Text to QR Code

What text can a QR code store?

QR codes can store ordinary text as well as structured text formats. A simple note, inventory label, classroom prompt, mailto link, tel link, SMS link, Wi-Fi string, or vCard can all be encoded as text.

Keep the content concise when possible. Very long text makes a denser QR pattern, which can be harder to scan at small print sizes.

Useful text QR formats

For email, use a mailto: link. For phone numbers, use tel:. For text messages, use sms:. Wi-Fi QR codes use a specific WIFI:T:... format, and contact cards usually use vCard text.

Always test device-specific formats before printing. Phones handle some actions differently, especially Wi-Fi and contact-card details.

Test text-based actions on real phones

Plain text is usually simple, but email, phone, SMS, Wi-Fi, and vCard actions can vary by device and app. Scan the final QR code on at least one iPhone and one Android phone if your audience is mixed.

For sensitive formats such as Wi-Fi or contact details, make sure the QR code appears only where the intended audience can scan it. Static QR codes are easy to share, which also means private text should be handled carefully.

Related QR code guides

• URL to QR code
• Wi-Fi, contact, email, and text QR formats
• QR code safety