QR codes
All QR content types
URL, vCard, WiFi, PDF, multiURL, etc. — when to use each.
Free
A QR code encodes data. The data type determines what happens when someone scans it. Drentio supports 12 types out of the box.
The 12 types
| Type | What it does | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| URL | Opens a webpage | Most common — links to anything online |
| vCard | Saves contact (name, phone, email, etc.) to phone | Business cards, conference badges |
| WiFi | Joins a WiFi network automatically | Cafés, restaurants, offices, guest networks |
| SMS | Opens texting app pre-filled with your number | Marketing campaigns, polls |
| Opens email pre-filled with your address | Support contact, sign-up prompts | |
| Phone | Triggers a call to your number | Emergency, hotline, restaurant booking |
| Text | Shows plain text | Public messages, tips, lore (museums) |
| Opens a hosted PDF | Catalogs, menus, brochures | |
| Rating | Direct link to your Google / Yelp / Facebook review form | Loyalty / review programs |
| Location | Opens Maps to coordinates | Find-me / directions for events, stores |
| multiURL | Mini link-page with 4-10 buttons | Pseudo bio-link for small businesses |
| Menu | Auto-provisioned from Restaurant module | Restaurant table QRs, menu posters |
How to pick
Most decisions are obvious from the use case. A few subtle ones:
- URL vs PDF: URL is more flexible (you can update the page). PDF works offline once downloaded.
- vCard vs URL: vCard saves directly to the phone's contacts (no internet needed after the scan). URL needs your contact info hosted somewhere.
- WiFi vs URL pointing at WiFi instructions: WiFi connects automatically on iOS 11+ and Android. The URL approach requires reading text and typing. Always WiFi.
- multiURL vs Bio Link page: multiURL is a 4-10 button mini-page hosted by us. Bio Link is a full-featured page with themes, blocks, commerce. multiURL is simpler and faster; Bio Link is more powerful.
Switching type later
You can't change the type of an existing code (the data structure differs per type). Create a new code of the right type and delete the old one.
For dynamic codes pointing at a URL, "switching type" usually doesn't apply — you just change the URL.