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Published: June 2026•By Web Util Slyce Team•8 min read
QR Code Types — Complete Guide
A comprehensive guide to QR code types, error correction levels, data capacity, and use cases. Generate custom QR codes with our QR Code Generator.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
| feature | static | dynamic |
|---|---|---|
| Data is encoded directly | Yes | No |
| URL can be changed after creation | No | Yes |
| Requires internet to redirect | No | Yes |
| Trackable scans | No | Yes |
| Expiration / password protection | No | Yes |
| Works offline | Yes | No (after first scan) |
| Free to create | Yes | Usually paid |
Error Correction Levels
| level | recovery | best For |
|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | 7% | Large QR codes, controlled environments |
| M (Medium) | 15% | General-purpose use |
| Q (Quartile) | 25% | QR codes with logos or artwork |
| H (High) | 30% | Industrial / damaged surface scanning |
Data Capacity by Version
| version | numeric | alpha | binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (21×21) | 41 | 25 | 17 |
| 2 (25×25) | 77 | 47 | 32 |
| 4 (33×33) | 187 | 114 | 78 |
| 6 (41×41) | 322 | 195 | 134 |
| 10 (57×57) | 652 | 395 | 271 |
| 20 (81×81) | 1,725 | 1,045 | 718 |
| 40 (177×177) | 7,089 | 4,296 | 2,953 |
Common QR Code Data Types
| type | example | use |
|---|---|---|
| URL / Website | https://example.com | Direct users to a webpage or landing page |
| vCard Contact | BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:3.0 FN:John Doe TEL:+1234567890 END:VCARD | Save contact info to phonebook |
| Wi-Fi Login | WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:password123;; | Connect to Wi-Fi without typing password |
| Plain Text | Hello, world! | Display a message when scanned |
| mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hi | Pre-fill email compose | |
| SMS | SMSTO:+1234567890:Hello | Pre-fill SMS message |
| Calendar Event | BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260601T090000 SUMMARY:Meeting END:VEVENT | Add event to calendar |
| Phone Number | tel:+1234567890 | Initiate a phone call |
QR Code Best Practices
• Use error correction level M or Q when adding a logo to ensure reliable scanning.
• Maintain a minimum 4-module quiet zone (white border) around the QR code.
• Test QR codes at the actual size they will be printed — small codes on large surfaces may not scan.
• Use dynamic QR codes for marketing campaigns so you can update the destination URL.
• Avoid low-contrast color combinations — dark modules on a light background scan best.