MeCard (QR code)
MeCard is a data file similar to vCard but used by NTT DoCoMo in Japan in QR code format for use with Cellular Phones.
It is largely compatible with most QR-readers for smartphones. It is an easy way to share a contact with the most used fields. Usually, devices can recognize it and treat it like a contact ready to import.
The following QR Code image is an example containing the text: MECARD:N:Doe,John;TEL:13035551212;EMAIL:john.doe@example.com;;
Advantages
Its main advantage is the simplicity: It is very intuitive.
It is based in UTF-8 (which is ASCII compatible), the fields are separated with one semicolon (";"), the tags are very readable, they are separated with a colon (":") and --maybe the most important reason-- compared with vCard it needs very few chars which is important for the size of a QR Code.
Limitations
Despite vCard, MeCard format only can store one single contact, and only a few labels, a few data to be set in a typical phonebook.
Structure
MeCard format starts with the tag "MECARD:" and it finishes with two semicolons (";;")
The supported tags include:
| Tag | i-mode compatible bar code recognition function | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ADR | 3.0 | The physical delivery address. The fields divided by commas (,) denote PO box, room number, house number, city, prefecture, zip code and country, in order. | ADR:,,123 Main St.,Springfield,IL,12345,USA; |
BDAY | 3.0 | 8 digits for date of birth: year (4 digits), month (2 digits) and day (2 digits), in order. | BDAY:19700310; |
EMAIL | 1.0 | The address for electronic mail communication. | EMAIL:johndoe@hotmail.com; |
N | 1.0 | A structured representation of the name of the person. When a field is divided by a comma (,), the first half is treated as the last name and the second half is treated as the first name. | N:Doe,John; |
NICKNAME | 3.0 | Familiar name for the object represented by this MeCard. | NICKNAME:Johnny; |
NOTE | 1.0 | Specifies supplemental information to be set as memo in the phonebook. | NOTE:I am proficient in Tiger-Crane Style,\nand I am more than proficient in the exquisite art of the Samurai sword.; |
SOUND | 1.0 | Designates a text string to be set as the kana name in the phonebook. When a field is divided by a comma (,), the first half is treated as the last name and the second half is treated as the first name. | |
TEL | 1.0 | The canonical number string for a telephone number for telephony communication. | TEL:(123) 555-5832; |
TEL-AV | 2.0 | The canonical string for a videophone number communication. | TEL:(123) 555-5832; |
URL | 3.0 | A URL pointing to a website that represents the person in some way. | URL:http://www.johndoe.com |
External links
- NTT DoCoMo MECARD format and example at the Wayback Machine (archived 4 March 2016)
- QR Code MeCard online generator