How Do I Know If My QR Code Is Dynamic?
Jonathan Palley
Jun 26, 2023
QR codes are everywhere. You see them on restaurant menus, product packaging, business cards, event posters, flyers, and even resumes. Scan one with your phone, and you can be taken to a website, PDF, video, contact page, or other digital content in seconds.
But there is something you may not know about the QR code you're scanning: not all QR codes work the same way.
Some are static, meaning the information is permanently stored in the code. Others are dynamic, which means the destination can be changed without creating a completely new QR code.
So, how can you tell if a QR code is dynamic?
The answer isn't always obvious just by looking at the pattern of black and white squares. In this guide, we'll explain how dynamic and static QR codes work, how to check which type you're using, and how to create a dynamic QR code with QR Codes Unlimited.
TL;DR
- Static QR codes contain fixed information that cannot be changed after creation.
- Dynamic QR codes let you change the destination without replacing the QR code.
- The easiest way to check whether a QR code is dynamic is to look at the platform that created it and see whether the destination can be edited.
- A redirect or shortened URL can be a clue, but it doesn't automatically prove that a QR code is dynamic.
- Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan tracking and analytics, depending on the platform.
- QR Codes Unlimited provides tools for creating and managing dynamic QR codes.
What Is a Dynamic QR Code?
Instead of permanently storing the final website address or other content inside the QR code, a dynamic QR code typically uses a redirect. When someone scans it, the QR code sends them to the destination currently assigned to it.
This makes the code much more flexible.
For example, imagine you print a QR code on 5,000 restaurant menus. A few weeks later, the restaurant changes its menu URL. With a static QR code, you would generally need to create and print a new code. With a dynamic QR code, you can update the destination while keeping the same printed QR code.
The same idea works for event pages, promotions, product information, business cards, and marketing campaigns.
What Is a Static QR Code?
A static QR code stores its information directly in the code.
If you create a static QR code for a specific website URL, that URL remains part of the QR code. Once the code has been printed and distributed, you can't simply log into a dashboard and change the destination.
Static QR codes can still be useful. They're a good option when the information isn't expected to change, such as a permanent website address, Wi-Fi credentials, or basic contact information.
The limitation becomes more noticeable when you use QR codes for marketing or content that changes regularly.
How to Tell If a QR Code Is Dynamic
You can't reliably determine whether a QR code is dynamic simply by looking at its design. A dynamic and static QR code can look almost identical.
Instead, try these methods.
1. Check the QR Code Generator
If you created the QR code yourself, start with the platform you used.
Log in to the QR code generator and look at the code's settings or dashboard. Look for options such as editing the destination, managing the QR code, viewing scan data, or changing the linked content.
The most important question is simple:
Can you change where the QR code sends people without creating a new QR code?
If the answer is yes, you're using a dynamic QR code.
If the platform doesn't provide any way to edit the destination after the code has been generated, it's likely static.
2. Scan the QR Code and Check the URL
Another way to investigate a QR code is to scan it with your phone.
Pay attention to the URL that appears before or during the redirect to the final destination. Dynamic QR codes often use a redirect URL managed by the QR code platform.
However, don't treat a shortened or unfamiliar URL as definite proof that the code is dynamic. A static QR code can also contain a shortened URL.
Think of the URL as a clue, not a confirmation.
The real test is whether the destination can be changed without replacing the QR code.
3. See Whether You Can Edit the Destination
If you have access to the account or platform that created the QR code, try looking for an edit option.
For example, if a QR code currently sends visitors to a website, check whether you can replace that website with another destination while keeping the same QR code.
If you can make the change and the existing QR code still works, it's dynamic.
This is one of the biggest advantages of dynamic QR codes. The printed design doesn't need to change just because the content behind it does.
Why Use a Dynamic QR Code?
Dynamic QR codes are particularly useful when you're using QR codes as part of an ongoing marketing strategy.
Update Content Without Reprinting
This is the biggest benefit.
You can change a QR code's destination when your content changes. That can save you from replacing printed materials every time a URL, promotion, menu, or campaign changes.
Track Scans and Engagement
Dynamic QR codes can also provide tracking and analytics, depending on the QR code platform and features included with your plan.
This can help you understand how often people scan a code and provide information about scan activity, such as device type, time, or location.
For marketers, this turns an offline QR code into a measurable part of a campaign.
Make Campaigns More Flexible
A plain text QR code printed on a flyer today doesn't necessarily have to promote the same thing months from now.
You could use the same code to promote a seasonal offer, event registration page, product page, video, or another campaign later.
That flexibility can make your printed marketing materials useful for longer.
Can You Turn a Static QR Code Into a Dynamic QR Code?
Not directly.
A static QR code contains its original information, so you can't simply edit that information later and turn the existing code into a dynamic one.
Instead, you'll need to create a new dynamic QR code.
This is especially important if you're preparing printed materials. If you know the content may change in the future, it's usually better to use a dynamic QR code from the beginning.
How to Create a Dynamic QR Code With QR Codes Unlimited
If you've decided that a dynamic QR code is a better fit for your project, you can create one with QR Codes Unlimited.
The process is straightforward:
Step 1: Open QR Codes Unlimited.
Go to QR Codes Unlimited and choose the QR code creation option.
Step 2: Select your QR code type.
Choose the type of content you want your QR code to connect to, such as a website or another supported destination.
Step 3: Add your content.
Enter the website address or information you want people to access when they scan the code.
Step 4: Customize the design.
You can personalize the appearance of your QR code with options such as colors, shapes, frames, and logos. Just make sure the final design remains easy for phones to scan.
Step 5: Generate and download your QR code.
Once you're happy with the design, generate the code and download it for use on your marketing materials.
Afterward, you can manage your dynamic QR code and make changes through the available QR Codes Unlimited features.
Where Can You Use Dynamic QR Codes?
Dynamic QR codes for PDF can work well in situations where information changes or campaign performance matters.
Common examples include:
- Restaurant menus
- Business cards
- Product packaging
- Event promotions
- Flyers and brochures
- Retail displays
- Posters and signage
- Product information pages
- Marketing campaigns
- Promotional materials
For example, an event organizer could use one QR code on printed posters and update its destination as the event approaches. The same code could initially lead to event details, then later direct attendees to a schedule, registration page, or post-event content.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your QR code is static or dynamic can save you a lot of trouble later.
If your QR code points to information that will never change, a static code may be all you need. But if you're using QR codes for marketing campaigns, events, menus, product materials, or other content that may need updates, a dynamic QR code gives you much more flexibility.
Instead of replacing a printed QR code every time your content changes, you can update the destination behind it and continue using the same code.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create, customize, and manage QR codes for different campaigns and use cases. If you're planning to use QR codes beyond a one-time project, a dynamic QR code can make your campaigns easier to manage and measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static QR code contains fixed information and can't be edited after creation. A dynamic QR code uses a changeable destination, allowing you to update the content without replacing the QR code.
How can I tell if my QR code is dynamic?
Check the QR code platform that created it. If you can change the destination without generating a new QR code, it's dynamic. A redirect URL or tracking link can also be a clue, but isn't conclusive by itself.
Can I change a dynamic QR code after printing it?
Yes. That's one of the main reasons to use a dynamic QR code. You can change the destination while continuing to use the same printed code.
Can dynamic QR codes track scans?
Many dynamic QR code platforms provide scan analytics. The specific information available depends on the platform and its features.
Do dynamic QR codes expire?
A dynamic QR code doesn't inherently have to expire. Whether a particular code remains active depends on the QR code service, account, and plan associated with it.
Should I use a static or dynamic QR code?
Choose a static QR code when the information is unlikely to change. A dynamic QR code is generally better when you need editable content, scan tracking, or flexibility for an ongoing campaign.
