In depth
Text QR codes: work offline
How much text fits, where an offline code is useful and why short beats long.
The key difference
A text code does not lead to a website: the message is stored in the pattern and shown by the camera. No internet needed — it works in basements, outdoors and on planes.
How much text fits
The technical limit is a few thousand characters, but in practice aim for under 300. Long text turns the pattern into a fine grid that must be printed large. Non-Latin characters and emoji take more space.
| Text length | Scanning |
|---|---|
| up to 100 characters | instant, even from a small code |
| 100–300 characters | reliable from 3 cm per side |
| over 500 characters | needs a large code and good light |
Use cases
- Promo or gift code on packaging.
- Equipment instructions where there is no signal.
- Secret message in a card or treasure hunt.
- Serial numbers that are tedious to retype.
If the text might change, use a link instead — a text code has to be reprinted for every edit.