What a vCard contains
A vCard is a text format that phones understand as a contact. A minimal example:
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:Pérez;Ana
FN:Ana Pérez
ORG:Estudio Norte
TEL;TYPE=CELL:+34600123456
EMAIL:ana@estudionorte.es
URL:https://estudionorte.es
END:VCARD
When scanned, iOS and Android offer to add the contact. No server is involved: the data travels inside the drawing. That makes it robust, but it also means that if you change your phone number you will have to reprint the card.
vCard vs digital link
| Criterion | vCard | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Works without internet | Yes | No |
| Updates without reprinting | No | Yes, with your own URL |
| Allows measuring | No | Yes, with a redirect |
| QR size | Grows with the fields | Small and stable |
| Sensitive data | Visible in the code | Visible on the web |
Many cards combine both: the vCard on the back and a short link written below. If you choose only one, think about the use: a trade fair with poor coverage favors the vCard; frequent job changes favor the link.
Design and size
Save a clean area on the back, with at least four white modules around it. A 1.5 cm QR code works for a short vCard, but if you include many fields you will need 2 cm or more. Avoid printing on dark or textured backgrounds: contrast is what makes it readable.
Do not put the QR code over the company logo or a photo. If the card is colored, leave a white box for the code. And check the result on paper, not only on the screen: ink and paper weight change the result.
Two-phone test: one old and one recent. If the old one cannot read at 20 cm, increase the size or cut the fields.
Privacy: what not to include
The card gets passed around and the QR code can be photographed. Include only professional details: name, company, work phone, email and website. Avoid your home address, personal number or client data. If you use a link, check that the page does not show private information and that it has a clear privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is a vCard?
A contact format that the phone recognizes and offers to save.
Can I include a photo?
Better not in print: it grows the code and reduces readability.
What size do I use?
1.5–2 cm for a short vCard, with margin and contrast.
vCard or link?
vCard if you need it to work without internet; link if you change data or want to measure.