Can You Create Dynamic QR Codes?
Jonathan Palley
Jun 26, 2023
You print a QR code on a flyer, menu, product package, or business card. A few weeks later, the link behind it needs to change.
With a static QR code, that can mean creating a new code and replacing everything you already printed. A dynamic QR code gives you another option. You can change the destination without changing the QR code itself.
That makes dynamic QR codes useful for businesses, marketers, event organizers, restaurants, educators, and anyone who shares information that may change over time.
The good news is that creating one does not require coding skills. With a dynamic QR code generator such as QR Codes Unlimited, you can create a code, customize its appearance, publish it, and manage the destination from one place.
TL;DR
- Dynamic QR codes let you change the destination after the code has been created or printed.
- They can be used for websites, menus, forms, events, product information, and marketing campaigns.
- Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan tracking and campaign insights, depending on the platform and plan.
- You can customize elements such as colors, logos, shapes, and frames.
- Always test a QR code before printing it on physical materials.
- QR Codes Unlimited provides tools for creating, customizing, and managing dynamic QR codes.
What Is a Dynamic QR Code?
A dynamic QR code is an editable QR code that can send people to different content without requiring you to replace the printed code.
The key difference is how the destination is managed.
A static QR code contains fixed information. Once you create it, the information cannot be changed. If the QR code points to a particular website, for example, changing that destination generally means creating a new QR code.
A dynamic QR code uses a managed destination. When someone scans the code, they are directed through the QR code service before reaching the current destination. Because the destination is managed separately from the printed code, you can update it when needed.
For example, imagine a restaurant prints a QR code on 5,000 table cards. The code initially opens the restaurant's regular menu. When the restaurant launches a seasonal menu, the same QR code can be updated to point to the new page.
There is no need to print 5,000 new cards.
How Does a Dynamic QR Code Work?
The process is fairly simple from the user's perspective.
A customer scans the QR code with their phone. The code directs them to its assigned destination, and the customer sees the content associated with that destination.
The important part is that the destination can be managed after the QR code has been created. This is what makes a dynamic code different from a static one.
Dynamic QR codes can also support tracking. Depending on the QR code platform and plan, you may be able to see information about scans and campaign activity. This can help businesses understand whether people are actually interacting with printed marketing materials.
For example, a company could place QR codes on brochures distributed at a trade show and use scan data to measure engagement.
Why Use a Dynamic QR Code?
Dynamic QR codes are particularly useful when the information behind the code may change.
Update the destination without reprinting
This is probably the biggest reason to use a dynamic QR code.
If you change a menu, landing page, event schedule, promotion, or product resource, you can update the destination instead of replacing the QR code.
That is especially useful when the same code appears on thousands of printed materials.
Track scans
Dynamic QR codes can turn offline materials into measurable marketing channels. Depending on the service you use, tracking may provide information such as scan volume, timing, location, or device.
This gives marketers more insight into how their QR codes are being used.
Connect print and digital content
A printed brochure cannot change once it has been distributed. A QR code can give it a connection to content that can continue to evolve.
A single code could lead customers to a product video today and an updated support page later.
Customize the design
PDF QR codes do not have to look identical. Many generators let you customize colors, shapes, frames, logos, and other design elements.
However, design should never come at the expense of readability. Make sure there is enough contrast and test the finished code before publishing it.
How to Create a Dynamic QR Code
Creating a dynamic QR code usually takes only a few steps.
Step 1: Choose a dynamic QR code generator
Start with a QR code generator that supports dynamic codes.
QR Codes Unlimited provides tools for creating and managing QR codes for different types of content. Choose the option that allows you to create a dynamic code rather than a static one.
Step 2: Add your content
Enter the URL or other content you want people to access.
Depending on the QR code type and platform, this could be a website, landing page, digital menu, form, document, video, or other online resource.
Before continuing, check the destination carefully. A simple typo in a URL can send visitors to the wrong page.
Step 3: Customize your QR code
Once your content is added, customize the code to fit your brand or campaign.
You may be able to change its colors, shape, frame, or logo. You can also add a call-to-action that tells people what they will get when they scan.
For example, “View Menu,” “Get 10% Off,” or “See Product Details” gives people a reason to scan instead of leaving them to guess what the code does.
Step 4: Generate and test the code
Generate the QR code and scan it with a smartphone.
Do not skip this step, especially if you are going to print thousands of copies.
Try scanning it from the actual size and distance at which customers will encounter it. Check that the destination opens correctly and that the page works well on a mobile device.
Step 5: Download and publish it
Once everything works, download the QR code and add it to your marketing materials.
Dynamic QR codes can be placed on packaging, posters, menus, flyers, brochures, business cards, signs, event materials, and other physical or digital content.
Step 6: Update the destination when necessary
This is where the dynamic functionality becomes useful.
If the information changes, update the destination associated with the QR code. People can continue scanning the same printed code while being sent to the new content.
Common Ways to Use Dynamic QR Codes
Restaurants and menus
Restaurants can use dynamic QR codes on tables, menus, receipts, and signs. The code could lead to a digital menu, seasonal specials, nutritional information, or an online ordering page.
If the menu changes, the destination can be updated without replacing the printed code.
Events
Conferences, concerts, trade shows, and other events often involve information that changes at the last minute.
A dynamic QR code can direct attendees to schedules, speaker information, venue maps, registration pages, or event updates.
Product packaging
Brands can place plain text dynamic QR codes on packaging to provide product instructions, tutorials, warranty information, reviews, or promotional offers.
The destination can be changed as the campaign or product information evolves.
Customer feedback
A QR code can take customers directly to a survey, review form, or feedback page.
Businesses can change the destination later if they move to a different feedback platform or launch a new campaign.
Education
Schools, teachers, and training providers can connect printed materials with online resources. A QR code on a worksheet could lead to a video, reading material, assignment page, or updated course resource.
Best Practices for Dynamic QR Codes
Creating the code is only part of the process. How you use it matters, too.
- Keep the QR code large enough to scan easily, particularly when it will be printed on posters or packaging. Use strong contrast between the code and its background, and avoid placing it over busy images.
- Always test the code before distributing it.
- It is also a good idea to make the destination page mobile-friendly. Most people scanning a QR code will be using a smartphone, so a page that is difficult to navigate on a small screen can quickly turn a scan into a lost opportunity.
- Finally, give people a reason to scan. A QR code without context can easily be ignored. Add a short call-to-action that explains what people can expect.
Create a Dynamic QR Code With QR Codes Unlimited
Dynamic QR codes give you more control over content that would otherwise be locked into a printed code.
Instead of creating a new QR code every time your information changes, you can update the destination associated with your existing code. With tracking and customization features, dynamic codes can also become useful tools for measuring engagement and connecting offline campaigns with digital content.
QR Codes Unlimited gives businesses and individuals the tools to create, customize, and manage QR codes for a variety of uses.
Whether you need a QR code for a restaurant menu, event, product package, marketing campaign, or business material, a dynamic code can give you the flexibility to change your content when your needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you create a dynamic QR code?
Yes. You can create a dynamic QR code using a QR code generator that supports editable destinations. No coding experience is required.
Can a dynamic QR code be changed after printing?
Yes. One of the main advantages of a dynamic QR code is that you can change its destination without creating and printing a new QR code.
What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?
A static QR code has a fixed destination or information. A dynamic QR code uses a managed destination that can be updated after the code is created.
Can dynamic QR codes be tracked?
Many dynamic QR code platforms support scan tracking and analytics. The information available depends on the provider and plan you use.
Do dynamic QR codes expire?
Whether a dynamic QR code remains active depends on the QR code service and the plan associated with it. Always check the provider's current terms before using a code for long-term printed materials.
Can I customize a dynamic QR code?
Yes. QR code generators may let you customize colors, logos, shapes, frames, and other design elements. Test the finished code to make sure it remains easy to scan.
