There are 2 ways to generate a vcard/QR code in Indesign, 1. Method 1 Type: Business Card 2. Method 2 Type: Plain Text with code: BEGIN:VCARDVERSION:3.0FN:First LastN:Last;First;END:VCARD Here's what I have observed: Androids can read Method 1 QR code without issue Most Androids cannot read Method 2 QR code If text code from Indesign's Method 2 is used in other QR code utility, then Androids can read QR code. It seems as though something is happening in the QR code generation process. You can use Method 2 in a data merge workflow, and is the reason that I would like to continue using this method. I have tried various versions of Indesign. I have tried versions 2.1, 3.0, 4.0 of vcard. Is there anything else to try in using Method 2 and have QR code read by Android?

J

Jeffrey_Smith

Community Expert

Answered

vcard QR code not working with some Android devices

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
June 20, 2022
2 replies
13639 views

There are 2 ways to generate a vcard/QR code in Indesign,

1. Method 1 Type: Business Card

2. Method 2 Type: Plain Text with code:

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:First Last
N:Last;First;
END:VCARD

Here's what I have observed:

Androids can read Method 1 QR code without issue
Most Androids cannot read Method 2 QR code
If text code from Indesign's Method 2 is used in other QR code utility, then Androids can read QR code.

It seems as though something is happening in the QR code generation process. You can use Method 2 in a data merge workflow, and is the reason that I would like to continue using this method. I have tried various versions of Indesign. I have tried versions 2.1, 3.0, 4.0 of vcard.

Is there anything else to try in using Method 2 and have QR code read by Android?

Bug

Correct answer Jeffrey_Smith

Keep in mind, this issue is not with QR codes in general, but specifically with vcard code placed in the text type of ID to generate QR code.

I have tested with an Android 11 (using just camera) and can read all QR codes generated from ID, including plain text in text type, except I cannot read a QR code of vcard code in text type.

The customer has reported mixed results of Android users able or unable to read QR code, but not giving specific device info.

What I am hoping for is that there might be different syntax within the vcard code that someone has come across and can suggest.

C

CarolAlmeida

Participating Frequently

Method 3 Type Plain Text using a third party plugin
Install QRCode Maker Pro and use plain text to generate the VCards in there. It takes ages to finish generating, you will not be able to just right-click to edit the QR code, but you will have no problems with Android and iPhones.

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

Nor will you have the slightest problem with any compatible reader using ID's generator by formatting your own data, which any pro should do for many reasons.

Anyone using a plugin should thoroughly verify that the data is not being sent outside the local system; perhaps the strongest reason to work around the ID feature's minor limitations is 100% data security, both from scraping and things like added redirection and tracking.

C

CarolAlmeida

Participating Frequently

Yes, I have problems using the ID's generator, as many commenting here. If you are the pro you appearently think everyone else here is not, please, post a plain text example of your input to make the ID's generator work on Android without plugins.

PS: I have no issues if data regarding publically available commercial contacts are being sent outside local system.

E

Eugene Tyson

Community Expert

What version of Android? What handset? What make?

Are they all the same barcode reading software on all Android devices?

I'd imagine it's more to do with the QR scanner than the QR code itself.

Have you tried any other QR scanner apps on Android?

J

Jeffrey_Smith

AuthorCorrect answer

Community Expert

Keep in mind, this issue is not with QR codes in general, but specifically with vcard code placed in the text type of ID to generate QR code.

I have tested with an Android 11 (using just camera) and can read all QR codes generated from ID, including plain text in text type, except I cannot read a QR code of vcard code in text type.

The customer has reported mixed results of Android users able or unable to read QR code, but not giving specific device info.

What I am hoping for is that there might be different syntax within the vcard code that someone has come across and can suggest.

V

vink_nh

Participant

I have the same issue—and blame it on me not to have the qr-code checked on an android device, but now I have to reprint a whole bunch of supposedly fine business cards. I certainly blame it on you, Adobe.

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