Dynamic vs static QR codes: which one should you use (and why it matters)
If you are putting a QR code on something physical, you get one shot.
Once it is printed on packaging, menus, flyers, storefronts, or business cards, the QR code becomes very expensive to change.
That is why the first question you should answer is not "what should the QR link be".
It is this:
- should this QR code be static, or dynamic?
Choosing the wrong type is one of the most common reasons QR campaigns fail.
This guide explains the difference in plain language and gives you a decision checklist you can use in 2 minutes.
TL;DR
- Static QR codes store the destination directly inside the code. Once generated, they cannot be edited.
- Dynamic QR codes store a short redirect, so you can change the destination later without changing the printed QR.
- Dynamic QR codes are best for anything you print, anything you want to track, and anything you might need to update.
- Static QR codes are best for simple, permanent data like a WiFi QR code or a one time poster for a short event.
What is a static QR code?
A static QR code is the simplest form.
When you create it, the full content is encoded into the black and white pattern.
That content could be:
- a URL (https://...)
- plain text
- contact info (vCard)
- a WiFi network configuration
Pros of static QR codes
- works anywhere, no redirect service required
- simple and often free
- great for short, permanent data
Cons of static QR codes
- you cannot change the destination after you print it
- long URLs make the code denser, which can reduce scan reliability
- tracking is limited unless you add tracking on the destination side
Static QR codes are not bad.
They are just easy to misuse.
What is a dynamic QR code?
A dynamic QR code does not store the final destination.
Instead, it stores a short URL that redirects to your real destination.
That small change unlocks the two things businesses usually care about:
- editing: change the destination later without reprinting
- tracking: measure scans and performance by campaign
Dynamic QR codes are how most serious QR marketing campaigns are run.
Pros of dynamic QR codes
- you can update the destination without changing the code
- shorter pattern usually scans more reliably
- you can route traffic based on rules (for example language or device)
- you can do campaign tracking more cleanly
Cons of dynamic QR codes
- relies on a redirect layer
- requires ongoing access to manage the destination
- if a provider shuts down, you need a migration plan
The solution is not to avoid dynamic QR codes.
The solution is to pick a tool that makes redirects and ownership simple.
Which type should you use? The decision checklist
Use a dynamic QR code if any of these are true:
- you are printing the QR code on anything expensive to change
- the QR code will live longer than a week
- you want to measure scans and conversions
- you might change the offer, landing page, or call to action
- you want one QR code that can point to a new page each month
Use a static QR code if all of these are true:
- the content is truly permanent
- you do not need tracking
- the QR code is for a short lived purpose
If you are unsure, choose dynamic.
It is the safer default for marketing.
Real examples (so you do not have to guess)
Example 1: Restaurant menu
Use dynamic.
Why:
- menus change
- you might want to A/B test the landing page
- you might want a lunch vs dinner destination
Example 2: Event poster for a one day meetup
Static can be fine.
Why:
- time boxed
- minimal risk if the link never changes
But if you plan to reuse the poster template for future events, dynamic is better.
Example 3: Packaging insert or product label
Always dynamic.
Packaging is expensive.
If you ever change your onboarding flow, help page, or upsell offer, you will be glad you can update the destination.
Example 4: Business card
Dynamic.
People keep business cards for months.
You might change your calendar link, portfolio, or role.
Example 5: WiFi QR code
Static.
WiFi QR codes are typically a fixed payload.
If your WiFi password changes often, that is a separate problem.
Tracking: why dynamic QR codes win
Many teams try to track a static QR code campaign by adding UTM parameters to a long URL.
That can work, but it often creates two problems:
- the QR code becomes dense and harder to scan
- the tracking becomes messy when you need to update the page
With a dynamic QR code, you keep the QR itself simple.
Then you control tracking on the redirect and on the destination URL.
You can also rotate destinations while keeping the same printed code.
That is how you build campaigns that improve instead of campaigns you are stuck with.
The most common mistakes
Mistake 1: Printing a static QR code on something permanent
This is the classic.
A month later the landing page changes and you either:
- live with a broken QR code
- reprint everything
Mistake 2: Using a dynamic QR code but forgetting the redirect is a product
If you use a random free tool, you might lose access later.
Treat dynamic QR codes like infrastructure.
Use a provider you trust.
Mistake 3: Not testing at real size
Even with the right QR type, campaigns fail when the code is too small or too low contrast.
Before you print 5,000 flyers, print one.
Test it in:
- bright light
- low light
- with multiple phone models
How QRShuffle helps
QRShuffle is built for the most common real world use case:
You want a QR code you can update later.
You want it to scan reliably.
You want tracking and clean management without complexity.
Create a dynamic QR code in QRShuffle, print it once, and update the destination any time.
If you are ready, create your first code here: