Two Types of QR Codes
All QR codes look similar, but they work in fundamentally different ways depending on whether they're static or dynamic. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right type for your needs.
Static QR Codes
A static QR code encodes your data directly into the pattern of dots. The information is baked into the QR code itself — scanning it reads the data directly without any intermediary.
How Static QR Codes Work
When you create a static QR code for "https://example.com", that exact URL is encoded in the dot pattern. When someone scans it, their phone reads the URL directly from the QR code. No server, no redirect, no middleman.
Advantages of Static QR Codes
• Permanent — They never expire. The data is in the code itself, so it works forever as long as the QR code image exists.
• Private — No tracking, no analytics. The scan goes directly to the destination.
• Fast — No redirect step means faster loading.
• Free — Most QR code generators, including QRCodeGen.ai, create static QR codes for free.
• Offline capable — Static QR codes with text or WiFi data work without internet (the QR code itself doesn't need internet — the content might).
• No dependency — If the QR code generator company shuts down, your QR codes still work.
Limitations of Static QR Codes
• Can't be edited — Once printed, the encoded data can't be changed. If the URL changes, you need a new QR code.
• No scan tracking — You can't see how many times it was scanned or by whom.
• Data size affects complexity — Longer data creates denser, harder-to-scan patterns.
Dynamic QR Codes
A dynamic QR code doesn't encode your actual data. Instead, it encodes a short redirect URL (like qrservice.com/abc123). When scanned, the phone visits this redirect URL, which then forwards to your actual destination.
How Dynamic QR Codes Work
1. You enter your destination URL (e.g., "https://mysite.com/menu")
2. The QR code service creates a short redirect URL (e.g., "https://qrservice.com/x7k")
3. The QR code encodes the short redirect URL
4. When scanned, the phone goes to the redirect URL → which forwards to your destination
5. The service logs the scan (time, location, device)
Advantages of Dynamic QR Codes
• Editable — Change the destination URL without reprinting the QR code.
• Scan analytics — Track scan count, location, time, and device type.
• Shorter URLs = simpler codes — The redirect URL is always short, keeping the QR code pattern simple regardless of how long your actual URL is.
Limitations of Dynamic QR Codes
• Dependency risk — If the QR code service goes down or shuts down, ALL your QR codes stop working.
• Usually paid — Most services charge monthly fees for dynamic QR codes ($5-25/month).
• Privacy concerns — Every scan is tracked and logged by the service.
• Slower — Extra redirect step adds latency.
• Internet required — The redirect URL must be reachable for the QR code to work.
When to Use Each
Use Static QR Codes When:
• The destination won't change (business website, WiFi password, contact info)
• Privacy matters (no scan tracking)
• You want free, permanent QR codes
• Reliability is critical (no dependency on a third-party service)
• You're encoding non-URL data (WiFi, vCard, email, phone, SMS, text)
Use Dynamic QR Codes When:
• You need to change the destination after printing (menus, promotions, temporary links)
• Scan analytics are important for your business
• You're running marketing campaigns and need to A/B test destinations
• You want the simplest possible QR code pattern for very long URLs
Our Recommendation
For most personal and small business use, static QR codes are the better choice. They're free, permanent, private, and don't depend on a third-party service staying online. The inability to edit them is rarely a problem — if your website URL changes, you're likely updating print materials anyway.
Dynamic QR codes make sense for larger businesses running marketing campaigns where scan analytics and the ability to change destinations are worth the monthly cost and service dependency.
Create Free Static QR Codes
QRCodeGen.ai creates high-quality static QR codes with full customization — custom colors, shapes, logos, and high-resolution export. 100% free, 100% private, runs entirely in your browser.