modern smartphone camera — iOS or Android — recognises QR codes natively. No app required. Point and hold for half a second.
2
Data is decoded instantly
The QR pattern encodes text, a URL, contact data, or a protocol string. The device reads it in milliseconds and determines the action type.
3
Action is triggered
URL types open the browser. WiFi codes connect the device to the network. vCard codes open the contacts app. Messaging codes launch the chat app directly.
4
Dynamic types resolve server-side
If the code is dynamic, a Qrinly redirect URL is decoded and resolved server-side — the final destination is read from the dashboard, not from the printed pattern.

Editable anytime. Dynamic QR codes store the destination on Qrinly servers. Update it from your dashboard at any time — the printed code never needs to change.

Capabilities

What Qrinly QR codes do

Dynamic redirect

For URL-based types, the destination is editable after printing. Change where the code points from your dashboard — no regeneration, no reprint, no broken links.

Scan analytics

Managed redirects can record scan events. Create a free account to save managed dynamic QR codes and review available dashboard analytics such as timestamp, device, and country.

Custom design

Change dot style, corner shape, foreground and background colour, and add a centre logo. The QR remains scannable at any reasonable print size.

Static types — offline ready

WiFi, vCard, Email, and Phone types encode data directly into the QR pattern. No redirect, no internet required — they work anywhere a camera can see the code.

Content

URL, documents, media, and link-based types

URL

Encodes any web URL. Dynamic codes use a short redirect — destination editable from the dashboard after printing.

DynamicURL

Create →

PDF

Hosts a file and encodes the access link. Replace the document without regenerating or reprinting the code.

DynamicHosted file

Create →

Image Gallery

Encodes a URL to an image collection or media page. Update the gallery without changing the printed code.

DynamicURL

Create →

Video

Encodes a video or channel URL. Compatible with YouTube, Vimeo, and any video hosting platform.

DynamicURL

Create →

Acquisition

Social profiles, reviews, forms, app installs, and payments

Social Profile

Encodes a social profile URL. Compatible with any platform — Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or custom.

DynamicURL

Create →

Review Link

Encodes a direct review form URL. Scan opens the form immediately — no search required.

DynamicURL

Create →

Form

Encodes a form or survey URL. Responses collected directly in the linked platform.

DynamicURL

Create →

App Download

Detects iOS or Android at scan time — routes to the correct app store automatically.

DynamicAuto-routes

Create →

Payment

Encodes a payment or checkout URL. Compatible with any payment platform link.

DynamicURL

Create →

Communication

Messaging, email, and voice call types

Messaging

Encodes a click-to-chat link for WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Viber, or Messenger. One scan opens a direct chat.

DynamicDeep link

Create →

Encodes a mailto: address. Supports pre-filled subject, body, CC, and BCC fields.

Staticmailto:

Create →

Phone Call

Encodes a tel: number. Opens the native dialler with the number pre-filled.

Dynamictel:

Create →

Credentials

WiFi, contact cards, and offline-encoded types

WiFi

Encodes SSID, password, and security type (WPA2/WPA/WEP). Connects the device without password entry.

StaticOffline

Create →

vCard

Encodes structured contact data — name, phone, email, URL. Saves to the native contacts app.

StaticOffline

Create →

Digital Card

Encodes a URL to a full contact profile — links, photo, and contact details in one page.

DynamicURL

Create →

Menu / Document

Hosts a PDF and encodes the link. Replace the file to update all codes — no reprint required.

DynamicHosted file

Create →

Reference

Choosing the right type

If you have a link, use the URL type. Direct-encoded types such as text, WiFi, vCard, email, SMS, phone, and location store their data in the QR pattern.

GoalType

Link to any web page, video, or social profileURL

Host and share a PDF, brochure, or documentPDF

Route to App Store or Google Play based on deviceApp Download

Collect a Google review without the user searchingReview Link

Share WiFi credentials without typingWiFi

Save contact details directly to the contacts appvCard

Open a pre-addressed email or pre-filled messageEmail / WhatsApp

Dial a number with one tapPhone Call

Types that encode data directly (not URL-based)

These types embed data into the QR pattern. They do not use a Qrinly redirect and cannot be updated after creation.

WiFi—SSID + password + security type

vCard—name, phone, email, company, URL

Emailmailto:address + optional subject + body

Phonetel:E.164 international number format

Technical reference

Static vs dynamic

Static

Data encoded directly in the pattern. Examples include text, WiFi, vCard, email, SMS, phone, and location. Cannot be changed after generation.

Dynamic

Encodes a short redirect URL. Destination editable from the dashboard — after printing, after distribution, without generating a new code.

Managed URL-based types are dynamic. Direct-encoded types are static and do not use redirects.

QR types → use cases

Real-world scenarios that use each type

The type determines the QR mechanics. These are the business workflows powered by each type.

PDF QR Code

Restaurants & Menus Hotel Information Bar & Drinks Menu Brochure Product Manual

URL QR Code

Marketing Campaigns Retail & Products Events & Ticketing TikTok Link in Bio Bookings Discount & Coupon

vCard QR Code

Business Cards

Google Review QR Code

Google Reviews

Instagram QR Code

Instagram

WiFi QR Code

WiFi Access

WhatsApp QR Code

Dynamic URL QR Code

YouTube

Location QR Code

Directions

SMS QR Code

SMS

Email QR Code

Phone Call QR Code

Phone Call

App Download QR Code

App Download

Each use case page includes a step-by-step workflow, placement guide, and embedded generator. Browse all use cases →

FAQ

QR Code Types — Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of QR codes?▾

QR codes can encode many different data formats. The most common types are URL (links to a web page), PDF (links to a hosted document), WiFi (encodes network credentials for one-tap connection), vCard (saves contact details), email, phone, WhatsApp, and app download codes that route iOS and Android users to the correct store automatically. Qrinly supports 25+ types.

What is the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?▾

A static QR code stores data directly in the pattern and cannot be updated after creation. Examples include WiFi, vCard, email, SMS, phone, text, and location codes. A dynamic QR code uses a managed destination that you can update from your dashboard without reprinting. URL, PDF, and app download types on Qrinly are dynamic by default.

Which QR code type should I use for a restaurant menu?▾

Use a PDF QR code. Upload your menu as a PDF, and Qrinly generates a dynamic QR code that opens it in any browser — no app required. When the menu changes, upload a new version. The printed QR code on every table continues to serve the updated menu automatically.

What is the difference between a URL QR code and a PDF QR code?▾

Both are dynamic — they encode a short redirect rather than the final destination. The difference is what the redirect serves. A URL QR code routes the scanner to any web address you choose. A PDF QR code routes to a hosted document that you can replace at any time from your dashboard. Use a URL code for web pages, landing pages, and social profiles. Use a PDF code for menus, brochures, manuals, and event programmes — anywhere the content itself may change.

Can I change the type of QR code after creating it?▾

No — the QR code type determines the data format encoded in the pattern. Changing from a URL type to a vCard type would require a new code. However, for dynamic types (URL, PDF, app download), you can update the destination without reprinting — only the destination changes, not the code itself.

What QR code type is best for a business card?▾

A vCard QR code is the best choice. It encodes your name, phone number, email address, company, and website directly into the code. When someone scans it, their phone prompts them to save the contact — no app required, no typing. Works on every modern iPhone and Android.

Create your QR code — free.

No signup required to start. Choose a managed dynamic type when you need updates after printing.

Create QR Code