What are the different types of QR Cdoes QR Codes

QR codes have evolved. Here is a basic list:

URL / Short:
What is a short QR Code? 		USAGE: To open a webpage.
As there are less ‘dots’ / mini squares, this is referred to a ‘short’ QR code.
The QR code can be printed small and still easily scanned.
vCard / Long:
What is a long QR Code? 		USAGE: Saves a contact card to a phone.
As there are many ‘dots’ / mini squares, this is referred to a ‘long’ QR code.
The QR code needs to be printed larger to be easily scanned.
URL - Logo Within:
What is a QR Code with logo within? 		These are OK to use – as long as they have been made and supplied to you in a vector format.
Generally they don't work so well on business cards.
USAGE: To open a webpage.
As there are less ‘dots’ / mini squares, this is referred to a ‘short’ QR code.
The QR code can be printed small and still easily scanned.
URL - Complex Logo:
What is a complex logo QR Code? 		These are the cream of the crop!
Unlike the ‘logo within’ option, the logo is the size of the QR code.
These are OK to use – as long as they have been made and supplied to you in a vector format.
USAGE: To open a webpage.
As there are less ‘dots’ / mini squares, this is referred to a ‘short’ QR code.
The QR code can be printed small and still easily scanned.

QR Code

A QR code, short for Quick Response code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store information such as website links, contact details, or payment data. It consists of black squares arranged on a white background in a square grid, which can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader.

Originally developed in the 1990s for tracking automotive parts, QR codes have since become widely used for various applications, including marketing, authentication, and contactless transactions. Their ability to store data and be easily scanned makes them a convenient tool for quickly accessing digital information.

A QR code is a form of printed data. It visually represents encoded information using a pattern of black and white squares, which can be printed on paper, packaging, signs, or digital screens. When scanned by a smartphone or QR reader, the pattern is decoded to reveal the stored data, such as a website URL, text, or other digital content.

Keep in mind the more detail added into the QR code (eg vCard), the greater the complexity of the QR code = the larger the QR code needs to be printed to scan correctly .


  1. Type: 2D barcode that can store information.
  2. How It Works: Scanned using a smartphone camera or QR scanner app.
  3. Data Storage: Stores URLs, text, or other small data.
  4. Usage: Commonly used for website links, payments, contact information, and digital menus.
  5. Pros: Cheap to produce, printable, easy to distribute.
  6. Cons: Requires manual scanning, can be faked (phishing risks).

QR Code DATA

The amount of data a QR code can store depends on its version (size) and the type of data being encoded. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Numeric data (digits only): Up to 7,089 characters
  • Alphanumeric data (letters and numbers): Up to 4,296 characters
  • Binary data (8-bit bytes): Up to 2,953 bytes
  • Kanji characters (used in Japanese text): Up to 1,817 characters

Larger QR codes can store more data, but they become more complex and harder to scan. Error correction levels (which help QR codes remain readable even if damaged) also affect storage capacity, as higher error correction reduces the amount of storable data.

Adding a QR code to your business card is a smart way to enhance engagement and make a lasting impression. With just a quick scan, potential clients or contacts can access your website, portfolio, social media, or even a video introduction, making it easier for them to connect and engage with your brand. It adds an interactive element to your card, turning a simple piece of paper into a gateway to your digital presence.

  1. Instant Access to Information: QR codes allow clients to instantly access your website, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or other resources by simply scanning with their phones, making it easier to learn more about you or your business.
  2. Enhanced Engagement: By embedding links to multimedia content, QR codes on business cards can direct clients to videos, testimonials, and special offers, making your card more interactive and memorable.
  3. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: With a QR code, you can share frequently updated information without reprinting cards, reducing waste and lowering costs over time. This is conditional of using an online service - see additional info below .

Typical applications

Typical applications for QR codes include:

URL:
 When scanned, this will open a webpage. Typically used for: Website, portfolio, Social media, You tube video.
You can add advanced tracking by dedicating a custom URL (speak to your website developer).
Google Review Links:
 When scanned, this will open Google's 'leave review'.
See more info here.
Contact / Vcard:
 When scanned, this can either open a page with all your details (your details / links to website / links to social media etc) - or - direct open contact you can save on your phone. See more info here.
Digital Business Card:
 Essentially the same as URL - but a custom webpage for your details. See more info here.

Creating QR Codes

There are many online service providers. Many look free and offer 'dynamic / updatable' services which are essentially URL forwarding.
Only after you have signed up and created them, you find that you need to pay a subscription - so consider the lifetime cost.
The other considerartion is you MUST receive a 'vector' version of your QR code for best possible usage when printed.

If you do not have the time to find a QR code generator, we canm assist for a competitive one time cost . Call Now or Contact Us  for a formal quote.

Creating vCard QR Code

In Adobe InDesign:

  1. In main top menu: Object / 'generate QR code'
  2. Change 'Type' from 'Plain Text' to 'Business Card'
  3. Enter required details
  4. Click OK
  5. Click to place in artwork
creating QR code vCard

If you do not have Adobe InDesign, you can use online free QR code generators, just make sure you get a vector file (such as .svg)

Size of QR Code
Note the difference in complexity of a 'vCard' QR code compared to a 'URL / Link' only QR code:

QR code types - business card vs standard URL

We recommend the following minimum print sizes for the QR codes:
• vCard type QR code = 20 x 20mm.
• URL type QR code is 13 x 13mm.
Keep in mind this is a starting guide only. Always print your design to scale (with your office printer etc) and scan to confirm the QR code is easily read.
If the QR code is not read / easily read, make the QR code bigger.

Remember, you can use different colours for the QR code - just keep in mind you need sufficient contrast.
In this example we introduce a larger white box behind the QR code:

QR code size for print

PROS:
  • Simple. No need to worry about what phone type is used, or if NFC is activated on the phone.
  • Avoids potential security risks in the respect you are not responsible for asking someone to turn on NFC (they may forget to turn it off).
  • Will work if there is no internet when the card is scanned.
  • All recent phones have the QR code reader built into the phone's camera software.
CONS:
  • Cannot embed your logo.
  • Not editable. Once printed, that's it (only the vCard is editable on the recipient's phone).
  • Requires more real estate to be printed onto a card than a standard URL link QR Code.

Free QR code Generators

Typical applications for QR codes include:

How to create a QR code:

  1. Generate a QR code by using Adobe's Free online QR generator
  2. Enter your URL in the field box.
  3. In ‘File Format’ tab, select SVG and download.
  4. Canva: Upload the QR code: File > Upload Files > Drag and drop the QR code into your design.
    Adobe Illustrator: File > Open > Copy & Paste element into your design.
    Adobe InDesign: Skip the above steps , InDesign creates QR codes within the program (Object > Generate QR Code...).

Simply open your phones camera and frame the printed QR code.
If nothing happens: Slowly move your phone either closer or further away from the card (Qr code) until it can focus on it.

Keep in mind the more detail added into the QR code (eg vCard), he greater the complexity of the QR code = the larger the QR code needs to be printed to scan correctly

TEST SCAN - Make sure the QR code is big enough to scan easily!
We recommend printing out at 100% size (do not scale) on your office printer.
If you cannot do this, zoom your screen to approx 100% of the physical card size.



Print Promotion. We have been specialists in print finishing since 2009 and are happy to provide free consultation how to get the most out your project. NO two jobs are the same, as no business is the same. As such each job should be treated with due process.
We offer first rate consultation to offer the right stock and the right finishing for your next upcoming job. The process is usually pretty quick once timeframe and budget is ascertained.
Further to this, we created this page to provide additional information regarding prepress – to ensure your artwork will turn out as intended. In addition, a comprehensive run down on all things print finishing – examples of how you can expect the product to turn out.

Who are we?
Print Promotion is a division of Arcane Media based in Brisbane, Queensland. We are a premium design and printing consultancy that specialises in creating or enhancing your visual corporate image. Our skilled team of seasoned graphic designers have the experience and marketing insight to ensure your image will effectively relate to your target demographic. We have an Australia-wide client base, servicing: hospitality and tourism; professional services; construction and trade; media; mining; recruitment; automotive; defence and the health business sectors.
Contact us today to discuss your next design or print project.

Call 1300 669 211

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