QR Codes for Business Cards: The vCard Guide
A QR code on your business card lets people save your contact info with one scan. No typing, no lost cards.
What is a vCard QR code?
A vCard QR code encodes your contact information — name, phone, email, company, job title, website, and address — in a standardized format. When someone scans it, their phone prompts them to save the contact directly to their address book. No typing, no mistakes, no lost business cards.
What information to include
At minimum, include your name, phone number, and email. You can also add your job title, company name, website URL, physical address, and social media profiles. Keep it focused — the more data you encode, the more complex the QR pattern becomes, which can make it harder to scan at small sizes.
Tips
- Include your most important contact methods, not every possible one
- A URL to your portfolio or LinkedIn is often more useful than a physical address
Static vs dynamic for business cards
If your contact details are stable, a static vCard QR code is fine. If you change jobs, phone numbers, or want to update your information later, use a dynamic QR code — you can update your contact details without reprinting cards.
Design and placement on the card
Place the QR code on the back of the card at 2-2.5 cm (about 1 inch). Leave a quiet zone (white border) around the code. Add a brief call-to-action like "Scan to save contact." Brand the QR code with your company colors or logo for a cohesive look.
Tips
- Print on the back of the card to keep the front clean
- Minimum size: 2 cm x 2 cm for reliable close-range scanning
- Test on both glossy and matte card stock — glossy can cause glare
Printing considerations
Export your QR code as a vector file (SVG or PDF) for the sharpest print quality at any size. Ensure high contrast between the code and the card background. Avoid placing QR codes on textured or dark backgrounds. If your card design uses dark colors, create a white rectangular area for the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vCard QR code work on all phones?
Yes. Both iPhone and Android support vCard format and will prompt the user to save the contact when scanned.
How much data can a vCard QR code hold?
Enough for a full contact card — name, phone, email, company, title, website, and address. Keep it concise for simpler, more scannable codes.
Can I include my photo in the vCard?
Technically yes, but photos significantly increase the data and make the QR pattern very complex. It is better to link to an online profile with your photo.
Is a vCard QR code free?
Yes. vCard QR codes are static codes and are free to create on EZQR with no signup required.
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