Supported QR Code Formats

Updated: August 2, 2026

QR codes come in several shapes and sizes, each tailored to meet different needs in terms of data capacity, physical space, and scanning flexibility. Whether you're printing on a large shipping label or embedding codes on tiny hardware components, IronQR supports all major QR standards to help you get the job done.

This article introduces the three QR variants that IronQR can generate and read, with a quick code sample to help you get started immediately.

QR code supported variants

Two-dimensional (2D) matrix codes offer a compact and reliable way to store more information than traditional barcodes. IronQR supports the following QR types:

QR Code

The standard, square QR code used globally - from mobile payments to restaurant menus, logistics, marketing, and more.

Data Capacity: Up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters
Error Correction: Four levels (Low, Medium, High, Highest) ensure data recovery even when part of the code is scratched, smudged, or obscured
Use Case: Ideal for general-purpose applications requiring moderate to large data capacity and high reliability

This is the most recognized and widely used QR code format, balancing capacity, scanning range, and flexibility across all industries.

QR Code

Micro QR Code

A miniaturized version of the standard QR code, designed for scenarios where space is extremely limited - such as electronics, retail tags, or warranty seals.

Data Capacity: Up to 35 numeric or 21 alphanumeric characters
Efficiency: Takes up less space and is faster to scan due to reduced module size
Use Case: Best suited for labeling tiny items, component tracking, or places where only a small amount of data needs to be stored

While it supports fewer characters than a standard QR code, Micro QR is highly effective in constrained physical environments.

Micro QR Code

Rectangular Micro Code (RMQRCode)

A compact rectangular format designed to fit into narrow or elongated areas where square codes don't work well.

Data Capacity: Comparable to Micro QR Code
Shape Advantage: Offers flexibility in layouts where rectangular print areas are available
Use Case: Perfect for forms, edge-of-label applications, and ticketing where width or height is restricted but not both

RMQRCode is functionally similar to Micro QR but provides layout adaptability not available with square formats.

Rectangular Micro Code

Quick-start snippet

Use the code below to generate a QR code with your preferred encoding. You can easily switch between the three supported types by changing the Encoding value.

using IronQr;
using IronQr.Enum;

// Generate a Micro QR code and save it as PNG
QrCode myQr = QrWriter.Write(
    "Hello IronQR",
    new QrOptions { Encoding = QrEncoding.MicroQRCode }
);

myQr.Save().SaveAs("QR.png");

using IronQr;
using IronQr.Enum;

// Generate a Micro QR code and save it as PNG
QrCode myQr = QrWriter.Write(
    "Hello IronQR",
    new QrOptions { Encoding = QrEncoding.MicroQRCode }
);

myQr.Save().SaveAs("QR.png");

Imports IronQr
Imports IronQr.Enum

' Generate a Micro QR code and save it as PNG
Dim myQr As QrCode = QrWriter.Write(
    "Hello IronQR",
    New QrOptions With {.Encoding = QrEncoding.MicroQRCode}
)

myQr.Save().SaveAs("QR.png")

Imports IronQr
Imports IronQr.Enum

' Generate a Micro QR code and save it as PNG
Dim myQr As QrCode = QrWriter.Write(
    "Hello IronQR",
    New QrOptions With {.Encoding = QrEncoding.MicroQRCode}
)

myQr.Save().SaveAs("QR.png")

To generate a standard QR Code or RMQRCode, simply use QrEncoding.QRCode or QrEncoding.RMQRCode.

Please note: When decoding, set QrEncoding.All to let IronQR automatically detect the format of any QR code. This is especially useful in mixed-code environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of QR codes does IronQR support?

IronQR supports standard QR Codes, Micro QR Codes, and Rectangular Micro Codes (RMQRCodes), each optimized for different data capacities, physical spaces, and scanning needs.

How many characters can a standard QR Code handle with IronQR?

A standard QR Code generated with IronQR can handle up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters, offering significant data capacity for various applications.

In what scenarios are Micro QR Codes most effective?

Micro QR Codes are most effective in environments with limited space, such as labeling tiny items, component tracking, or places where only a small amount of data is needed, due to their compact size.

What is the main advantage of using Rectangular Micro Codes with IronQR?

The main advantage of Rectangular Micro Codes is their ability to fit into narrow or elongated printed areas, providing layout flexibility compared to square formats.

How does IronQR ensure data recovery in QR Codes?

IronQR provides four levels of error correction (Low, Medium, High, Highest) in its QR Codes, ensuring data recovery even if parts of the code are damaged or obscured.

Can IronQR automatically detect different QR code formats during decoding?

Yes, IronQR can automatically detect the format of any QR code by setting `QrEncoding.All` during decoding, which is particularly useful in mixed-code environments.

What coding languages are compatible with IronQR for creating QR codes?

IronQR is compatible with C#, allowing developers to generate QR codes with ease using straightforward C# code snippets.

What should be done in the code to switch between different QR formats in IronQR?

To switch between different QR formats in IronQR, you simply need to change the `Encoding` value to either `QrEncoding.QRCode`, `QrEncoding.MicroQRCode`, or `QrEncoding.RMQRCode` in the code.

Zeeshan Wazir

Chat with engineering team now

Full Stack Developer

Zeeshan Wazir is a Full Stack Developer with a strong background in PHP (Laravel), C#, and ASP.NET. He's also skilled in Python scripting, often using it to streamline and automate complex tasks.

...