What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR Code?
Static QR Codes cannot be edited once created, are not trackable, and cannot be used for online retargeting. Whereas dynamic QR Codes offer you the flexibility to edit QR Code content as many times as required, are trackable, and can let you retarget people online on Facebook and Google. Moreover, static QR Codes take longer to scan as compared to dynamic QR Codes.
What is a static QR Code?
A static QR Code is a QR Code that, once generated, cannot be overwritten. It can store information that is uneditable. Static QR Codes find a lot of use in instances where either the information need not be updated or for a one-off campaign. You can create different types of static QR Codes -
- Website QR Code
By placing QR Codes on flyers, brochures, billboards, etc., you can lead your customers to an intended website. It eases the process of searching for your website.
- Email QR Code
By scanning an email QR Code, customers can automatically send you an email to your desired email address without them having to type it. You can set a recipient email address and body of the email.
- SMS QR Code
An SMS QR Code contains your phone number and the pre-written text message. When customers scan the QR Code, they are redirected to a text message with your phone number and a message ready to be sent. S
- Text QR Code
You can display a simple text, a coupon code, or a serial number using a text QR Code.
- vCard QR Code
You can create a vCard by filling in the necessary contact information and linking it to a QR Code. When customers scan your QR Code, they get access to your contact information.
- Wifi QR Code
By placing a Wifi QR Code, you can ease the process of customers typing the credentials. By scanning the QR Code, the Wifi credentials are automatically saved on the customer’s device.
When to use static QR Codes?
Personal use
You can use static QR Codes for personal use if you don’t need to edit the QR Code content and track campaign metrics.
One-off marketing campaigns
They are ideal for providing detailed information at one-time events and one-off marketing campaigns. The stored data cannot be changed, and you have to recreate a new QR Code to change the information.
Popular use-cases of static QR Codes
Showcase your portfolio
For individuals who just want to share their online portfolio—Medium, GitHub, or Behance—without the need for editing or tracking engagement in the future, static QR Codes might be ideal. You simply need to fetch the URL for your portfolio and link it to a static QR Code. Upon scanning, people will be able to see your work.
Direct students to an online course URL
Another use case is to redirect students to URLs of online courses that can only be accessed once via a keycode or password. Based on the authentication details provides, students can get access to a particular course, and never use the URL again.
Instantly view inventory details
As QR Codes can hold significantly more data than barcodes, it is recommended to use a QR on inventory assets. Upon scanning a static QR Code on a package, the official can instantly view the details such as product info, handler’s contact, etc., and take necessary steps.
Create & Manage Unlimited Static QR Codes
Generate unlimited QR Codes and easily manage them with Beaconstac for free.
What is a dynamic QR Code?
A dynamic QR Code is a QR Code that can be edited as many times as needed without having to reprint and redeploy the code. You can update small details or change the entire URL, and avoid pesky 404 errors.
Beaconstac’s QR Code solution allows you to track information, such as the number of scans, locations, and operating systems used. The solution also allows you to convert potential leads who have scanned the QR Code but have not taken any action yet with online retargeting on Google and Facebook.
Static vs. dynamic QR Codes: Why are dynamic QR Codes better?
| Static QR Codes |
Dynamic QR Codes |
| Cannot be edited once created |
Can be edited even after printing |
| Do not offer QR scan tracking |
Offer QR scan tracking & analytics |
| Cannot be used for online retargeting |
Can retarget users online |
| Have a long and complicated URL |
Have a short and clean URL |
| Take longer to scan |
Take less time to scan |
| Cannot deliver different campaigns |
Deliver different campaigns based on a set schedule |
Benefits of dynamic QR Codes over static QR Codes
Track and measure data
Every company’s priority is to track its marketing campaigns and measure statistics. With each dynamic QR Code scanned, you can track the number of scans, location, date, device, and time of the scan, and more.
This QR Code tracking helps you measure the success of your campaigns so that you can make any necessary adjustments during an ongoing campaign.
Edit your ongoing campaigns
If you are running campaigns with varying content, a dynamic QR Code gives you great flexibility. You don’t have to reproduce all the promotional material as you can edit your campaigns in real-time based on the analytics generated, ultimately letting you save reprinting costs.
Moreover, you can change the URL and run different campaigns with the same QR Code.
Connect offline and online marketing channels
Leverage dynamic QR Codes through traditional marketing channels such as flyers, print ads, billboards, and television commercials to enhance the customer experience. With dynamic QR Codes placed, you can also track your customers’ preferences on your advertising campaign anytime.
Connect your customers’ online and offline worlds with QR Code marketing
Improve print marketing efficiency | Google Analytics
Dynamic QR Codes also improve the efficacy of your print marketing material by allowing you to see the number of scans along with the location, date, time of the scan.
You can even integrate your Google Analytics account on the Beaconstac dashboard with a single click and get deeper insights into your customers’ demographics.
Increase Conversion Rates | Online retargeting
Beaconstac’s QR Code solution takes it a step further by also allowing you to retarget users online on Google and Facebook. You can use these actionable QR Codes for all kinds of marketing campaigns.
Set it and forget it | Automatic campaigns
Why waste time in creating or editing QR Code campaigns? Beaconstac’s dashboard allows you to schedule campaigns based on time or the day of the week. Your QR Code campaigns work even when you don’t.
Static vs. dynamic QR Code scanning | Faster scans with dynamic QR Codes
Since dynamic QR Codes only contain a placeholder URL and not the actual URL, even if the QR Code contains a ton of data, it still looks simple to the eye and does not look too busy. Since the QR Code contains less data, it also scans that much faster making for an extremely smooth end-user experience.
Static vs. dynamic QR Code payment
Static QR Code payments include the merchant’s name and bank details and cannot be edited. Upon scanning, the customer needs to enter the amount before proceeding with the transaction. Payments using static QR Codes are ideal for one-time offers or seasonal promotions, whether at restaurants,
brick-and-mortar stores, or shopping malls.
Dynamic QR Code payments, on the other hand, change with every transaction. In this case, customers don’t need to manually enter the amount to be paid since it’s included along with the merchant’s name and bank details. Upon scanning, the customer can directly make the payment.
Generate Dynamic QR Codes
Easily create editable, trackable, and customizable dynamic QR Codes.
3 key use-cases of dynamic QR Codes
Share your updated contact details every time
With a dynamic vCard QR Code, you can share your updated contact details - name, phone number, website, profile picture, business location, and much more - with customers easily and safely. All users have to do is scan the QR Code and save the details on their smartphones without having to manually type them.
Moreover, dynamic QR Codes help you avoid reprinting costs if any information on your vCard updates over time. Suppose you change your business location, all you have to do is update the location on your vCard QR Code and it will be reflected in real-time.
Boost app downloads using one QR Code for all app stores
Using a dynamic app download QR Code, users can directly download your app without them having to manually search for it on the app store. Beaconstac lets you create a single QR Code, which upon scanning, redirects the user to the respective app store depending on the mobile OS.
This all-in-one app download QR Code can accommodate all popular app stores such as Google Play Store, App Store for iOS and iPad, and more.
Deploy a contactless restaurant menu
As contactless menus became a norm during COVID-19, their benefits ensure they are here to stay for a long time. With a dynamic QR Code menu, you can share your restaurant menu based on hours and in multiple languages, safely and conveniently. All customers need to do is scan the code and access the menu they wish to.
How to create a dynamic QR Code?
Here’s how you can easily create a dynamic QR Code -
- Go to Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator and log in to the dashboard.
(You can also sign up for a 14-day free trial, no credit card required)
- Choose the type of QR Code you want to create.
- Enter all relevant details.
- Customize the QR Code using different templates, frames, data patterns, etc.
- Generate and test the QR Code to ensure error-free scannability.
- Download the QR Code
- Download and deploy the QR Code.
You can also watch this quick video tutorial to learn how to make a dynamic QR Code:
Final thoughts: Should you choose a static or dynamic QR Code?
Static QR Codes are recommended only for personal or one-time campaigns that don’t need to be edited or tracked. Moreover, there’s no online retargeting available for static QR Codes.
Dynamic QR Codes are highly recommended for all sorts of marketing campaigns as they offer the flexibility to change QR Code destination or content, even after their creation. This eliminates the need for reproducing and reprinting QR Codes.
Additionally, dynamic QR Codes offer comprehensive QR scan tracking to help you fine-tune and optimize your marketing campaigns. You can also retarget (on Google and Facebook) people who have scanned your QR Code but haven’t converted yet.
Wondering what to do next? Check out our
dynamic QR Code pricing
plans suitable for individuals and businesses of all sizes.
FAQs about static and dynamic QR Codes
Do QR Codes change?
Static QR Codes cannot be changed once created and printed. If the link is broken, there is nothing you can do except reprint a new one. Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, are editable and can be edited in real-time. Since the dynamic QR Code contains a placeholder URL, the same QR Code can be reused over and over again saving time, effort, and money.
How can I create a QR Code for free?
Head over to Beaconstac’s QR Code generator and start creating your QR Code for free. You can download it in your
preferred format and customize it if you want.
Note: Static QR Codes are free forever. However, you need to start a 14-day free trial or purchase a plan (Beaconstac’s plans start at $5 a month) to create dynamic QR Codes.
Can I change the destination of a QR Code after printing?
Yes, you can. If you’re using a dynamic QR Code, you can change its destination after printing. This proves why dynamic QR Codes are better suited for print marketing materials and campaigns
What’s the difference between static and dynamic QR Code pricing?
Static QR Codes are free, whereas dynamic QR Codes cost as low as $5 a month.
How do I change a static QR Code to a dynamic QR Code?
You cannot convert a static QR Code to a dynamic one as static QR Codes cannot be edited once created.
Do static QR Codes expire?
Static QR Codes don’t expire. But they cannot be tracked or modified once created.
How to change the link on dynamic QR Codes?
Step 1: Log in to Beaconstac’s QR Code management software.
Step 2: Choose the dynamic QR Code link to be changed.
Step3: Copy the new link and paste it on the URL section.
Step 4: Save the changes and test the QR Code to ensure it leads to the new destination.
Are dynamic QR Codes worth it?
Yes, they are. Dynamic QR Codes let you change their destination at any time without having to reprint them. You can
also track the number of scans, locations, and devices used to measure your dynamic QR Code’s performance.
What is the difference between QR Codes and barcodes?
A barcode is one-dimensional and stores information horizontally. On the other hand, QR Codes are two-dimensional and
can store information vertically and horizontally, which means they can hold more information than barcodes.
In comparison to barcodes, QR Codes can link to all kinds of information, have higher error correction levels, and can support multimedia content.
How to tell if a QR Code is static or dynamic?
Static QR Codes have denser data patterns, which is why they require a longer time to scan. Additionally, static QR Codes have longer URLs as compared to dynamic QR Codes.
Do I need a dynamic QR Code?
If you’re looking to update your QR Code campaigns and track their performance regularly, you’ll need a dynamic QR Code.
If you only have a one-off campaign that you want to run or just want to get started with QR Codes, static QR Codes can be the starting point for you.
Moreover, most free QR Code generators that offer static QR Codes force you to either display ads, redirect to their website after the free trial, offer a limited number of scans, or limit the number of free static QR Codes that can be generated.
You can avoid all these situations with Beaconstac’s free QR Code generator. The basic QR Codes are available for free, are completely customizable with your brand colors and logo, and are free forever.
Beginners Guide: How to create a QR Code
Which is better: static or dynamic QR Code?
If you’re looking for a one-off marketing campaign that doesn’t need future editing and tracking, then static QR Codes might be better for you. If you need better flexibility with your campaigns, QR scan analytics, online retargeting, faster scans, etc., then dynamic QR Codes are highly recommended over static ones.
Can a static QR Code be tracked?
No. Static QR Codes cannot be tracked. Only dynamic QR Codes provide QR scan tracking and analytics.
