How to Create a vCard QR Code
A vCard QR code turns a business card into a one-scan contact entry. Here’s how to create one that’s compact, accurate and easy to scan.
What is a vCard?
vCard is the standard format address books use to exchange contacts; the .vcf files you can attach to emails are vCards. A vCard QR code embeds that record in the code itself, so scanning it offers to create a new contact with every field filled in. Nothing needs to be downloaded from a website.
Step by step
- Open the generator. Go to the vCard QR code generator.
- Add your details. Enter your name and the ways people should reach you. Use the international format for phone numbers, such as +44 7700 900123.
- Leave out what you don’t need. Each field makes the code denser. On a business card, name, phone, email and website are usually enough.
- Scan and check. Scan the preview on both an iPhone and an Android phone, and look at how the contact appears before saving it.
- Download. Use SVG if a designer or print shop is laying out your card.
Sizing for business cards
A compact vCard with four or five fields fits in a code that scans well at 2 to 2.5 cm (about 0.8 to 1 in) wide. If you add a full postal address, job title and several numbers, allow 3 cm or more. Keep the white margin around the code, and print in solid black or a deep color for crisp edges.
Common mistakes
- Local phone format: 020 7946 0000 works only within the UK. +44 20 7946 0000 works everywhere.
- Too much information: very dense codes fail on small cards. Link to a profile page for everything else.
- Not testing the final print: textured or glossy card stock can affect scanning. Test a proof.
vCard code or link to a profile page?
A vCard code works offline and saves directly to contacts, but can’t be updated after printing. A URL QR code pointing to a profile page you control can be updated anytime, but needs internet and an extra tap to save. Some people print both: a vCard code on the card and a link on their website.