How Much Text Is in a QR Code?
Sally Wright
Jun 9, 2023
Although QR codes are an amazing tool that can handle different types of content, it also has its own limits. For a single plain text QR code, they can only hold up to 7089 characters, including punctuation marks and special characters.
However, the amount of text can also vary depending on several factors. This includes the QR code version, error correction level and the type of data.
Higher versions tend to accommodate more data. However, they also require larger physical space which may affect the scanning experience.
On the other hand, correction levels may also affect the code’s ability to withstand damage or distortion while considering its readability.
In addition, there are also different types of data encoded which have varying lengths and character requirements. These two are what also impact the text capacity.
Optimizing Text in QR Codes
Plain text QR codes have become extremely popular among individuals and professionals. With their ability to instantly share information, it is no surprise that they became a common sight to business establishments.
To make the most of the QR code’s text capacity, it is crucial for you to keep the content concise and relevant. What do we mean by this?
Generally, longer texts can be challenging to fit within a QR code. So by using URL shorteners or redirects can help reduce the character count. Thus, maintaining the intended destination without affecting the scanning experience.
To learn more about QR codes, you can check out the free online resource in our Academy and Youtube channel.
Sample Use Cases for Plain Text QR Codes
Looking to employ QR codes for your business? Let us help you with that.
Here are some ways how you can employ plain text QR codes:
- Contact Information: Include QR codes on contact information such as a person's name, phone number, email address, and website URL. Using a QR code simplifies the process of transferring contact information by eliminating the need for human input.
- Loyalty Cards and Coupons: QR codes on loyalty cards and coupons allow for the tracking of consumer transactions and the provision of discounts. By scanning the QR code at the point of sale, customers can redeem loyalty points or take advantage of promotional offers.
- Authentication and Two-Factor Authentication: You can also integrate QR codes in authentication systems, particularly two-factor authentication. Customers visiting a service can use a smartphone app to scan a QR code to acquire a one-time password or verification code for added security.
- Text-Based URLs: Instead of inputting long URLs, you can encode website addresses with plain text QR codes. Users can visit the linked web page by scanning the QR code using a scanner app or the camera on their smartphone.
- Wi-Fi Network Configuration: Wi-Fi network information, such as the SSID, password, and encryption mechanism, can be included in a QR code. Instead of manually entering information, users can connect to the internet by simply scanning the QR code.
