QR Code Types: The Complete Guide to All 14 Formats

A QR code is not one format. TLinky’s own generator supports 14 distinct types, split into static (fixed data) and dynamic (editable, trackable).

Picking the wrong type is the most common mistake we see. A static QR code cannot be edited later.

A dynamic QR code needs an active TLinky account to keep working.

This page breaks down every type TLinky supports, what each one actually does, and which one fits your project.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: The Core Difference

Static QR codes encode the data directly into the code itself. Once generated, the destination or content cannot be changed.

Dynamic QR codes point to a short link that TLinky controls. You can update where that link goes at any time, and every scan gets tracked.

Static codes work for content that never changes, like a WiFi password or a fixed text message.

Dynamic codes work for anything you might need to update, like a menu, a product page, or a campaign landing page.

For a deeper breakdown of the tradeoffs, see static versus dynamic QR codes compared.

The 5 Static QR Code Types

Static types encode data permanently. There is no scan tracking, and no way to edit the destination after creation.

• Text QR Code: encodes a plain text string that displays when scanned.
• WiFi QR Code: encodes a network name, password, and security type for instant connection.
• SMS QR Code (static SMS & Message): encodes a recipient number and pre-filled message.
• Static vCard: encodes contact details directly into the code with no server lookup. Covered on our vCard QR code page alongside the dynamic version.
• Event QR Code: encodes a date, time, location, and description for calendar apps.

The 9 Dynamic QR Code Types

Dynamic types route through a short link, so the destination stays editable and every scan is logged in your TLinky dashboard.

• Link QR Code: points to any URL, with the destination editable anytime.
• Email QR Code: opens a pre-addressed email draft when scanned.
• Phone QR Code: starts a phone call to a set number.
• Dynamic SMS: opens a pre-filled text message draft, covered on the same page as the static version above.
• Dynamic vCard: displays a downloadable contact card stored on TLinky’s servers, editable after the code is live, covered on the same page as the static version above.
• Application QR Code: links to an app listing in the App Store or Google Play.
• File QR Code: links to an uploaded PDF, image, or other file.
• WhatsApp QR Code: opens a WhatsApp chat or call.
• Cryptocurrency QR Code: encodes a wallet address for crypto payment.

How to Choose the Right Type

Ask whether the content will ever change. If yes, pick the dynamic version and keep the destination editable.

Ask whether you need scan data. Dynamic types track every scan in your dashboard. Static types do not track anything.

For print runs you cannot easily replace, like signage, packaging, or business cards, a dynamic type protects you from a dead code if a link moves later.

How to Create Any QR Code Type in TLinky

1. Log in to your TLinky account, click Create, then select QR Code.
2. Name the QR code and choose a domain if you are creating a dynamic type.
3. Select your QR code type from the static or dynamic list.
4. Enter the data for that type.
5. Customize the templates, colors, and design, then click Generate QR and Save Changes.

Every type shares the same customization set: colors, matrix style, eye shapes, an optional logo, and a frame. Download as SVG, PNG, WebP, or PDF once saved.

Don’t want to create an account first? TLinky’s QR code generator page lets you generate Text, Message, WiFi, vCard, or Phone codes without logging in. It skips scan tracking and full customization, and the other nine types still require an account.

FAQ

Browsing by where you plan to place the code helps too. See QR codes on different materials or for your industry for placement-specific guidance.

For the numbers behind QR adoption, see our QR code statistics roundup.