vCard vs URL QR codes: which should you use?
For sharing contact details, you have two good options: a vCard code that saves your details straight to a phone, or a URL code that opens a contact page. Here’s how to choose.
vCard QR codes
A vCard code encodes your contact details — name, phone, email, company, website — directly in the pattern. Scanning brings up a “save contact” prompt with everything pre-filled. It works offline, needs no hosting, and never expires.
Best for: business cards, name badges, and anywhere you want a one-tap “save my details.” Trade-off: because the data is baked in, changing your details means generating a new code.
URL QR codes
A URL code opens a web page — your portfolio, a digital business card page, or a landing page with links. You control what’s on that page and can update it anytime without reprinting the code (as long as the link stays the same).
Best for: when your details change often, or you want to show more than raw contact info — links, bio, social, booking. Trade-off: it needs a live page, and the “save contact” step is one tap further away.
Quick decision guide
- Want instant “save to contacts” and never touch it again? → vCard.
- Details change often, or you want a richer page? → URL to a page you control.
- Best of both? Use a URL code pointing to a page that itself offers a “download vCard” button.
Frequently asked questions
Does a vCard QR code need an app?
No. Scanning with the built-in camera opens a “save contact” prompt on both iPhone and Android.
Can I update a vCard QR code later?
A static vCard has the details baked in, so updating means creating a new code. If you expect frequent changes, use a URL code pointing to a page you can edit.
Which is better for a business card?
vCard is the classic choice for instant contact saving. Use a URL code if you want to showcase links and a bio alongside your details.
Make a vCard or URL QR code free.