Static vs Dynamic:
The No-Mistake Guide
Before you hit "Print" on 10,000 flyers, you need to know exactly which QR technology you are using.
Printing a QR code is a permanent decision. If you choose the wrong type, you could end up with thousands of useless posters or a broken link that you can never fix. This guide ensures that never happens.
The Golden Rule of QR Printing
Never print a Static QR code for business marketing.
Why? Because a Static QR code is hard-coded. If your website URL changes, or if you find a typo after printing, you cannot edit it. You would have to throw away all your printed materials and start over.
Static QR Codes: The "Set and Forget" Tech
In a Static QR Code, the information (like a URL) is converted directly into the pattern of black and white squares.
Pros
- • Permanent (never expires)
- • No server needed
- • Great for Wi-Fi or text
Cons
- • Non-Editable (Forever)
- • No Scan Tracking
- • Gets complex (harder to scan)
Dynamic QR Codes: The "Smart" Solution
A Dynamic QR Code doesn't store your URL directly. Instead, it stores a short redirection link. This "bridge" link can be changed in the background at any time.
Editable URL
Fix typos or change destinations without re-printing.
Full Analytics
Track scans, locations, and devices in real-time.
Small Size
Stays simple and easy to scan, regardless of data size.
The "Data Density" Factor (Why Static Codes Fail)
Have you ever seen a QR code that was so "busy" or "dense" that your phone could barely scan it? That's usually a static code with a long URL.
As you add more characters to a static code, it gets more complex. A Dynamic code, however, uses a tiny shortlink, keeping the pixels large and scan-friendly even if you're linking to a 500-character URL.
| Capability | Static QR | Dynamic QR |
|---|---|---|
| Edit after printing | Impossible | Unlimited |
| Scan Analytics | None | Advanced |
| Code Expiry | Never | Never (Lifetime) |
| Best Use Case | Personal / Wi-Fi | Business / Ads |
Do QR Codes Expire?
Strictly speaking, No. A QR code is just an image. It will last as long as the material it's printed on. However, the link behind the code can expire.
Static Expiry: Only if your website goes down. The code itself is immortal.
Dynamic Expiry: This depends on your provider. Most "Free" dynamic providers kill your link after 14 days. Lifetime codes never expire.
Don't Gamble with
Expensive Printing.
Get the flexibility of Dynamic codes with the permanence of Static. One payment, zero risk, forever scannable.