When someone sends you a Pix payment request in Brazil, two formats appear: a QR Code to scan and a long string of characters to copy and paste. They look like different things — but they're not. Both carry exactly the same information.
The only difference is how you use them: the QR Code is for pointing a camera, the Copy-and-Paste is for everything else — paying from your own phone, sharing via WhatsApp, or embedding in an email. Knowing when to use each (and how to generate both in seconds) is what this guide is all about.
What is BR Code and why it matters
Brazil's Central Bank created the BR Code — a standard that defines how Pix payment information is encoded. That standard can be represented in two ways:
- Pix QR Code: the BR Code turned into a scannable image. A banking app reads the image with the camera.
- Pix Copy-and-Paste: the BR Code as plain text. You copy it, open your bank app, choose "Pix Copia e Cola" and paste it.
In other words, Pix QR Code and Pix Copy-and-Paste are the same data in different formats. The amount, recipient's key, and description — all identical.
When to use Pix QR Code vs Copy-and-Paste
| Situation | Use QR Code | Use Copy-and-Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Physical point of sale (counter, table) | ✅ Scan on the spot | — |
| Invoice sent via WhatsApp | — | ✅ Paste into the conversation |
| Payment link in email | — | ✅ Copy from email |
| Paying from your own phone | — | ✅ No second device needed |
| E-commerce checkout screen | ✅ Display QR | ✅ Offer both |
| Printed poster or banner | ✅ Print stays readable | — |
| Invoice or billing PDF | ✅ QR in the PDF | ✅ Text in the footer |
The practical rule: QR Code for another device's camera, Copy-and-Paste for anything involving digital text.
Static Pix vs Pix with amount (billing)
Before generating, understand the two types:
Static Pix
- Contains only your Pix key (and optionally your name and city).
- No fixed amount: the payer enters the amount themselves.
- Best for: business cards, menus, store counters, recurring use with variable amounts.
Pix with amount (billing)
- Contains the key + exact amount + optional description.
- The payer confirms the amount without typing it.
- Best for: specific charges, WhatsApp invoices, e-commerce checkout, orders with a set price.
Tip: for recurring fixed-amount charges (subscriptions, monthly fees), use Pix with amount — it eliminates typing errors.
How to generate a Pix QR Code and Copy-and-Paste on Code2Scan
- Go to the Code2Scan Pix QR Code generator.
- Enter your Pix key (CPF, CNPJ, email, phone, or random key).
- (Optional) Fill in amount, recipient name, and description.
- Click Generate.
- You get:
- The Pix QR Code for download as PNG or SVG.
- The Pix Copy-and-Paste code to copy with one click.
- Download the QR and copy the code — use each in the right channel.
The whole process takes less than two minutes. No sign-up required for static format.
How to share the Pix Copy-and-Paste code
- WhatsApp: copy the code and paste it directly into the conversation. The customer opens their bank app, taps "Pix Copy and Paste" and pastes it.
- Billing email: paste the code prominently in the email body.
- Invoice / PDF: place it in the footer alongside the QR Code.
- Social media: paste in Stories or bio — but note the code is long; payment links work better in a bio.
Security: check the recipient before paying
Before confirming any Pix payment — whether via QR Code or Copy-and-Paste — your bank app shows the recipient's name. Always verify:
- Does the name match who you expect to pay?
- Is the amount correct?
- Does the financial institution seem legitimate?
Pix scams typically replace the QR Code or Copy-and-Paste code with someone else's. One second of attention on the confirmation screen prevents the loss. Read more at Is QR Code safe?
Common mistakes
❌ Sending the QR Code as an image on WhatsApp and asking the person to "scan it"
The customer cannot scan their own phone screen with the same camera at the same time. Send the Copy-and-Paste code when billing through messaging apps.
❌ Using Static Pix when you needed a fixed amount
Static Pix does not lock the amount. The customer can pay any sum. If the charge has a defined value, generate Pix with amount.
❌ Sharing a low-resolution QR Code
A blurry or too-small QR Code won't scan. Always download in SVG (vector) or high-resolution PNG. See minimum QR Code size.
❌ Not testing before publishing
Always scan or paste your own generated code before printing or sending to many people. Confirm the recipient and amount (if any) are correct.
❌ Confusing the Pix key with bank account details
The Pix key replaces branch and account number. Use the correct key registered at your bank — don't mix up data.
Pix Copy-and-Paste in e-commerce checkout
If you have an online store, offer both formats on the payment screen:
- Large QR Code prominently displayed (for desktop users paying via phone).
- "Copy Pix Code" button right below (for mobile users).
This combination covers 100% of scenarios and reduces cart abandonment due to payment friction. Also see how a card reader QR Code can complement your in-person operations.
Difference from a boleto barcode
Pix Copy-and-Paste works similarly to a boleto bank slip barcode — you copy and paste it in your bank app. The key difference is speed: a boleto can take up to one business day to clear, Pix settles in seconds, 24/7. Learn more at QR Code for boleto payment.
Summary
- Pix QR Code and Pix Copy-and-Paste carry the same data (BR Code) in different formats.
- Use QR Code when the payer will scan with another device's camera.
- Use Copy-and-Paste when the invoice is sent via WhatsApp, email, or the payer is on their own phone.
- Static Pix = no fixed amount; Pix with amount = locks the charge amount.
- Always check the recipient's name before confirming payment.
- Generate both formats for free on Code2Scan in under 2 minutes.
For more background on how Pix works under the hood, see how Pix QR Code works.
Generate your Pix QR Code and Copy-and-Paste code now — free, no sign-up, ready in seconds.
