What is an event QR code?

An event QR code encodes calendar event details (name, date, time, location, description) in the iCalendar VEVENT format. When scanned, calendar apps like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook offer to add the event with all details pre-filled.

Which calendar apps support event QR codes?

Most major calendar apps support the iCalendar format, including Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Samsung Calendar. Support varies slightly by app version and operating system.

Can I include recurring events?

Yes, iCalendar supports RRULE for recurring events (e.g., RRULE:FREQ=WEEKLY;BYDAY=MO for every Monday). However, complex recurrence rules increase QR code complexity. For recurring series, consider linking to a URL instead.

What date format should I use for event QR codes?

Use the iCalendar datetime format: YYYYMMDDTHHMMSSZ (e.g., 20261201T090000Z for December 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC). The Z indicates UTC time. For local time, omit the Z and add a TZID parameter.

Can the event location be a URL instead of an address?

Yes. The LOCATION field can contain any text, including a video conference URL (e.g., a Zoom or Teams link). Calendar apps will display it as-is, though they may not offer navigation to URL-based locations.

Event QR Code Generator

Free Event QR Code Generator

Let people add your event to their calendar with a single scan. Encode event name, date, time, location, and description into a QR code using the standard iCalendar (vEvent) format — no app required.

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Example Event QR Code

API URL

 https://api.online-qr.com/v1/make-qr?data=BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
BEGIN:VEVENT...

What is a Event QR Code?

An event QR code encodes event details using the iCalendar VEVENT format, which is understood by Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and other calendar applications. When scanned, the phone presents an "Add to Calendar" prompt with all event details pre-filled. This removes the need for people to manually enter event information and is ideal for invitations, conference materials, flyers, and tickets.

How to Create a Event QR Code

1
Format your VEVENT data: BEGIN:VCALENDAR\nVERSION:2.0\nBEGIN:VEVENT\nSUMMARY:Event Name\nDTSTART:20261201T090000Z\nDTEND:20261201T110000Z\nLOCATION:Venue Address\nEND:VEVENT\nEND:VCALENDAR
2
URL-encode the iCalendar string and pass it to the API: https://api.online-qr.com/v1/make-qr?data=BEGIN%3AVCALENDAR...
3
Print the QR code on your event invitation, flyer, or ticket — attendees scan to save the event instantly

Example API call

 https://api.online-qr.com/v1/make-qr?data=BEGIN%3AVCALENDAR%0AVERSION%3A2.0%0ABEGIN%3AVEVENT%0ASUMMARY%3ATeam%20Meeting%0ADTSTART%3A20261201T090000Z%0ADTEND%3A20261201T100000Z%0ALOCATION%3A123%20Main%20St%2C%20New%20York%2C%20NY%0AEND%3AVEVENT%0AEND%3AVCALENDAR

Common Use Cases

Conference and workshop invitations with session details
Wedding invitations linking to save-the-date calendar entry
Concert and festival tickets encoding event date and venue
Corporate meeting materials for quick calendar blocking
Sporting event programs with game schedule entries
Trade show booth materials for scheduled product demonstrations

Tips for Best Results

Use UTC timestamps (Z suffix) in DTSTART and DTEND for timezone-consistent scheduling across regions
Keep the event description concise to minimize QR code complexity — link to a URL for full details
Include a LOCATION field with the full address so calendar apps can show navigation options
Test the QR code with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook before distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

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