Overview
The Website/URL QR code is the most common and widely used QR code type. When scanned, it opens a webpage in the user's browser. Whether you are linking to a product page, landing page, portfolio, or any other URL, this is the QR code type you will use most often.
QR Dex makes it easy to create URL QR codes that are both functional and visually appealing. You can create them as static codes (the URL is encoded directly) or as dynamic codes (the URL goes through a redirect so you can change the destination later).
How to Create a URL QR Code
Follow these steps to create your website or URL QR code:
- Start a new QR code -- From your QR Dex dashboard, click the Create a QR Code button.
- Select the URL type -- Select Website from the list of available QR code types. This is typically the default selection.
- Enter your website URL -- Type or paste the full URL of the webpage you want to link to. Make sure to include the protocol (e.g.,
https://www.example.com).
- Enable or disable tracking -- Use the Track QR Code Scans toggle to make your code dynamic (tracked, editable URL) or static (untracked, fixed URL). Dynamic codes are recommended for most business uses.
- Customize the design -- Personalize your QR code by adjusting colors, selecting a shape style, and optionally adding a logo. A branded QR code builds trust and encourages more scans.
- Save and download -- Give your QR code a name, click Save QR Code, and download it in the format you need (PNG, JPG, WEBP, or SVG).
Tips for URL QR Codes
- Always use the full URL -- Include
https:// at the beginning of your URL. Most modern websites use HTTPS, and including the full protocol ensures compatibility across all devices and QR code readers.
- Test before printing -- Always scan your QR code with a phone before sending it to print. Verify that it opens the correct page and that the page loads properly on mobile devices.
- Use dynamic for print materials -- If you are placing the QR code on printed materials like flyers, posters, or business cards, a dynamic QR code is highly recommended. It lets you fix a broken link or update the destination without having to reprint.
- Keep URLs short when using static codes -- Static QR codes encode the URL directly, so longer URLs create more complex (denser) QR codes that can be harder to scan. If you must use a static code, consider shortening the URL first.
- Link to mobile-friendly pages -- Since the vast majority of QR code scans come from mobile devices, make sure your destination page is responsive and loads quickly on phones and tablets.
Common Use Cases
- Marketing flyers and print advertisements linking to a campaign landing page
- Business cards linking to a personal website or portfolio
- Product packaging linking to instructions, warranty registration, or product details
- Restaurant tables linking to an online menu or ordering page
- Event signage linking to registration or information pages
- Retail displays linking to an online store or product catalog
Static vs Dynamic for URL Codes
When creating a URL QR code, you have the choice between static and dynamic. A static URL QR code encodes the website address directly into the QR code pattern itself. It works forever without needing an internet intermediary, but it cannot be changed or tracked after creation.
A dynamic URL QR code encodes a short redirect URL managed by QR Dex. When someone scans the code, they are briefly redirected through QR Dex's servers before arriving at your destination page. This redirect enables scan analytics, location tracking, and the ability to change where the code points at any time -- even after it has been printed and distributed.
For most business uses, dynamic URL QR codes are the better choice because of the flexibility and insights they provide.