Choosing a QR code type should start with one simple question: what should happen after someone scans? The best QR code for a restaurant menu is different from the best one for guest WiFi, a product manual, a review request, an event schedule, or a crypto wallet address.
The right choice also depends on whether the content may change, whether you need scan analytics, whether one action is enough, and whether the scanner should open a branded mobile page or perform a direct utility action. Making these decisions before you print can save time, reduce confusion, and prevent costly replacements later.
This guide compares the most useful QR code types by goal, explains which ones should be dynamic or static, and shows when similar QR experiences serve different purposes.
Quick answer: Use a Website QR Code for one web destination, Multiple Links for several actions, PDF for documents, Menu for restaurants, Feedback or Rating for customer input, Business Page for local business details, and Event for schedules and registration. Use a static WiFi QR Code for network access and a static Crypto Wallet QR Code for a fixed wallet address. Choose a dynamic QR code for other managed destinations when you need updates, analytics, or branded scan pages.
Start with the action, not the QR type
A QR code is only the entry point. The real experience starts after the scan. Before choosing a format, decide what you want the visitor to do next.
1. Define the main action
Should the scanner visit a website, open a file, browse a menu, leave feedback, get directions, contact your business, join WiFi, or open a wallet address?
2. Decide whether one action is enough
A direct Website QR Code works for one destination. If visitors may need several links or actions, use a Multiple Links or Business Page QR Code instead.
3. Think about future changes
If the destination, file, offer, menu, or campaign could change later, use a dynamic QR code so the printed code can stay in place.
4. Decide whether analytics matter
Dynamic QR codes can support scan measurement and campaign comparison. Static WiFi and wallet QR codes store fixed utility data and do not provide the same managed tracking flow.
Simple rule: Choose the QR type based on the action after the scan, not based on which card or design looks most interesting in the builder.
Should your QR code be static or dynamic?
Before choosing a specific QR type, understand the difference between static and dynamic behavior. This decision affects whether the destination can change, whether scans can be measured, and whether the QR code must be recreated when the underlying information changes.
| Feature | Dynamic QR code | Static QR code |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Links, files, menus, campaigns, events, apps, feedback, profiles, and branded pages | Fixed WiFi credentials or crypto wallet payloads |
| Edit after printing | Yes, the managed destination can be updated | No, the fixed payload is encoded directly |
| Scan analytics | Available in a managed tracking flow | Not available through a managed redirect |
| Hosted scan page | Can open a branded mobile destination | Usually performs the fixed utility action directly |
| If the data changes | Update the destination without replacing the code | Generate and print a new QR code |
CreateQR product note: Choose dynamic QR types for managed destinations and campaigns. In the current CreateQR builder, static QR codes are reserved for WiFi access and crypto wallet payloads.
For a more detailed comparison, read Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which One Should Your Business Use?.
QR code decision table for every goal
Use this table when you want the fastest answer. Find the action you want to create, then choose the recommended QR type.
| Your goal | Best QR type | Mode | Suggested CTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open one website or campaign page | Website QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to visit our website |
| Offer several links or actions | Multiple Links QR Code | Dynamic | Scan for all links |
| Share a brochure, guide, report, or manual | PDF QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to open the guide |
| Publish a restaurant or hospitality menu | Menu QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to view the menu |
| Show several social profiles | Social Media QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to follow us |
| Promote a discount or special offer | Coupon QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to claim the offer |
| Guide people to an app experience | App QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to download the app |
| Display local business information | Business Page QR Code | Dynamic | Scan for hours and contact details |
| Share a professional profile | Profile Card QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to view my profile |
| Share event details and updates | Event QR Code | Dynamic | Scan for event details |
| Guide visitors to a physical place | Location QR Code | Dynamic | Scan for directions |
| Collect written feedback or reviews | Feedback QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to share feedback |
| Collect a quick score | Rating QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to rate your experience |
| Show an image gallery | Images QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to view the gallery |
| Show a demo, tutorial, or campaign video | Video QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to watch the video |
| Share audio or music | MP3 QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to listen |
| Start an email | Email QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to email us |
| Start a text message | SMS QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to send a message |
| Start a phone call | Phone QR Code | Dynamic | Scan to call now |
| Let guests connect to a wireless network | WiFi QR Code | Static | Scan to join guest WiFi |
| Share a fixed cryptocurrency wallet address | Crypto Wallet QR Code | Static | Scan to open the wallet address |
QR types for links and campaigns
These dynamic QR types are useful when the scan should open a web destination, campaign, offer, app, or collection of links.
Website QR Code
Choose this when one destination is the clear next step, such as a product page, booking page, campaign landing page, online store, or signup form.
Best for: flyers, posters, packaging, direct mail, storefronts, and print advertising.
Multiple Links QR Code
Use this when scanners should choose between several destinations, such as your website, store, social profiles, booking page, menu, or offer.
Best for: creators, campaigns, business cards, events, and brands with several important actions.
Social Media QR Code
Choose this when social discovery is the main goal and you want to present several profiles in one clean mobile destination.
Best for: packaging, creator cards, retail displays, events, venues, and promotional materials.
Coupon QR Code
Use this when the scan should reveal a discount, promotion, campaign code, limited-time offer, or redemption instructions.
Best for: stores, restaurants, receipts, product inserts, posters, and seasonal campaigns.
App QR Code
Choose this when the main action is opening an app-download destination, onboarding flow, account page, or mobile product experience.
Best for: packaging, posters, store displays, onboarding materials, and product launches.
For multi-destination experiences, see How to Create a QR Code for Multiple Links From One Scan.
QR types for business information and identity
These dynamic types help people understand who you are, how to contact you, where to find you, or what is happening at an event.
Business Page QR Code
Choose this when customers need several practical business details: phone, address, opening hours, website, booking, directions, photos, and other key actions.
Best for: local businesses, storefronts, clinics, salons, restaurants, hotels, and service companies.
Profile Card QR Code
Use this for an individual professional profile with name, role, company, contact information, social links, portfolio, and a polished mobile introduction.
Best for: business cards, recruiting, sales teams, speakers, consultants, and networking.
Event QR Code
Choose this when people need event-specific information such as date, time, location, agenda, speakers, registration, ticketing, maps, or updates.
Best for: conferences, launches, workshops, trade shows, meetups, and private events.
Location QR Code
Use this when directions are the primary action and visitors should open a map, store location, venue, office, rental property, or service area.
Best for: appointment cards, invitations, real estate signs, venue materials, and local advertising.
For a fuller local-business setup, read How to Create a Business Page QR Code for Local Businesses.
QR types for communication and feedback
These dynamic QR experiences help visitors respond, contact your team, leave feedback, or take a communication action with less friction.
Feedback QR Code
Choose this when you want comments, detailed feedback, review actions, or a structured customer response.
Best for: hospitality, retail, clinics, events, service businesses, and post-purchase materials.
Rating QR Code
Use this when a quick score is more valuable than a long written response. It can reduce the effort required to give an initial reaction.
Best for: counters, tables, rooms, service points, events, facilities, and short customer surveys.
Email QR Code
Choose this when the scan should lead to an email action, such as requesting a quote, contacting support, asking a question, or sending an enquiry.
Best for: brochures, service materials, help desks, proposals, and lead-generation campaigns.
SMS QR Code
Use this for mobile-first responses, confirmations, reminders, local campaigns, short enquiries, or prefilled message actions.
Best for: signs, appointments, local services, promotions, and customer support.
Phone QR Code
Choose this when calling is the primary next step and speed matters more than browsing information.
Best for: booking desks, hotlines, roadside services, emergency information, sales, and customer support.
Static QR types for WiFi and crypto wallets
Static utility QR codes work differently from managed destination pages. The information is encoded directly in the QR pattern, so the scan can perform the utility action without passing through an editable campaign page.
WiFi QR Code
A WiFi QR Code stores the network name, security type, and password so guests can connect without typing the credentials manually.
Best for: cafes, hotels, offices, holiday rentals, waiting rooms, events, restaurants, and guest areas.
Remember: if the network name or password changes, create and print a new WiFi QR code.
Crypto Wallet QR Code
A Crypto Wallet QR Code stores a fixed wallet address or supported payment URI, reducing the risk of manually typing a long address.
Best for: wallet sharing, payment displays, donation cards, invoices, events, and personal wallet access.
Remember: verify the wallet address and network carefully before publishing. If either changes, generate a new QR code.
Important: Static does not mean editable later. Test WiFi credentials or the wallet address carefully before printing or distributing the QR code.
For WiFi setup instructions, read How to Create a WiFi QR Code for Guests and Customers.
How to choose between similar QR types
Several QR types can look similar at first. The difference usually comes down to how much information the visitor needs and how focused the next action should be.
| Options | Choose the first when | Choose the second when |
|---|---|---|
| Website vs Multiple Links | One destination is clearly the best next step | Visitors should choose between several destinations |
| Multiple Links vs Business Page | You mainly need a list of links and buttons | You need business identity, hours, location, contact details, and actions |
| PDF vs Menu | The complete document layout must be preserved | Guests need an easier mobile menu experience |
| Feedback vs Rating | You want detailed comments or review actions | You want a fast satisfaction score with minimal effort |
| Profile Card vs Business Page | The QR represents an individual professional | The QR represents a company, venue, store, or local business |
| Event vs Website | Date, time, venue, schedule, and registration are central | A standard web page already provides the complete experience |
| App vs Website | Installing or opening the app is the main goal | The experience works equally well in a mobile browser |
Know what should happen after the scan?
Choose the QR type that matches your goal, add your content, customize the design, and preview the complete scan experience before downloading.
How to combine several QR types in one customer journey
A business does not have to choose one QR type forever. Different QR codes can support different moments in the same customer journey.
| Business or campaign | Useful QR types | Example journey |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | Menu, WiFi, Feedback, Coupon, Social Media | Browse menu → join WiFi → claim offer → leave feedback |
| Hotel | WiFi, Business Page, Menu, Location, Feedback | Connect to WiFi → view services → order food → review stay |
| Retail store | Website, Video, Coupon, App, Feedback | Explore product → watch demo → claim offer → install app |
| Event | Event, Location, Multiple Links, Profile Card, Feedback | Register → find venue → view agenda → connect with speakers → rate event |
| Product packaging | Website, PDF, Video, Feedback, Coupon | Learn about product → open manual → watch setup → reorder or review |
| Real estate | Images, Video, Location, Profile Card, Website | View listing → watch tour → get directions → contact agent |
Use separate QR codes when each placement has one clear purpose or when you want placement-level analytics. Use a Multiple Links or Business Page QR Code when one physical placement should offer several related actions.
How to choose a QR type in 60 seconds
-
Does the scan need to connect to WiFi or open a crypto wallet address?
Use a static WiFi or Crypto Wallet QR Code. -
Does the scan need to open one web destination?
Use a dynamic Website QR Code. -
Does the visitor need several choices?
Use Multiple Links, Social Media, or Business Page. -
Is the content a specialized file or media experience?
Choose PDF, Menu, Images, Video, or MP3. -
Is the goal customer input?
Choose Feedback for comments or Rating for a quick score. -
Does the QR represent a person, business, event, or place?
Choose Profile Card, Business Page, Event, or Location. -
Does the destination need to change or be measured later?
Use a dynamic QR code and create separate codes for placements you want to compare.
Still unsure? Start with Website for one destination, Multiple Links for several actions, or Business Page when you need a complete local-business experience.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a Website QR Code when visitors actually need several links or actions
- Sending scanners to a generic homepage instead of the most relevant page
- Using a PDF when a mobile Menu or Business Page would be easier to browse
- Using Feedback when you only need a quick rating, or Rating when you need detailed comments
- Using one identical QR code across every placement when you want placement-level analytics
- Trying to use a static QR code for content that may need updates later
- Forgetting that a changed WiFi password requires a new static WiFi QR code
- Publishing a crypto wallet QR code without checking the address and network carefully
- Showing a QR code without CTA text explaining what happens after the scan
- Creating too many competing actions on one mobile page
- Skipping scan tests on iPhone, Android, and the final printed material
The biggest mistake is choosing a QR type before defining the visitor’s next action. A clear goal usually makes the correct type obvious.
FAQ
Which QR code type is best for a website?
Use a dynamic Website QR Code when one web page is the primary destination. If visitors should choose between several links, use a Multiple Links QR Code instead.
Which QR code types are static in CreateQR?
The current CreateQR builder uses static QR codes for WiFi credentials and crypto wallet payloads. Other managed destinations and scan pages use dynamic QR types.
Which QR code type can I edit after printing?
Dynamic QR codes can keep the same printed pattern while the managed destination or page is updated. Static WiFi and crypto wallet QR codes must be recreated if their encoded data changes.
What is the best QR code type for a business?
Use Business Page when customers need contact details, hours, location, website, and several actions. Use Website for one destination, Multiple Links for a simple hub, and Feedback for customer input.
Can one QR code open multiple links?
Yes. A Multiple Links QR Code opens a mobile hub where visitors can choose between several websites, social profiles, offers, stores, or actions.
Which QR code type is best for printed materials?
Use a dynamic QR type for links, files, menus, campaigns, events, packaging, and business pages because the destination may need to change after printing. Use static WiFi or crypto wallet QR codes only when their fixed payload is correct and final.
Which QR code types are best for restaurants?
Restaurants commonly use a dynamic Menu QR Code, a static WiFi QR Code, a dynamic Feedback or Rating QR Code, a Coupon QR Code, and a Social Media or Business Page QR Code.
Should I use one QR code for every goal?
Usually not. Use separate QR codes when placements have different goals or when you need separate analytics. Use Multiple Links or Business Page when several related actions belong together in one scan experience.
How do I know whether I need Website, Multiple Links, or Business Page?
Choose Website for one destination, Multiple Links for a simple collection of buttons, and Business Page for a branded business profile with contact details, hours, location, and customer actions.
Related guides
Ready to choose the right QR code type?
Start with the action you want after the scan, choose the matching QR type, customize the design, and preview the complete experience before downloading.