Overview
When you create a QR code with QR Dex, one of the first decisions you will make is whether to create a static or dynamic code. Both types produce a scannable QR code, but they differ significantly in flexibility, tracking capabilities, and long-term usefulness. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right option for every project.
What Is a Static QR Code?
A static QR code encodes data directly into the pattern of the code itself. When someone scans it, their device reads the information -- such as a URL, email address, or Wi-Fi credentials -- straight from the code. There is no intermediary server involved.
Because the data is baked into the code, a static QR code cannot be changed after creation. If you need to point it to a different URL or update any of the encoded content, you must generate and print an entirely new code.
Static codes also provide no scan tracking. Since scans go directly to the encoded destination without passing through QR Dex servers, there is no way to count scans, see where they happened, or analyze the devices used.
What Is a Dynamic QR Code?
A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL managed by QR Dex rather than the final destination. When someone scans the code, their device hits the QR Dex redirect service, which then forwards them to the destination you have configured. This redirect happens in milliseconds and is invisible to the person scanning.
Because the code points to a redirect URL, you can update the destination at any time without changing the physical code. This is especially valuable for printed materials like business cards, posters, flyers, and product packaging where reprinting is costly or impractical.
Dynamic codes also give you access to detailed scan analytics. Every time someone scans your code, QR Dex records the scan and provides insights including:
- Total scan count over time
- Geographic location of scans (city and country)
- Device type and operating system
- Date and time of each scan
- Referral source when available
Comparison at a Glance
- Editability: Static codes cannot be edited after creation. Dynamic codes can be updated at any time.
- Scan tracking: Static codes have no tracking. Dynamic codes provide full analytics.
- URL length: Static codes grow larger and denser with longer URLs. Dynamic codes stay compact because they encode a short redirect URL.
- Use cases: Static codes are fine for personal or one-time use. Dynamic codes are ideal for business, marketing, and any situation where you may need to update the destination.
- Cost: Static codes are available on all plans. Dynamic codes require a paid plan.
When to Use Each Type
Choose static when:
- The content will never change (such as a personal Wi-Fi network password).
- You do not need to track scans.
- You want the simplest setup with no ongoing management.
Choose dynamic when:
- You are using QR codes for marketing, events, or business operations.
- You may need to change the destination URL after printing.
- You want to track how many people scan the code and where they are located.
- You want to run A/B tests or seasonal campaigns with the same printed code.
Our Recommendation
For most business and professional use cases, dynamic QR codes are the better choice. The ability to update destinations without reprinting and the insight provided by scan analytics make dynamic codes far more versatile and cost-effective in the long run. If you are printing codes on physical materials, dynamic is almost always the way to go.
In the QR Dex editor, you control whether a code is static or dynamic using the Track QR Code Scans toggle. Enabling the toggle creates a dynamic code with full tracking. Disabling it creates a static code.