Static QR Codes and dynamic QR Codes: these are two terms you may have heard often in the world of QR Codes. It may have struck you: what is the difference between them?
In this post, we compare static vs. dynamic QR Codes in terms of their differences, pros and cons, and use cases. Finally, we will help you decide which is right for your business.
Table of contents
- Static vs. Dynamic QR Code: differences
- Static QR Codes: what it is, how does it work, pros and cons, use cases
- Dynamic QR Codes: what it is, how does it work, pros and cons, use cases
- Benefits of dynamic QR Codes over static QR Codes
- Which QR Code to choose: static or dynamic?
- Which QR Code generator to choose: static or dynamic?
- Frequently asked questions
Static vs. Dynamic QR Code: What is the difference?
A static QR Code is fixed whereas a dynamic QR Code is flexible. This means once you create a static QR Code, you can’t change it. However, you can change the content and URL of dynamic QR Codes.
This is the most fundamental difference between dynamic and static QR Codes.
There are some other factors too that separate dynamic QR Codes from static ones. For example, you can track dynamic QR Codes, but not static ones.
Here are the detailed differences between dynamic and static QR Codes:
| Parameters | Dynamic QR Codes | Static QR Codes |
| Can you edit the content or URL? | Editable: You can change the content and the URL without changing the QR Code. | Not editable: The QR Codes you create are fixed and can’t be edited. |
| Can you track your QR Codes? | Trackable: You can track the QR Codes and get multiple data points, including scan counts, locations, and device types. | Not trackable: You can’t track the QR Codes or get scan analytics. |
| How cost-effective are they? | Cost-effective: You can update the same QR Code without creating another one or printing from scratch. This saves manual efforts and printing costs. | Not cost effective: Any change needs you to create and print new QR Codes. This increases time, effort, and printing costs. |
| How is the scan experience for customers? | Better user experience: Prospects will always see the latest information, enhancing their experience. | Standard user experience: Prospects will see a fixed information, unless informed about the changes and presented with a new QR Code. |
| What are the various use cases? | Diverse use cases: You can use them for campaigns that are bigger and more complex, need personalization, and require tracking analytics. | Limited use cases: You can use them for smaller or one-time campaigns, that don’t require much editing or tracking. |
Static QR Code
What is a static QR Code?
A static QR Code is a type of QR Code that is permanent after creation. This means the information encoded within it cannot be changed. The QR Code will always link to the same content and destination URL. Static QR Codes are best suited for simple applications and single-scan uses.
How does a static QR Code work?
Static QR Codes directly encode information in their black-and-white patterns. They hold different data types, such as website URLs, plain text, or contact information. Once a prospect scans a static QR Code, they are transported directly to the website or encoded information. Since the data is directly encoded in the QR Codes, there is no need for any intermediary links or servers.
What are the pros and cons of static QR Codes?
✅ Pros:
- Easy to create: They are quick and easy to create, with a simple, online QR Code generator
- Direct access: Prospects can access the encoded information directly without requiring a server as a medium
- Permanency: They can be used for scenarios where the need for change is not rare
❌ Cons:
- Non-editable: Once created, they can’t be changed
- Non-branded: You can’t add a logo to your static QR Codes
- Non-trackable: It’s not possible to track them for deeper analytics
What are the common use cases of static QR Codes?
- Permanent information: Storing fixed data, such as contact details, website URLs, or event data.
- One-time campaigns: For promotional materials or events where the content doesn’t need to be updated.
- Personal use: Sharing information with friends or family without tracking or analytics.
- Solopreneur uses: Sharing easy access to fixed assets, such as social media accounts, brochures, portfolios, or case studies.
What are some popular examples of static QR Code campaigns?
Business cards
Static QR Codes on business cards can directly share contact information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and LinkedIn profiles. Once scanned, they automatically save the contact details to the user’s phone, providing a quick and convenient way to connect.
Product labels
Static QR Codes are often used on product packaging to provide essential information such as ingredients, usage instructions, or safety warnings. Since the information on the label does not change frequently, static QR Codes offer a reliable and cost-effective solution.
Educational materials
In educational settings, static QR Codes can link to study materials, such as textbooks, reference guides, or online resources. They provide a simple way for students to view additional information or resources without the need for frequent updates.
Dynamic QR Code
What is a dynamic QR Code?
A dynamic QR Code is a type of QR Code that can be updated after creation. You can alter the content without reprinting or resharing the same QR Code. This flexibility makes them ideal for bigger or complex campaigns that may need to be revised or updated over time.
How does a dynamic QR Code work?
Unlike static QR Codes, dynamic QR Codes don’t encode information directly in their patterns. Instead, it redirects to a short URL (which you can choose and edit) that takes prospects to the destination (which also you can choose and edit). You can connect dynamic QR Codes to destinations, such as a URL, PDF, or app. Since dynamic QR Codes use a short URL as an intermediary, you can edit them even after creation.
What are the pros and cons of dynamic QR Codes?
✅ Pros:
- Editable: You can edit the content and destination after creating
- Branded: You can add a logo to your QR Codes and align them with your branding
- Trackable: You can track dynamic QR Codes and get scan data
❌ Cons:
- Sign-up: You need to sign up to create a dynamic QR Code
- Dependency on server: The short editable, URL rests on an intermediate server
- Subscription: You’ll need to subscribe to a plan for creating dynamic QR Codes for business needs
What are the common use cases of dynamic QR Codes?
- Flexible information: Using QR Code for use cases where links are prone to change, such as landing pages, mobile apps, and website URLs.
- Long-term campaigns: For large-scale and long-running campaigns that need to be optimized regularly.
- Professional use: Using QR Codes to get more traffic, customers, or better customer service.
- Startup uses: Creating QR Codes for variable assets, such as social media channels, products, property listings, or promotional materials.
What are some popular use cases of dynamic QR Codes?
Marketing campaigns
Businesses use dynamic QR Codes in marketing materials, enabling them to direct users to landing pages, promotional offers, or social media profiles that can be updated as needed without reprinting materials.
Event management
Dynamic QR Codes are often used to handle event registrations, provide up-to-date event schedules, or share location details. The ability to update information ensures attendees always have the latest details.
Product tracking
Dynamic QR Codes are used in logistics and inventory management, allowing companies to update product information, track shipments, or provide warranty details that can be accessed by scanning the code.
Dynamic QR Codes vs. Static QR Codes: The added advantage
Dynamic QR Codes offer an additional edge over static QR Codes. Here are some of the ways you can have an added advantage when you choose dynamic QR Codes:
- Prevent wrong URL nightmares: Accidentally inserted a wrong URL to your QR Code? QR Code already in print with the wrong content? Avoid such panic-inducing situations with dynamic QR Codes (where you can edit or redirect QR Codes to a new content or URL).
- Improve prospect interactions: Create a branded experience for prospects by adding a logo to your QR Codes.
- Get more data on customer behavior: Know when customers are scanning your QR Codes, where they are scanning from, and your top-performing QR Codes. Dynamic QR Codes let you track your QR Codes, revealing all these data points.
Static vs. dynamic QR Code: Which one to choose for your needs?
Which QR Code you will choose—static or dynamic—depends completely on your use case.
Choose a static QR Code if you need:
- A simple and quick QR Code
- A fixed QR Code without the need to track them
- A QR Code for one-time use or small campaigns
Choose a dynamic QR Code if you need:
- An editable and branded QR Code
- A QR Code that you can track to dig into more data
- A QR Code for large-scale and long-term campaigns
Which QR Code generator to choose: static or dynamic?
Three factors that you can consider when choosing a QR Code generator—static or dynamic:
- Cost-effectiveness: Static codes can become costly if you frequently update information, as each change requires creating a new QR Code. Though they often come with a fee, dynamic QR Codes offer better long-term value by avoiding constant reprints and updates.
- Budget: While static QR Codes are typically free, dynamic QR Codes often involve a sign-up or a subscription. Many QR Code generators provide a limited number of free static and dynamic QR Codes, but additional QR Codes may require upgrading.
- Scalability: Dynamic QR Codes handle more scans and update more efficiently, making them suitable for large-scale or evolving needs. Static QR Codes are effective for smaller, fixed applications.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your content management, tracking, and budget requirements. If your priorities are simplicity and cost, a static QR Code generator will be enough. For priorities such as flexibility, tracking, and more personalization, a dynamic QR Code generator will likely serve you better.
Frequently asked questions
1. How to create dynamic QR Codes for free?
You can create a dynamic QR Code for free in four simple steps:
- Sign up for a free dynamic QR Code generator (for example, The QR Code Generator) and select ‘Dynamic QR Code’
- Choose the QR Code type (URL, PDF, app, etc.)
- Customize your QR Code as per your preference (for example, add a logo)
- Download your free dynamic QR Code and start using it
2. What types of static and dynamic QR Codes can I create?
The QR Code Generator offers nine QR Code types to meet diverse needs: URL, PDF, Multi-URL, Contact, Plain Text, App, SMS, Email, and Phone. Among these, PDF, Multi-URL, and App QR Code types are available only as dynamic QR Codes. The remaining QR Code types can be either static or dynamic. For instance, a URL QR Code can be either a static QR Code or a dynamic QR Code, depending on your requirements.
3. What is a custom QR Code, and is it dynamic or static in nature?
A custom QR Code is a personalized QR Code designed with unique elements such as colors, logos, and branding to match a specific look or theme. Custom QR Codes can be either dynamic or static.
On The QR Code Generator, you can create both static and dynamic custom QR Codes for free. However, adding a logo is only possible with dynamic QR Codes.
4. Do I need a dynamic QR Code?
This depends completely on your use case. If you need to create larger campaigns and need more control over them (like make them branded or track them), you’ll need to choose a dynamic QR Code.
5. Can I convert a static QR Code to a dynamic QR Code?
You can’t change a static QR Code into a dynamic QR Code. This is because the data is already encoded in a static QR Code, making it permanent. However, you can create a dynamic QR Code from scratch and edit it, if required.
6. Are the QR Codes generated by Google Chrome static or dynamic?
You can create a QR Code for any page by right-clicking and choosing ‘Create a QR Code for this page’. However, this feature by Google only lets you create a static QR Code, that too with Google’s dinosaur logo.
7. How can businesses benefit from static and dynamic QR Codes?
Static and dynamic QR Codes both have their unique use cases. While static QR Codes can be used for business cards and product packaging, dynamic QR Codes can be used for marketing campaigns and inventory management.
