Types of QR codes

QR Code Model 1 and 2: This is the QR Code we see on a daily basis. There are more than 10 different types of QR codes that can be created for business or personal use. Some of these QR codes are more suited to a particular QR code use case whereas some can help your QR code marketing endeavors. Some of the most common types of QR codes include

a. URL QR Code

b. PDF QR Code

c. Image gallery QR Code

d. vCard QR Code

e. Google Maps QR code

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The largest version of Model 1 is 14 (73x73 modules) and is capable of storing 1,167 numerals. Module 2’s largest version is 40 (177x177 modules) capable of storing 7089 numerals.
Micro QR Code: This QR code is usually found on product packaging. It only has one orientation making it easier to print on smaller surfaces. This code is viable even as a 2 module whereas a QR code requires at least 4 modules. The largest version of this QR code is M4 (17x17 modules) and is capable of storing 35 modules.
iQR Code: This can be printed as a square or a rectangular QR Code. It can be printed as dot pattern code, inversion code or a turned over code. The maximum version is 61 (422x422 modules) which can store about 40,000 numerals.
SQRC Code: This looks like a regular QR code except it is restricted and is used to store confidential information.
FrameQR: This type of QR code has a frame area wherein you can place letters and images and is used for promotional activities.
HCC2D Code: The High Capacity Colored 2-Dimensional (HCC2D) Code is still in the prototyping phase and has been proposed by researchers to preserve QR robustness to distortions. It uses colors to increase data density and to cope with chromatic distortions, HCC2D codes use an additional field called Color Palette Pattern.

Which type of QR code is right for you?

Out of the many different types of QR code available, it can be quite hard to choose the right QR code for your use case. You can explore the various types of QR codes listed down below and take a look at the QR code examples mentioned along with each type. You can always use a combination of several types of QR code and track them to see which ones work best for your campaign.

DRIVE TRAFFIC TO WEBSITE

Webpage QR code

Looking to leverage offline footfalls to drive online traffic? Webpage QR codes can help achieve your goal. Generate a QR code with any website URL. This could be -

A campaign webpage with a coupon code
Detailed information about a product, a monument or a house on sale
Company website to build trust and capture leads
An engaging YouTube or Vimeo video, trailer or product tutorial
Audio content or podcasts
Or, a payment webpage

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NAVIGATE TO YOUR LOCATION

Location QR Code

Sharing Google maps location often makes it easier and more convenient for consumers to walk to your business location. Copy the link of your Google Maps location and paste it in the generator to create a Google Maps QR code.

You can also use Beaconstac’s markdown cards. Beaconstac markdown cards have the ability to search for your business location and embed a Google Maps location.

Visitors can scan the QR code and access your business webpage with Google Maps navigation.

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WAZE QR code

Waze is the second most popular app in the US. You can create a Waze QR code the same way as a Google Maps QR code. Copy the link of the location and paste it in the QR code generator. If the end user has the Waze app, the link will open up in the app. Otherwise, the link will open up in the browser.

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DELIVER DOWNLOADABLE CONTACT DETAILS

vCard QR code

Input all contact details in a single place, on the Beaconstac QR code generator, and generate a vCard QR code. Use this QR card to share your personal details with your clients, at events, or with potential buyers.

Use a vCard QR code to share your name/business name, phone number, email address, business location, social media profiles and more. The advantages of sharing vCard QR codes vs classic business cards are -

Update contact details, anytime - without reprinting business cards
Help potential customers navigate to your business location easily
Generate leads by placing these QR codes on print marketing material

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PROMOTE YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK

Social media QR code

Most businesses have multiple social media accounts - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Linkedin and Instagram. Display all your social media channels in one place and let your customers choose where they want to get in touch with you.

You can use Social Media QR codes to promote your channels on

Product packaging
Business cards
Flyers and banners

Facebook QR Code

Create a Facebook QR code for your profile, page or allow users to check-in seamlessly. QR codes for Facebook can help you connect with users without creating confusion if there are two businesses with similar names or stores in different locations.

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LinkedIn QR Code

Spruce up your professional network with LinkedIn QR codes. You can generate a QR code for your profile or page with Beaconstac’s QR code generator. The LinkedIn QR code helps you connect with professionals instantly and can be a valuable addition on business cards.

Instagram Nametag

Instagram has its own version of QR codes also known as Nametags. Instagram Nametags allow you to follow or browse through someone’s profile instantly. This is a time saver given the number of accounts with a similar handle. Instead of Nametags, you can also use a QR code generated with the URL of a profile or page.

Pinterest Pincode

Pinterest’s boards can also be accessed with a QR code or Pinterest’s Pincodes. The Pinterest app allows you to scan QR codes and save pins or follow boards instantly.

Snapchat Snapcode

Snapchat’s Snapcodes allow users to perform a similar task - follow users or business profiles. QR Codes cannot be used for links within the app but can be used to direct you to a profile.

DELIVER DOCUMENTATION

PDF QR code

Delivering PDFs as resources are beneficial for a whole host of reasons - they have a low overhead cost, the content is flexible and they can be an excellent guide.

Help consumers make smarter choices by delivering relevant documentation for the same. These could be case studies, step-wise tutorials, detailed product brochures, magazines and catalogs.

You can convert PDF to QR codes for the following -

- Instruction manuals in stores
- Available real estate properties
- About the company
- Generate leads by sharing ebooks and other educational courses

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PROMOTE YOUR APP

App download QR code

Create a single QR code for different app stores - Apple App Store, Google Play and Windows App Store. Here’s how app download QR code works -

Create QR code with a universal app store link
A user scans the QR code using an Android or iPhone smartphone
App QR code identifies the OS & redirects to App Store or Google Play respectively

These scan codes can be used to promote app download from in-store footfalls, email list, website traffic and other relevant offline and online channels.

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ENGAGE USERS WITH VIDEO CONTENT

Video QR code

Engage with your consumers with video QR codes. From How-to videos to interesting tutorials and product advertisements, Video QR codes can help you improve in-store customer experience. You can link videos from YouTube, IGTV, Vimeo or any other URL that contains the video.

Place a QR code where it matters -

Product packaging
Business cards
Real estate signs
OOH ads

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INCREASE VISUAL APPEAL

Image Gallery QR code

Allow users to open up an entire image gallery with a single QR code. This can be used by realtors for virtual tours, retailers to show off the new season collection or by car dealerships to showcase all available cars.

Upsell your products by including an Image Gallery QR code on -

Mannequins at retail stores
Smart signs for real estate
Products for a specific ingredient list

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DELIVER DEALS AND OFFERS

Coupon QR code

Use Coupon QR codes to allow shoppers to redeem coupons digitally instead of carrying around tons of paper coupons. This cuts down on wait times at checkout and allows for a seamless shopping experience. Coupon QR codes can also be used to redirect shopper to use the online store with the coupon code already applied.

Use the Coupon QR code at -

Retail stores
Car dealerships
Restaurants and bars
Online stores
OOH ads
Movie theatres and events

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SHARE RELEVANT CONTENT

Text QR code

A plain Text QR code can be used in several different ways. From educational institutes using it to allow students to cross-check their answers to retailers using it to provide additional information about the origin of a product, plain Text QR code are ubiquitous.

Place plain text QR codes in -

Schools and colleges
Resumes
Real Estate signs
Retail stores

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RECEIVE FEEDBACK

Rating and Feedback QR code

Implement customer-backed inventory or use customer reviews to attract new customers with Rating and Feedback QR codes. Use the QR code to direct customers to fill out a quick feedback form or voice their opinion on social media platforms.

Place a Rating and Feedback QR code on -

Posters and flyers
Newsletters
Inside the store
At checkout
Website

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MAKE EVENT PLANNING EASIER

Event QR Code

Make it easier for event attendees to add your event to their calendar, offer exclusive details, navigation and the chance to buy VIP passes all with a single QR code. You can use QR codes at the event to offer exclusive content, deals or make cashless payments.

Use an Event QR code at -

Conferences and seminars
Music festivals
Movie theatres
Food festivals

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CASHLESS PAYMENTS

Payment QR codes

There are several platforms that allow users to send and receive money and make payments using QR codes.

You can use Payment QR codes at -

Restaurants, bars and cafes
Cabs
Small outlets
Retail stores
Movie theatres
Events

Paytm QR Code

Paytm allows you to scan QR codes to make payments through the Paytm app. Once the QR code is identified by the app, you can select the amount of money that you want to send. The app now has interoperability allowing you to scan any QR code and make the payment through Paytm.

PhonePe QR Code

Just like Paytm’s QR codes, PhonePe also enables users to make transactions using QR codes. Scan the QR code through the PhonePe app and send or receive money or make payments at merchants that support PhonePe.

BHIM UPI QR Code

BHIM UPI also allows users to make payments at verified merchants or send money to anyone who has a UPI ID using the BHIM UPI that scans QR codes.

PayPal QR Code

PayPal has also joined ranks with local digital wallets and introduced a new way to make cashless transactions. Every account has a QR code that can be shared to receive payments and the app scans PayPal QR codes to send money as well.

Google Pay QR Code

Google’s UPI app also allows users to scan QR codes to send money or make transactions at verified merchants.

Bitcoin QR Code

Even crypto enthusiasts use QR codes to make payments because of how secure QR codes are. The private address of the Bitcoin wallet is stored in the QR code.

MAKE CALLS

Call QR Codes

Use QR Codes to make calls without having to dial the numbers manually. These Call QR Codes can be placed on billboard advertisements, inside stores to help shoppers get in touch with salespersons or on products to allow customers to get in touch with customer support instantly.

SEND MESSAGES

Message QR codes

Use QR codes to send messages, drive users to the inbox or open up a desktop version of the mobile messaging platform.

SMS QR Codes

You can use QR codes to send a pre-defined text message. This can be used by retailers, banks, restaurants in place of a flyer asking customers to send a text to a certain number. An SMS QR code can have the sender and the message to be sent predefined creating fewer friction points and higher conversion rates.

Messenger Scan QR Codes

Facebook may be abandoning its Scan Codes to open Messenger but you can still use QR codes with a m.me link to drive users to your inbox. This is useful for shoppers or users that want to get in touch with a company quickly or have a question that a chatbot can answer.

Everything you need to know about creating a Messenger QR code for free

WhatsApp QR code

You can pair your WhatsApp on mobile to WhatsApp Web for desktop with a QR code. This allows for greater flexibility if you use WhatsApp for business and have other applications to switch back and forth from.

A recent update on WhatsApp will allow users to add contacts by scanning a WhatsApp QR code. Businesses and entrepreneurs can use this as a lead generation strategy.

SAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION

meCard QR Code

A meCard QR Code is similar to the vCard QR Code and was coined by Japanese company, NTT Docomo. It is far less popular than vCard but is used by some exclusively. There is not a lot of difference in the information contained in the vCard and meCard.

CONNECT TO Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi QR Code

A Wi-Fi QR code allows you to connect to Wi-Fi without having to enter the network name or the password. This is incredibly useful when using public Wi-Fis as getting the password becomes somewhat of a hassle. All a user has to do to connect is scan the Wi-Fi QR Code.

On Android 10, users can share their private Wi-Fi networks with a QR Code

REUSABLE QR CODES

Dynamic QR Codes

Most of these QR Codes can be created for a one-off or one-time campaign. However, to ensure QR codes can be edited after printing or to run a recurring campaign that changes every other day or needs to be fine-tuned, dynamic QR codes are the perfect solution.

Static vs. Dynamic: Which one is right for you?