Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Which Should You Use?

When creating a QR code, one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to use a static or dynamic QR code. This choice affects whether you can track scans, update the destination, and how long the code remains useful. Let's break down the differences to help you choose.

What is a Static QR Code?

A static QR code permanently encodes information directly into the code pattern. Once generated, the data cannot be changed. If you create a static QR code pointing to www.example.com, that code will always point to www.example.com—forever.

How Static QR Codes Work

The URL or data is encoded directly into the QR pattern. When someone scans the code, their phone reads the pattern and extracts the destination URL directly from the code itself. No server lookup is required.

Advantages of Static QR Codes

No dependency: Works forever without relying on any external service
Simpler pattern: For short URLs, creates a less dense (easier to scan) code
Privacy: No tracking or server involvement
Free forever: No subscription needed to keep it working

Disadvantages of Static QR Codes

Cannot be edited: If your URL changes, you must reprint all materials
No analytics: Cannot track scans, locations, or device types
Long URLs = complex codes: Long URLs create dense, harder-to-scan patterns

What is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code doesn't encode your final URL directly. Instead, it encodes a short redirect URL. When someone scans, they're first sent to a redirect server, which then forwards them to your actual destination.

How Dynamic QR Codes Work

The QR code contains a short URL like tapnn.com/r/abc123. When scanned, this hits the redirect server, which looks up where abc123 should go and redirects the user. The server can record analytics during this process.

Advantages of Dynamic QR Codes

Editable: Change the destination URL anytime without reprinting
Analytics: Track total scans, unique visitors, locations, devices, and times
Consistent size: Always a simple pattern regardless of final URL length
A/B testing: Test different landing pages with the same printed code
Error correction: Fix broken links after printing

Disadvantages of Dynamic QR Codes

Service dependency: Relies on the redirect service staying online
Potential cost: Some services charge for dynamic codes
Privacy considerations: Scans are logged by the redirect service
Slightly slower: Extra redirect adds milliseconds to load time

Static vs Dynamic: Comparison Table

Feature	Static QR Code	Dynamic QR Code
Edit destination after creation	No	Yes
Track scan analytics	No	Yes
Works offline/forever	Yes	Requires service
Code complexity	Depends on URL length	Always simple
Best for	Permanent, unchanging content	Marketing, business use
Cost	Free	Free or paid tiers

When to Use Static QR Codes

Choose static QR codes when:

The content will never change: Your company homepage, a product manual, or documentation
You need permanent reliability: The code must work 20 years from now
Privacy is paramount: You don't want any tracking or third-party involvement
You're encoding non-URL data: WiFi credentials, vCard contacts, plain text
Small personal use: Sharing your personal website or contact info

When to Use Dynamic QR Codes

Choose dynamic QR codes when:

Content may change: Menus, promotional offers, event details
You need analytics: Measuring campaign performance, tracking engagement
Printing large volumes: Updating a destination is cheaper than reprinting thousands of flyers
Marketing campaigns: A/B testing, seasonal offers, limited-time promotions
Business applications: Product packaging, real estate signs, retail displays

Real-World Examples

Static QR Code Use Case: Product Manual

A kitchen appliance manufacturer prints a QR code on every product linking to the user manual PDF. The manual URL has been the same for 5 years and will remain so. Static is perfect—no tracking needed, permanent reliability required.

Dynamic QR Code Use Case: Restaurant Menu

A restaurant prints QR codes on table tents linking to their digital menu. Prices change seasonally, items rotate weekly, and they want to see which tables scan most often. Dynamic is essential—they can update the menu without reprinting and track customer behaviour.

Dynamic QR Code Use Case: Marketing Campaign

A retail brand prints QR codes on 50,000 flyers for a summer sale. They want to track scan rates by region, test different landing pages, and extend the promotion if it performs well. Dynamic codes let them adjust everything without reprinting.

Can You Convert Static to Dynamic?

No. Once a static QR code is created and printed, it cannot be converted to dynamic. The data is physically encoded in the pattern. If you think you might need to change the destination later, choose dynamic from the start.

Do Dynamic QR Codes Expire?

It depends on the service. Some free dynamic QR code generators expire codes after a period of inactivity or limit the number of scans. Premium services typically offer permanent codes with unlimited scans. Always check the terms before relying on dynamic codes for long-term use.

Which Should You Choose?

For business and marketing: Dynamic QR codes are almost always the better choice. The ability to update destinations, track performance, and fix mistakes is invaluable.

For personal use: Static QR codes are often sufficient. Sharing your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or WiFi password doesn't require tracking.

When in doubt: Choose dynamic. You can always disable tracking if you don't need it, but you can't add editability to a static code after printing.

Create Your QR Code

Ready to create your QR code? Our free generator offers both static and dynamic options with full customization. Dynamic codes include free analytics tracking so you can measure your campaign's success.