Choose the right payload

Which type of QR code do I need?

The visual pattern is only the container. The encoded payload decides whether a scan opens a site, joins Wi-Fi, saves a contact, drafts a message, or shows text.

Short answer

Use URL for websites and files, Wi-Fi for network access, vCard for contacts, email or SMS for prefilled messages, and text for an offline note. BananaSplit supports all six as private static codes.

Types BananaSplit generates directly

Each mode opens a structured form so you do not need to build the payload by hand.

  • URL

    Opens a website, menu, form, PDF, map, app-store page, social profile, event page, or file that already has a public URL.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stores the network name, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 or WEP setting, password, and optional hidden-network flag.

  • vCard

    Offers a contact with name, organisation, role, phone, email, and website for saving to the address book.

  • Email and SMS

    Open a draft with the destination and optional message. The person scanning still chooses whether to send it.

  • Text

    Shows a fixed note, identifier, instruction, or code without requiring internet access.

Formats that use a URL QR code

BananaSplit does not host PDFs, audio, video, documents, menus, maps, event data, payment pages, app downloads, or social profiles. Put that content at a stable HTTPS URL you control, then create a URL QR code for it.

Visual options are not payload types

A logo QR, coloured QR, SVG QR, menu QR, and print-ready QR describe the design or use case. Underneath, they still carry one of the supported payloads—usually a URL.

  • Not currently generated

    BananaSplit does not provide dedicated phone-call, geographic-coordinate, calendar-event, crypto, payment, or file-upload payload forms.

  • Need automation?

    The public API creates URL or text SVG artwork from a request. Structured Wi-Fi and vCard payloads can be assembled by a client and passed as the data value.

Frequently asked questions

Which QR code type is best for a PDF?

Upload the PDF to a stable HTTPS location you control and create a URL QR code for that address. BananaSplit does not host the file.

Is a menu QR code a special format?

Usually no. It is normally a URL QR code pointing to a mobile-friendly menu page or PDF.

Can one QR code contain several actions?

A QR code contains one payload. Point it to a landing page you control when people need several links or actions.

Ready to make the code?

Create a private static QR code, add a logo or colour, then download PNG or print-ready SVG.

Open the free QR generator

Which type of QR code do I need?