Start with what you want someone to do after scanning. Compare the seven available formats, then open the dedicated generator for the one that fits.
URL and Text deliver information. Email, Phone, and SMS begin a particular kind of conversation. Wi-Fi helps a device join a network, while vCard offers a reusable contact record.
QR Code Fairy currently creates standard static QR codes. Their content is fixed in the downloaded image and does not depend on QR Code Fairy after download. Websites, phone numbers, credentials, and other destinations still need to remain valid, and the exact scan action depends on the device and reader.
| Type | After scanning | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|
| URL | Offers to open a web address | Information or actions that live online and may be updated on the website |
| Text | Displays text for reading or copying | Short notes, identifiers, or instructions that should be stored in the image |
| Opens an editable email draft | Feedback, support, or enquiries that benefit from a recipient and context | |
| Phone | Offers a call action for one number | Service lines, appointments, and situations where speaking is the intended next step |
| SMS | Opens an editable message to one number | Short enquiries, responses, or opt-in actions that should use SMS |
| Wi-Fi | Offers network connection details | Guest access in homes, offices, venues, rentals, and reception areas |
| vCard | Offers a contact record to import | Business cards, badges, profiles, and contacts with several useful details |
Choose URL when the useful experience is a webpage, such as a menu, booking form, event page, product guide, or portfolio. It can hold far more information than belongs in the QR image itself.
The standard static URL codes currently available store a fixed address directly. You can change the page at that address, but changing the address requires a new code.
Create a URL QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose Text for a short message, reference number, equipment label, or instruction that does not need a website. The reader can display the stored content without opening an online destination.
Text is a better fit than URL when the message is brief and stable. For longer information or content you expect to revise, use a maintained webpage instead.
Create a Text QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose Email when you want someone to contact a particular inbox. A subject or short prompt can give the conversation useful context before the sender adds their own details.
Scanning prepares a draft; it does not send anything. Use vCard instead when the goal is to save a complete contact rather than begin one email conversation.
Create a Email QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose Phone when the clearest next action is a voice call. It works well on appointment cards, contact signs, service notices, and other places where typing a number would add friction.
Scanning normally opens a dialing action but does not automatically place the call. Choose SMS when a written response or prefilled prompt is more useful.
Create a Phone QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose SMS when you want a person to send a short written message to a number. An optional prompt can reduce typing and make the purpose of the response clear.
The sender still reviews and sends the message. Choose Phone when a call is the intended action, or Email when the response may be longer or needs an email record.
Create a SMS QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose Wi-Fi when the goal is joining a wireless network without manually typing its name and password. It is most appropriate for a guest network you are comfortable sharing with the intended audience.
The QR image is another representation of the credentials, not a security boundary. Device support varies, so provide another way to obtain access when joining the network is important.
Create a Wi-Fi QR code →Back to contents ↑Choose vCard when someone should save a person or organization rather than perform one immediate action. It can represent several contact details in one record and suits physical or digital business cards.
Use only the details recipients actually need. Phone or Email may be simpler when you want one specific action rather than an address-book entry.
Create a vCard QR code →Back to contents ↑Once you have chosen a format, the homepage guide explains patterns, contrast, quiet zones, error correction, logos, sizing, and export formats.
Read the QR code settings guide →