Why a static vCard QR never expires
Many “business card QR” tools create a dynamic code: the printed square points at a short URL on their servers, and that page later shows your contact card—or fails when the trial ends.
A static vCard QR is different. Your name, phone, email, and other fields are encoded inside the image. After you print or save it:
- No vendor account is required to keep it working.
- No subscription renewal can turn it off.
- There is no short link that can expire or change owners.
That tradeoff is intentional: you cannot “edit” the printed code remotely. When a number or title changes, you generate a new QR and reprint. For badges, conference cards, and networking decks where permanence matters more than remote edits, that is usually the right choice.
Want the longer comparison? Read static vs dynamic QR codes and QR codes that never expire.
Print tips for business cards and badges
- Prefer SVG for sharp edges at small sizes.
- Keep a quiet zone (white margin) around the code—do not crop tightly.
- More fields → denser modules → need a larger print. Drop unused address lines if the card is small.
- Aim for at least ~2 cm on a business card; test one print before ordering a batch.
- Matte stock scans more reliably than glossy glare under event lighting.
For size-by-distance guidance, see QR print size by scan distance. Browse more permanent-QR tips in the guides index.
FAQ
Does a vCard QR code expire?
A static vCard QR does not expire: contact fields live inside the image, so there is no trial clock or short-link server that can shut it off. Codes that “stop working” after a free trial were usually dynamic redirects. See why QR codes expire.
What happens if I change my phone number or email?
Generate and print a new QR. Static codes cannot be edited after creation—reprint when details change.
Is this business card QR generator free?
Yes. Create and download PNG or SVG with no signup. Generation is client-side on your device.
Will phones save the contact when they scan?
Most modern iPhone and Android camera apps recognize a vCard payload and offer to add the contact. Behavior varies slightly by OS version and camera app.
How large should a vCard QR be on a business card?
More fields make a denser code. For a typical business card, aim for at least about 2 cm (~0.8 in) on the shortest side, keep a quiet zone, and test a print before a large order.
Is my contact data uploaded?
No. This page builds the vCard string and QR image in your browser. Nothing is sent to our servers.
Next steps: Create any static QR on the homepage · WiFi QR generator · Static vs dynamic QR codes · QR codes that never expire · All guides