An SMS QR code is a printable shortcut to a prefilled text message. Scan it and your phone opens the messaging app with the recipient number — and optionally the message body — already filled in, so the only step left is to tap send. It is ideal for opt-in keyword campaigns, support lines, event check-ins, and contact prompts on packaging.
How it works
The tool builds an SMSTO payload, the most broadly supported SMS prefill scheme. With just a number the payload is SMSTO:+15551234567; add a message and it becomes SMSTO:+15551234567:Your text here. That string is encoded into a QR code at 320 px with a quiet-zone margin of 2 modules and error-correction level M (medium), which recovers from roughly 15% damage or print smudging while keeping the code compact.
You can download the result as a PNG (rendered from a canvas) for screens or as a resolution-independent SVG for print.
Worked example
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Phone | +15551234567 |
| Message | YES |
| Encoded payload | SMSTO:+15551234567:YES |
Scanning this opens a new text to +15551234567 pre-loaded with the word “YES” — perfect for a “Text YES to subscribe” poster.
Real-world uses
Opt-in keyword campaigns: Print a QR code on a flyer or poster that pre-fills a message like “JOIN” or “INFO” to your shortcode. The user just taps send — no typing a number, no risk of typos.
Customer support lines: Packaging, receipts, or instruction manuals with a QR code that opens a pre-addressed text to your support number reduce the friction of reaching out and can drive more support contacts versus a plain phone number.
Event check-in and feedback: A printed QR at event exits can open a text to your survey shortcode with a keyword like “RATE” so attendees can send a one-word response without installing an app.
Contact cards and business materials: A QR code on a business card that opens a text to your number, pre-filled with “Hi, I got your card at [event]”, is a memorable, friction-free way for contacts to introduce themselves.
Phone number format
Use the full international format with a + prefix and country code, for example +447700900123 (UK) or +15551234567 (US). A local number without a country code may work for people scanning within that country, but will fail for anyone roaming or abroad. International format is always the safer choice for printed materials that will be distributed widely.
PNG vs SVG — which to download
PNG: Raster image at 320 px. Good for digital use — website embedding, email, social posts, digital presentations. Fixed resolution, so looks best at or below 320 px.
SVG: Vector format, infinitely scalable without pixelation. Use for print media — posters, flyers, packaging, large-format banners. Scale it to any size and it stays sharp.
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