Three codes that let people reach you without typing
Not everyone wants to fill in a web form, and not every request fits on a website. For those cases, a QR code can open the email app with the recipient, subject and body already written, prepare a text message with the number and wording, or show a phone number ready to dial. All the person has to do is check it and tap send or call.
Email QR codes: the shortest form in the world
The code contains a mailto: link, the same kind used by “Email us” buttons on websites. When scanned, the phone opens its default email app (Gmail, Mail, Outlook…) with a draft ready to go. Some uses that work really well:
- Quote requests on a job-site sign or a work van, with a fixed subject line that makes them easy to filter in your inbox.
- Reservations and waitlists, with a message body that asks for the details you need: “Name, date, party size”.
- Maintenance requests in apartment buildings, offices or classrooms: one code per room with the subject “Issue in room 204”.
- Feedback and unsubscribe requests on printed materials.
The subject and message are encoded automatically so accents, line breaks and symbols such as & or ? don’t break the link.
Text message (SMS) QR codes
Texting is how most Americans prefer to reach a business, and it works on every phone with no app or data plan. A text QR code prepares a message with the number and wording you choose, in the SMSTO:number:message format that iPhone and Android scanners recognize. It’s handy for event polls, keyword sign-ups, service requests and RSVPs.
One important note for the US: if you plan to send marketing texts back to people who text your keyword, federal rules (the Telephone Consumer Protection Act) generally require their prior express written consent, and carriers require business numbers that send texts through software to be registered (10DLC). The code itself just opens a draft, so it’s fine to use; just make sure your follow-up texting is compliant. Standard messaging rates apply to the person sending the text, so mention it on the sign if you run a promotion.
Call QR codes: when talking is what matters
A tel: code shows the number on screen with a call button. It’s ideal for emergency services (locksmiths, towing, HVAC repair), customer support printed on product packaging or the front desk number in a hotel room. For safety, no phone places the call without the user confirming it.
Write the number with the country code if people from abroad might scan it: +1 555 010 0100. The tool removes spaces, dashes and parentheses.
Tips for all three types
Tell people what the code does
A code on its own doesn’t say what it does. Add a line next to it such as “Scan to email us for a quote” or “Scan to call us”. With our custom QR code generator you can put that text right under the code.
Show the written alternative too
Print the email address or phone number as text next to the code, for anyone who doesn’t have a camera handy or prefers to type it.
Privacy
Everything is generated in your browser; addresses, numbers and messages are never sent to a server. Do remember that whatever you put in the code is visible to anyone who scans it.