Static QR Code Types
Understanding static QR codes and when to use them instead of dynamic codes.
Static QR codes bake the information directly into the pattern. They're free, unlimited, and work forever—but you can't change them after you create them, and there's no way to track scans.
What Makes a Code "Static"?
With static codes, the actual data is encoded in the QR pattern:
- The URL itself is in the pattern
- The WiFi password is in the pattern
- The contact info is in the pattern
- Nothing goes through our servers
With dynamic codes, the pattern contains a short redirect URL (like qrc.gs/abc) that points to your actual destination. Because everything routes through us, you can change where it goes anytime.
"Static" means the content is fixed—not that the image doesn't move. Both types are just image files.
Static Code Types
All of these can be created as static codes:
URL / Website
The full URL is encoded in the pattern. Good for permanent links that won't change.
WiFi
Network name and password encoded directly. Phones read credentials from the pattern - no internet needed.
vCard (Basic)
Contact information encoded in pattern. Saves directly to contacts without a landing page.
Plain Text
Simple text displayed when scanned. Great for messages, codes, or information.
mailto: link encoded directly. Opens email app with pre-filled fields.
SMS
sms: link encoded directly. Opens messaging app with pre-filled number/text.
Phone Number
tel: link encoded directly. Opens phone dialer with number ready.
Geo Location
Geographic coordinates encoded. Opens maps app to specific location.
When to Use Static Codes
Permanent Content
- Company website that won't change
- WiFi for a network with stable password
- Contact info you don't expect to update
No Tracking Needed
- Personal use
- Internal-only codes
- When analytics don't matter
Offline Functionality
- WiFi codes (must be static to work)
- Phone numbers
- Anything that needs to work without internet
Budget Constraints
- Static codes are free and unlimited
- No plan limits apply
- Good for testing and experiments
When to Avoid Static Codes
Campaigns and Marketing
- You'll want tracking data
- May need to change destination
- A/B testing requires dynamic
Printed Materials
- What if the URL changes?
- Error corrections are impossible
- Future flexibility is valuable
Business-Critical Uses
- Too much risk if destination changes
- Worth the dynamic code slot
- Analytics help justify ROI
Static vs Dynamic: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Static | Dynamic |
|---|---|---|
| Change destination | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Track scans | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Analytics | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Landing pages | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Complex URL handling | ❌ Limited | ✅ Full |
| Free tier limit | ✅ Unlimited | 1 code |
| Works offline | ✅ Some types | ❌ Needs redirect |
QR Code Complexity
Static codes can become complex if the data is large:
Simple (Scans Easily)
- Short URLs (under 30 characters)
- Phone numbers
- Short text
- WiFi with short password
Complex (May Need Larger Size)
- Long URLs with parameters
- Full vCard with many fields
- Long text messages
- Lengthy WiFi passwords
Complexity Matters
More data = more complex pattern = harder to scan. If your static code is complex, print it larger.
Static vs Dynamic Decision Tree
Will the destination ever change?
- Yes → Dynamic
- No → Either works
Do you need to track scans?
- Yes → Dynamic
- No → Either works
Is this for a campaign?
- Yes → Dynamic (you'll want data)
- No → Either works
Does it need to work offline?
- Yes → Static (WiFi, phone, etc.)
- No → Either works
Are you at your dynamic code limit?
- Yes → Static is your only option
- No → Your choice
Creating Static Codes
- Click Create QR Code
- Select your code type
- Choose Static when prompted
- Enter your information
- Customize the design
- Download and use
Converting Static to Dynamic
You cannot convert a static code to dynamic. The data is encoded in the pattern itself.
If you need dynamic features for something you printed statically:
- Create a new dynamic code
- Print materials with the new code
- The old static code continues working with its original data
Frequently Asked Questions
Are static codes really free forever? Yes. Create unlimited static codes on any plan, including free.
Can I see how many times a static code was scanned? No. Static codes don't route through our servers, so we can't track them.
What happens if my website URL changes? Your static code still points to the old URL. You'd need to create a new code with the new URL and reprint.
Why would anyone choose static over dynamic? Free, unlimited, works offline (for some types), and sometimes you genuinely don't need tracking or flexibility.
Can static codes expire? No. Static codes never expire - the data is in the pattern itself. As long as the QR code image exists and the destination is valid, it works.