What Is a Static QR Code?

A static QR Code is a type of QR Code that contains fixed information and which, once created, can’t be changed. This is because the data is embedded in the static QR Code.

So, once you create a static QR Code and embed a URL or plain text in it, the data will be stored in it for a lifetime (unless the QR Code is deleted or damaged). In this way, the data in static QR Codes never expire.

But the use case expires, meaning once you make a static QR Code for a specific use case, say a URL or a PDF, you can’t change it or use it for any other purpose. You can’t modify the data or the destination.

Why and when to use static QR Codes?

Static QR Coes have a few characteristics. They are:

Uneditable: You can’t edit a static QR Code after creation.
Fixed destination: You can’t change the destination of a static QR Code. This means it’ll always lead to the same URL or data type.
Non-trackable: Static QR Codes can’t be tracked; they don’t offer scan analytics.
Limited data capacity: Static QR Codes can contain small amounts of data.
Lightweight: Since they have a smaller data capacity, they are lighter in size.
Cost-effective: Static QR Codes are simple and free to create, so the investment is low.

Static QR Codes are ideal to use for:

One-time campaigns: Events, promotions, or limited-time offers where the information is not likely to change.
Printed materials: Brochures, business cards, or product packaging that contain fixed (static) information.
Small amounts of data: Short URLs, Wi-Fi codes, email addresses or contact numbers, plain text or SMSs.

Advantages and disadvantages of static QR Codes

Are static QR Codes the right choice for you? Look at the advantages and disadvantages of static QR Codes and decide:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Simple and easy to use; no complex setup required	Not flexible since once created, the information can’t be changed
Free to generate and use; a budget-friendly solution	Not trackable, so it’s not possible to check who has scanned the QR Code, how many times, from where etc.
Light in size with fixed data, hence ideal for small, one-time campaigns	Data capacity is limited, so can’t be used for big, complex campaigns

What is a static QR Code generator?

A static QR Code generator is an online tool or software that lets you create static QR Codes.

Here’s how it works to create static QR Codes for you:

Choose the data type: Select from options such as URL, app, PDF, email, etc.
Add the content: Enter specific information to encode in your static QR Code, such as a website URL or text message.
Customize your QR Code (optional): You can choose custom QR Code templates, colors, or patterns in some static QR Code generators.
Generate the QR Code: Create the QR Code based on the inputs.
Download the QR Code: Choose a specific format, such as PNG or SVG, to download the QR Code.

Once you create a static QR Code, the target user scans it with their smartphone.

Since the data is directly embedded in the QR Code pattern, the scanner reads the data from the black-and-white pattern and converts it into information. The users view the final information in the specific format in seconds.

6 best free static QR Code generators

If you were heading off to search for free online static QR Code generators, hold on!

We’ve compiled this curated list for you:

1. The QR Code Generator

🔦 Highlights	Super simple interface; forever free QR Codes; helpful community and customer support; ideal for any type of use and industry
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

2. QR Code Generator

🔦 Highlights	Easy-to-use tool with useful QR Code types and customizations; ideal for marketing use cases
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

3. Adobe

🔦 Highlights	Quick tool with limited features and customization options; ideal as an extension to your Adobe account
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

4. Canva

🔦 Highlights	An extension of Canva’s design tool to add QR Codes to designs; ideal for design use cases
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

5. QR Tiger

🔦 Highlights	A QR Code maker focused on marketing campaigns; high feature-to-price ratio
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

6. Uniqode

🔦 Highlights	A complete QR Code generator with in-depth features for all use cases and industries
💲 Pricing	Free, with unlimited scans

How to create a free static QR Code?

Once you choose a QR Code generator, you can easily create free static QR Codes.

Using The QR Code Generator, you can create them in three steps:

Note: Before moving ahead, you’ll need to sign up on the platform (it’s completely free!). You can use your Google account to log in as well.

Choose your QR Code type: Select from URL, PDF, app, and other types.
Customize your QR Code: Enter the required information in the relevant fields. You can also edit and personalize your QR Codes as per your preferences.
Download your QR Code: Choose your preferred file format and download your QR Code.

Your static QR Code is ready to download.

Static QR Codes in use: 5 industry examples

Despite their limitations, static QR Codes have plenty of use cases in the real world.

Broadly, static QR Code use cases fall into these categories:

One-time usage: Ideal for accessing a specific asset or creating a single campaign
Use cases with limited changes: Used for sharing fixed assets that are less prone to change
Simple redirections: Ideal for taking users to specific online assets

Here are some real-life examples:

Event planning

Create one-time-specific QR Codes for each event. You can use them to manage event registrations, share location or details, or collect RSVPs and feedback.

Product packaging

Print QR Codes for product packaging to share information, such as product information, user guides, or warranty details.

Wi-Fi credentials

Wi-Fi QR Codes are an easy way to share passwords. Since they don’t change frequently, a static QR Code will fit perfectly for this use case.

Business cards

Make it easy for people to reach you with contact QR Codes or business cards. Creating them is a paperless, one-time effort.

Social media

Share your social media accounts and grow your following with static QR Codes.

What is the difference between static and dynamic QR Codes?

What if you need to create QR Codes for multiple-use campaigns? What if you want to edit the QR Code content and URL?

These are situations where a dynamic QR Code comes into the picture.

Dynamic QR Codes offer more control over your QR Codes. You can edit them, custom-design them, and track them.

Static QR Codes are enough when you need to create one-time, small campaigns with fixed information.

Dynamic QR Codes are more effective for reusable, long-term campaigns where the information can change over time.

When to use dynamic QR Codes?

As an individual or a solopreneur, you can make do with static QR Codes for some use cases.

But if you’re a startup or small business for whom branding and campaign return on investment (ROI) matters, you’ll need to invest in dynamic QR Codes.

Some of the things you can do with dynamic QR Codes (and not with static QR Codes) are:

Edit your QR Codes anytime without needing to create a QR Code from scratch
Create a QR Code with a logo or customize your QR Code design as per your branding
Track your QR Code scans to get insights and optimize your campaigns with data

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Are static QR Codes free?

Most QR Code generators offer free static QR Codes. You can easily make free static QR Codes with a tool such as The QR Code Generator.

2. Do static QR Codes expire?

Static QR Codes last a lifetime unless they are damaged or deleted. Once created, the data in them never expires. However, the specific use case expires. This means you won’t be able to use the same static QR Code for some other purpose.

3. How to know if a QR Code is static or dynamic?

The easiest way to tell between a static and dynamic QR Code is through the URL. Usually, static QR Codes embed the data in themselves. However, dynamic QR Codes store the data in a separate URL. Once scanned, static QR Codes directly present the data, whereas dynamic QR Codes redirect the users to a URL that presents the data.

4. Which is better: static or dynamic QR Code?

It completely depends on your use case. Static QR Codes are non-editable and non-trackable and ideal for small, one-time campaigns. Dynamic QR Codes are editable and trackable and ideal for large, recurring campaigns.

5. Can you track static QR Codes?

No, you can’t track static QR Codes. You’ll need to create a dynamic QR Code to track QR Code scans.

6. Can I create a static QR Code without an account?

Yes, with tools such as The QR Code Generator, it’s possible to create a static QR Code without an account.

7. Are all QR Codes static?

No, QR Codes are not inherently static. It’s possible to choose what type of QR Codes to create: static or dynamic.

8. Is Google QR Code static?

Yes, Google’s free QR Code generator lets you create only static QR Codes.

9. How do you reuse a static QR Code?

You can’t reuse a static QR Code. Once created, it can be used for only that purpose for a lifetime. To create a static QR Code for a different purpose, you must create a fresh one from scratch. Alternatively, you can create a dynamic QR Codes, since they can be reused.

10. Can I use a static QR Code for my website?

Yes, you can create a website QR Code by choosing the ‘URL’ option in The QR Code Generator. Copy paste your website URL and paste it in the dashboard. Customize your QR Code, download it, and use it.

Static QR Code: What It Is, When To Use, and How To Create

Table of contents

What is a static QR Code?