Dynamic vs Static QR Codes
Understanding the difference between dynamic and static QR codes.
What's the Difference?
Dynamic QR Codes
Encode a short redirect URL. The actual destination is stored in our database and can be changed anytime.
- ✓Change destination after printing
- ✓Track scans and analytics
- ✓Custom short links
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓Scheduling (activate/expire)
- ✓UTM parameters
- ✓Simpler QR pattern (shorter URL)
Static QR Codes
Encode the actual content directly. Once created, the content cannot be changed.
- ✓Works offline (no redirect)
- ✓Faster scanning (direct decode)
- ✓No dependency on our servers
- ✗Cannot change content
- ✗No scan tracking
- ✗Complex pattern for long URLs
How Dynamic QR Codes Work
- You create a QR code pointing to
https://example.com/my-page - We generate a short URL like
https://compassqr.com/r/abc123 - The QR code encodes this short URL (simpler pattern)
- When scanned, users hit our server which redirects to your destination
- We log the scan event (device, location, time, etc.)
- You can change the destination anytime in your dashboard
Dynamic QR codes require an internet connection to work. The redirect happens in milliseconds.
When to Use Each Type
Use Dynamic When:
- You might need to update the destination later
- You want to track scan analytics
- You're running marketing campaigns
- The destination URL is long
- You need A/B testing or scheduling
- You're printing QR codes on physical materials
Use Static When:
- The content will never change (WiFi credentials, contact info)
- Users need offline access
- You don't need tracking
- Speed is critical
QR Pattern Complexity
Dynamic QR codes have simpler patterns because they encode a short URL instead of your full destination. This makes them:
- Easier to scan from a distance
- More tolerant of printing imperfections
- Better for small sizes
- More aesthetically pleasing
Best Practice
For printed materials, always use dynamic QR codes. If you make a typo or need to update the link, you won't have to reprint.
Converting Between Types
Once a QR code is created, you cannot convert it from static to dynamic or vice versa. The type is determined at creation time because:
- Static codes encode content directly in the pattern
- Dynamic codes encode a different URL (the short link)
- Changing the type would change the QR pattern
If you need to change the type, create a new QR code with the desired setting.