A business card that saves itself to the phone
When you hand out a paper business card, it usually ends up in a drawer and nobody gets around to typing in your number. With a vCard QR code, the other person scans the code and their phone offers to “Create new contact” with your name, company, title, phone numbers, email, website and address already filled in. One tap and you’re in their contacts, with no typos.
vCard is the standard contact format used by iPhone, Android, Outlook, Gmail and virtually every email program. This generator creates version 3.0, the most widely compatible one, and follows the standard’s escaping rules so commas, semicolons and accented names come through correctly.
Where to use your contact QR code
- Business cards, on the back, next to your name.
- Trade show and conference badges, so visitors can save you in seconds.
- Email signatures and slide decks, as a small image on the last slide.
- Real estate signs, storefronts and company vehicles, for people who want to call later.
- Resumes, in the header, so a recruiter has you on hand.
Fewer fields, better code
Unlike a link, a vCard puts all of its data inside the QR code. Every field you add makes the code denser, with smaller modules. Below the form you’ll see the size in bytes and a hint: up to about 300 bytes the code scans comfortably even at 0.8–1 in (2–2.5 cm); above 450 bytes, print it at 1.2 in (3 cm) or larger, or leave something out. The street address and the note take up the most space, so skip them if they aren’t essential.
You’ll also notice the code gets denser with a logo, because high error correction kicks in. On a 3.5 × 2 inch business card, space is tight, so a clean vCard without a logo is often the better choice. Save your brand colors for the rest of the card design.
Phone number format
Enter numbers with the country code: +1 for the US and Canada. Without it, the contact works for people in your country, but someone abroad who saves you won’t be able to call without editing the number. The tool strips spaces, dashes, dots and parentheses, so you can type (555) 010-0199 or however you prefer.
vCard QR code or a link to a digital card?
Some services offer “digital business cards”: the QR code opens a web page with your details. The advantage is that you can update the information without reprinting. The downside is that they depend on the service staying online (often for a monthly fee), and people have to take an extra step to save you. A static vCard works offline, never expires and doesn’t go through any third party. If your details rarely change, it’s the most reliable choice.
The .vcf file, just in case
The download button also gives you a .vcf file with the same details. Attach it to an email, add it to your website or send it by text message; when opened, phones and computers import it as a contact. Like the code, it’s generated in your browser, so your personal details never leave your device.