What is a QR code and how do you use it?

What does a QR code contain?

The content can be plain text or a specially formatted string: a website address, phone number, vCard contact or Wi-Fi settings. A scanner uses that format to decide what action to offer. This is why a phone number encoded as plain text may behave differently from the Phone content type.

More data generally requires a denser matrix. For a small label, prefer a short, understandable address on your own website over a long URL with unnecessary parameters. Qivo does not shorten links through an external service.

Static and dynamic QR codes

A static code stores its content directly. Qivo creates static codes without accounts, scan analytics or a service redirect. To change an encoded address or text, generate a new image.

A dynamic code usually points to an intermediary service URL where the destination can be changed. Qivo does not provide that service. You can still update a website page behind an unchanged static link if you control that website.

Choose the right content type

• Link: websites, menus, catalogs or forms. Enter the complete https:// address.
• vCard: a contact card with a name, phone, email and other useful details.
• Wi-Fi: guest network access. The code contains the password, so share it deliberately.
• WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber: open a messaging app. Check the phone number or username.
• Phone, email or SMS: prepare a call or message. The phone owner confirms the action.
• Text: display a short instruction, label or other information without a special action.

Create your first code in Qivo

Choose a content type, fill in the fields, and start with standard square finders. Review the preview, then choose PNG or SVG. The editor checks whether the image decodes to the expected content before downloading.

Open the saved file on another screen or print a sample. Scan it with a phone and check the resulting action, not just whether a camera frame appears. Automatic decoding does not verify that a messaging account exists or that the website is available.

Does it need internet access or expire?

Reading text from the image does not require an external QR service. Opening a website, chat or another network feature may require internet access and an installed app.

A static image has no expiry date. Its content may stop being useful if the destination page is removed, a number changes or a Wi-Fi password is replaced. Check those details before printing again.