What is a calendar QR code?
A calendar QR code holds the details of an event — title, date and time, place and notes. When a guest points their phone camera at it, the phone offers to add the event to their calendar, so nobody has to type the date in or forget it. They are popular on wedding invitations, event posters, webinar slides, class timetables, appointment cards and trade-show stands.
Three types of calendar QR code
| Type | What it contains | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar event (iCal) | The event itself in iCalendar format (BEGIN:VEVENT) | Printed invitations and posters — works offline in the phone’s own calendar on iPhone and most Android phones |
| Google Calendar link | A link that opens Google Calendar with the event filled in | Guests who use Google Calendar; supports repeats reliably |
| Outlook.com link | A link that opens Outlook on the web with the event filled in | Office and business audiences using Outlook |
How to make one
- Pick an example or type your event title.
- Set the start and end date and time, and choose the time zone those times are in. For festivals and conferences tick All-day event.
- Add the location, a short description and an optional link (tickets, RSVP or a meeting link).
- Choose whether it repeats and, for the .ics file, a reminder.
- Choose what the QR code opens, check the scan check badge, and download a PNG for print or digital use, or an SVG for designers.
Tips for a QR code that always scans
- Keep the description short. Every character makes the code denser. The tool shows the module count and a suggested minimum print size.
- Print it big enough: about 2–3 cm wide for a card held in the hand, and larger for posters seen from a distance (roughly one tenth of the scanning distance).
- Use dark on light. Keep a white margin (quiet zone) around the code.
- Time zones matter. The tool saves times in UTC, so a guest in another country sees the event at their own local time.
- Test before printing with both an iPhone and an Android phone.
Need the same event as a simple QR card? Try the event QR code generator. For links, contacts and chats see the URL QR code generator, vCard QR code generator and WhatsApp QR code generator.