14 QR Code Examples You Can Scan Right Now (By Type)

What does a QR code look like?

Every code has four parts. The three large corner squares are finder patterns: they tell the camera it is a QR code and which way is up, so codes scan at any rotation. The timing pattern between them is a ruler for counting modules. Alignment patterns correct for tilt, and the empty border is the quiet zone; crowding it lowers scan rates.

The rest is data plus error correction, so a code can still scan with up to 30% of its surface damaged or covered by a logo, according to Denso Wave's specification.

Can you use these as sample QR codes?

Yes, for scanner tests and design mockups.

To test a scanner, scan three codes in order of density. If it reads all three, it will handle real codes.

1. Plain text (13), the simplest pattern.
2. The URL (1), a typical medium density.
3. The vCard (3), the densest payload.

In a mockup, swap in the real code at the same size before printing; a denser code may need to grow to stay scannable. The size guide covers print minimums.

What caption should go beside a QR code?

Use a verb, a benefit and the friction removed; a code without a caption gets ignored.

• "Scan to see the full menu" (menu code on a table tent)
• "Scan to join our WiFi" (counter)
• "Scan to save my contact" (business card)

What do these examples have in common?

Three things: high contrast (dark pattern on a light background), enough size for the scan distance (the size guide has print minimums), and a caption.

Most examples above are static, meaning the payload is baked into the pattern; the menu (10) and multi-link (14) codes open pages on this site. Dynamic codes encode a redirect you can re-point later, with scan tracking. See static vs dynamic, and the QR code security guide for spotting fake codes.

To spot a fake code, read the link preview before opening it, and be wary of a sticker placed over another code.