What the code actually holds
An AR QR code contains an ordinary link; there is nothing special about the code itself. The augmented reality comes from what the link opens, such as a web page that uses the camera, a 3D model file the phone can place in the room, or an installed app.
Common uses include product previews on packaging, furniture shown at real size in a room, museum and exhibit extras, and animated posters or greeting cards.
How the experience is delivered
There are three common routes. Web AR runs in the phone’s browser with no install, using the camera and, where supported, the WebXR Device API. On iPhone, AR Quick Look can place a USDZ model in the room straight from a link. On Android, Scene Viewer can do the same with glTF or GLB models.
Which route works depends on the phone, browser and model format, so many AR pages detect the device and pick the right option.
- Web AR in the browser, including WebXR where available
- iOS AR Quick Look with USDZ files
- Android Scene Viewer with glTF or GLB files
- A dedicated app, opened through a deep link
The code as an anchor
Some AR systems also use the printed code, or the artwork around it, as a tracking target. The camera recognizes the image and pins the virtual content to it, so an animation appears to sit on the poster or package.
This is a separate job from scanning the link, and it works better with a flat, well-lit print. Placing the code where people can scan it easily still matters most, since nothing happens until the link opens.