QR Code Generator — Types, Sizes, and Best Practices (2026)

Not all QR codes are equal. Learn the difference between URL, vCard, and WiFi QR codes, how to size them correctly for print, and which error correction level to use.

QR codes have made a full comeback. After a decade of struggling for adoption, they exploded during the pandemic (contactless menus, check-ins, payments) and have never looked back. Today, smartphone cameras scan them natively — no app required. But there's more nuance to creating a good QR code than most people realize.

QR code types — choosing the right one

QR codes can encode different types of data, and choosing the right type determines what happens when someone scans your code.

URL QR codes — The most common type. Encodes a website address. When scanned, opens the URL in the device's browser. Use for: websites, landing pages, YouTube videos, Google Maps locations, social profiles. Keep the URL short (use a URL shortener if needed) to reduce code complexity.

WiFi QR codes — Encodes your network name (SSID), password, and security type. When scanned, automatically connects the device to the WiFi network — no typing required. Perfect for restaurants, hotels, offices, and Airbnbs. Works on iOS (11+) and Android (10+) without any app.

vCard QR codes — Encodes contact information (name, phone, email, company, address). When scanned, prompts the device to add the contact directly to the address book. Replaces printed business cards effectively. More data means a more complex (denser) QR code.

Text QR codes — Encodes plain text. Useful for short instructions, product descriptions, or serial numbers. The device displays the text directly without opening any app.

Email and SMS QR codes — Pre-fill an email (recipient + subject + body) or SMS message. When scanned, opens the email/messages app with fields pre-populated. Useful for feedback forms, contact requests, and marketing campaigns.

Generate any of these types instantly with Toolozo's QR Code Generator.

QR code sizes — print vs digital

QR code size is critical for reliable scanning. The general rule: the minimum scanning distance equals 10× the QR code width.

For digital use (websites, emails, apps), QR codes should be at least 200×200 pixels on screen and generated at higher resolution (1000×1000px PNG) so they scale well in any context.

Error correction levels

QR codes include built-in error correction that allows them to scan correctly even when partially damaged, dirty, or obscured. There are four levels:

L (Low) — 7% data recovery. Smallest, simplest code. Use when the code will always be clean and undamaged (digital screens, perfect print conditions).

M (Medium) — 15% data recovery. Good balance for most uses. Default for most generators.

Q (Quartile) — 25% data recovery. Recommended when the QR code might get worn (product packaging, outdoor stickers, table stands).

H (High) — 30% data recovery. Use when you're placing a logo over the center of the QR code, or in high-wear environments (clothing tags, floor decals). The extra redundancy compensates for the covered area.

Design best practices

Keep the quiet zone. The white border around the QR code is required — scanners use it to locate the code boundary. Don't crop it out or let other design elements overlap it.

Maintain contrast. Dark code on light background is the baseline. You can use colors, but keep high contrast. Light code on dark background works too (inverted), but test it with multiple scanning apps first.

Test before printing. Scan with at least three different devices: an iPhone, an Android, and an older phone. What scans perfectly on a flagship might fail on an older camera.

Dynamic vs static QR codes. Static QR codes embed the destination directly in the code pattern — they can never be changed after creation. Dynamic QR codes point to a redirect URL that you can update later. For print campaigns where you might want to change the destination, use dynamic QR codes.