Static vs dynamic QR codes

The single most important decision when you make a QR code is whether it's static or dynamic. It determines whether you can change where the code points after it's printed, and whether you can see scan analytics.

Static QR codes

A static code encodes your content directly into the black-and-white pattern. If it's a URL, the URL itself is baked into the squares.

• ✅ Works forever — never expires, no account needed.
• ✅ No subscription required.
• ❌ The destination is fixed. To change it, you must generate and print a new code.
• ❌ No scan tracking (there's no server in the loop to count scans).

Use static when: the destination will never change and you don't need analytics — a WiFi password card, a vCard, a permanent link, a one-off flyer.

Dynamic QR codes

A dynamic code encodes a short redirect URL (like qrhubly.com/r/abc123) instead of the final destination. When someone scans it, QRhubly looks up where that short code currently points and forwards them there.

• ✅ Change the destination any time — the printed code stays the same, but where it goes is editable from your dashboard.
• ✅ Full scan analytics — count, location, device, OS, browser, and time of day.
• ✅ The printed/published code is effectively permanent.
• ❌ Requires an account; free dynamic codes are a trial (7 days or 50 scans per code), then pause. A Pro subscription keeps them live with no caps.

Use dynamic when: the destination might change, or you want to know whether anyone is scanning.

A side-by-side

| | Static | Dynamic | |---|---|---| | Editable after printing | No | Yes | | Scan analytics | No | Yes | | Account needed | No | Yes | | Expires | Never | Free trial pauses; Pro never | | Best for | Permanent, no-tracking codes | Anything that changes or needs data |

Why "change after printing" matters

This is the feature that saves real money. A few examples:

• Restaurant menu — print one QR on the table tent, then swap the lunch menu PDF for the dinner one at 5pm. Same code, no reprint.
• Event flyer — the venue changes a week before the event; update the destination instead of reprinting 500 posters.
• Product packaging — the box ships with a QR that points to a setup guide today and a promo next quarter.
• Business card — your phone number changes; update the vCard destination without ordering new cards.

How to make one dynamic

When you create a code while signed in, toggle Dynamic. To change where an existing dynamic code points, see Edit a dynamic QR code's destination.

FAQ

Does the printed code look different? No — both are normal QR codes. The difference is what's encoded inside.

Can I convert a static code to dynamic later? No — because a static code's destination is baked into the pattern, you'd need a new (dynamic) code. Decide up front if you might want to edit or track it.

Do dynamic codes scan slower? The extra redirect is milliseconds — imperceptible to the person scanning.

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Next: Edit a dynamic QR code's destination · How to track QR code scans