Dynamic QR Codes on Books
Jonathan Palley
May 7, 2023
Books have long been a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and inspiration. But in today’s digital age, even the printed page can become interactive. With the help of dynamic QR codes, authors and publishers can connect their readers to online content, enrich the reading experience, and engage audiences in entirely new ways.
In this blog, we’ll explore the power of dynamic QR codes in books, how to use them creatively, and how you can generate your own codes for free using QR Codes Unlimited.
TL;DR
- Dynamic QR codes let authors link to online content and update it even after printing.
- They enhance books with videos, audio, bonus materials, quizzes, and more.
- Ideal for fiction, non-fiction, and educational books to boost engagement and value.
- QR Codes Unlimited is a free QR code generator to create dynamic, customizable QR codes.
- Add QR codes to chapter ends, covers, or activity pages with a clear call to action.
- Best practices: use scannable sizes, test before printing, and keep content updated.
- Turn static pages into interactive experiences without extra cost or tech skills.
What Are Dynamic QR Codes?
A dynamic QR code is a scannable code that links to online content—but with a key advantage: you can update the link after the code is printed. This means you won’t need to reprint or redesign your materials if the destination changes.
Unlike static QR codes, dynamic ones allow you to:
- Edit the URL even after printing.
- Track scans and user engagement.
- Organize and manage multiple codes with ease.
They’re ideal for books, which are often printed in large batches and meant to last for years.
Why Use Dynamic QR Codes in Books?
Dynamic QR codes offer a seamless bridge between physical and digital content. For authors and publishers, this creates exciting opportunities:
- Enhance the reader experience with bonus materials like videos or exclusive interviews.
- Promote related books, services, or events by updating links over time.
- Gather feedback through forms or surveys linked within the book.
- Provide accessibility features such as audio versions, translations, or sign language support.
- Stay flexible: if your website or content changes, just update the QR code's destination—no reprinting required.
Creative Ways to Use QR Codes in Books
If you’re wondering where and how to place dynamic QR codes in your book, here are some inspiring ideas:
- Bonus Content: Share deleted chapters, bonus illustrations, or downloadable worksheets.
- Author Videos: Include a welcome message or behind-the-scenes look at your writing process.
- Soundtracks or Audiobooks: Link to a Spotify playlist or audio version of the book.
- Interactive Quizzes: For educational books, offer chapter-end quizzes or flashcards.
- Product Links: Let readers buy your next release or merchandise with one scan.
- Multilingual Versions: Offer translations or sign language interpretations for accessibility.
These small additions can make a big impact and keep your readers engaged beyond the page.
How to Generate Dynamic QR Codes with QR Codes Unlimited
Creating a QR code for your book is fast and simple. Here’s how to do it using QR Codes Unlimited—a free and easy-to-use generator:
- Visit QR Codes Unlimited.
- Choose your content type/destination—this could be a URL, video, PDF, form, etc.
- Customize your QR code with colors, frames, and logos to match your book’s theme.
- Download your QR code and test it using a smartphone.
- Insert it into your book design (front matter, chapter ends, or activity sections work well).
Bonus: QR Codes Unlimited lets you do all this for free—no subscriptions, no hidden fees.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes in Books
To get the most out of your QR codes, keep these tips in mind:
- Size matters: Make sure the code is large enough to scan (typically at least 1 x 1 inch).
- Test every code before going to print.
- Include a call to action like “Scan to watch the author’s message” or “Bonus content here!”
- Place strategically: Use them at the start of chapters, on inside covers, or near related content.
- Use dynamic codes so you can update links if needed, without reprinting the book.
Use Cases Example: Bringing a Book to Life
Imagine an author of a children’s book using dynamic QR codes to:
- Play background music as kids read.
- Offer a drawing tutorial from the illustrator.
- Link to an audiobook version for bedtime listening.
- Add a video of the author reading the book aloud.
The book becomes an immersive, multi-sensory experience—one that builds deeper connections with young readers and their families.
Conclusion
Dynamic QR codes are a simple yet powerful tool to modernize your book and keep your readers engaged. Whether you're a self-published author, educator, or large publishing house, using QR codes lets your content evolve while your book remains on the shelf.
Best of all? You don’t need a big budget or fancy tools to get started. Just head over to QR Codes Unlimited and create your own free dynamic QR codes today.
Let your book tell more than one story—let it link to a whole new world.
If you are a publisher, author or just a reader, considering using QR codes is definitely worth a try. Take your reading experience to the next level by visiting our Academy for more educational resources about QR codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are QR codes used for in books?
There are many ways that QR codes can be used in books. For example, QR codes can be used to provide readers with links to websites with additional information about the book's content. QR codes can also be used to link to audio or video files that supplement the book's text. An audio QR code can also be used as a way for readers to share their thoughts and reviews about the book with others.
How do you put a QR code in a book?
You can put a QR code in a book by printing it on a sticker and affixing it to the book's cover.
How do I create a QR code for an eBook?
To create a QR code for an eBook, you can use the QR Codes Unlimited. With the QR Codes Unlimited, you can create QR Codes that include your logo, colors, and style. The QR Codes include unlimited scans and free tracking.
Which app is used to scan QR codes from books?
There is no one specific app that is used to scan QR codes from books. Any QR code scanner should be able to scan codes from books.
