Dynamic vs Static QR Codes
Understand the difference between dynamic and static QR codes and when to use each.
This is the first thing you need to decide when creating a QR code: static or dynamic? The choice affects whether you can edit the code later, whether you get analytics, and what it costs. For an in-depth comparison with real-world examples, see our complete static vs dynamic guide.
Static Codes: Simple and Permanent
With a static QR code, the destination URL is baked directly into the pattern itself. When someone scans it, their phone decodes that URL from the black and white squares—no internet lookup required.
The tradeoff: once you create it, the destination is permanent. You can't change where it goes. You also don't get any analytics because there's no server involved in the scan.
Static codes tend to have denser patterns because all that data has to fit in the code itself. A long URL means a more complex pattern.
When static makes sense:
- WiFi network sharing (the network name and password encode directly)
- Sharing your contact info with a vCard
- Simple text messages
- Anything where you know the destination won't change
All static codes are free, forever. Create as many as you want. They never expire.
Dynamic Codes: Flexible and Trackable
Dynamic QR codes work differently. Instead of encoding your full destination URL, they encode a short redirect link (like qrc.gs/aB3xY). When someone scans, they hit our server first, then get redirected to wherever you've pointed that code.
This extra step unlocks two big features:
-
You can change the destination anytime. Printed 10,000 flyers and realize you linked to the wrong page? Just update the redirect. The printed codes now go somewhere new.
-
You get scan analytics. Every time someone scans, we log when it happened, roughly where (city-level), and what kind of device they used.
The pattern is also smaller and cleaner because we're only encoding a short URL, not your full destination.
When dynamic makes sense:
- Marketing campaigns where you'll want data
- Printed materials (business cards, posters, packaging) where you might need to fix a mistake
- A/B testing different landing pages
- Anything you might want to update later
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Static | Dynamic |
|---|---|---|
| Change destination after creating | No | Yes |
| Scan analytics | No | Yes |
| Pattern complexity | Denser | Simpler |
| Loads via | Direct decode | Server redirect |
| Cost | Free forever | Free tier (1) + paid |
What We Track on Dynamic Codes
When someone scans a dynamic code, we capture:
- When it happened (timestamp)
- Location at city level (derived from IP geolocation)
- Device type (phone, tablet, desktop)
- Operating system (iOS, Android, etc.)
We don't store personal information, raw IP addresses, or use cookies for tracking. The data is anonymous.
What Happens If You Downgrade
This is worth mentioning because it's where we differ from most QR services.
If you downgrade your plan or your subscription lapses, your dynamic codes don't break. Most competitors will either deactivate your codes entirely or redirect them to their own ads—leaving your printed materials useless.
We redirect exceeded codes to an upgrade page instead. Not ideal, but at least your printed posters don't send people to a dead link or someone else's ad.
Your printed materials never become worthless with us. Worst case, scanners see a page asking them to contact you about the limit—not a 404 or a competitor's ad.
The Bottom Line
If you're doing anything for business or marketing, go dynamic. The ability to fix mistakes and see who's scanning is worth it.
If it's personal—sharing WiFi with guests, a one-time contact exchange, a poster for your garage sale—static is fine and free.
Ready to make one? Head to your dashboard or learn more about choosing which QR type to use.