vCard vs URL: which should you print?
Choose a vCard when the main action is saving a person’s name, phone number and email directly to contacts. Choose a URL when details change often, several people share one card design, or you want the scan to open a profile or booking page. A printed static vCard cannot be updated, while a URL on a domain you control can redirect to new information.
Business card QR code size
Start at about 1 inch / 2.5 cm square, with the quiet zone included inside that measurement. Keep it away from trim and fold lines. Longer vCards create denser codes, so include only useful fields and enlarge the code if scanning is slow. See the print size chart for the full sizing method.
What to encode
A name, phone number, email address and website are usually enough. Long postal addresses, notes and extra fields make the pattern denser. If a fast-loading contact page does the job, a short URL may produce a simpler code.
Black on white still wins at this size
Small QR codes have little tolerance for weak contrast. Use a dark code on a plain light background and keep the four-module quiet zone clear. Avoid foil, gloss, patterned stock and oversized logos unless a physical proof scans reliably.
Test the print shop’s first proof
Scan the finished proof, not only the exported file. Test with more than one phone before approving the full run, and confirm that trimming has not reduced the quiet zone.
Why use a QR code on a business card?
A business card QR code removes friction. Instead of asking someone to type your phone number, email address or website, they scan the code and save the contact details in seconds. It is useful for consultants, trades, estate agents, salons, restaurants, local businesses and event exhibitors.
Use a clear call to action
Add text such as “Scan to save my details” next to the code.
Test before printing
Scan the finished code from another phone before ordering cards.
Keep contrast high
Black on white gives the best print reliability.
Business card QR code FAQs
What does this QR code contain?
It creates a vCard containing the contact details you enter, such as name, phone, email, website, company and address.
Can I print it on a business card?
Yes. Keep the complete code about 2.5 cm square and test the printer’s first proof.
Is this free?
Yes. QRCodeBarn lets you generate the QR code for free.
Create a business-card QROpen a print template
More help: QR codes for printing, print size chart, and Google review QR codes.