What Is the Difference Between a Static and a Dynamic QR Code?

Estimated reading time: 8-10 minutes

New Technologies | QR Codes | Static Codes | Dynamic Codes | Simple QR | Veriori SA

Discover the key differences between static and dynamic QR codes. Find out which one better suits your business needs and why dynamic QR codes are becoming the standard in modern communication.

Static vs. Dynamic – What Do These Terms Mean?

At first glance, all QR codes may look alike – black squares on a white background – but their functionality can vary dramatically. The key difference lies in the type of data encoded in the QR code and whether or not that data can be modified after the code is generated.

QR codes are divided into static and dynamic. Each type has its own use cases, and choosing the right one impacts user convenience, content control, and the effectiveness of marketing and sales activities.

What Is a Static QR Code?

A static QR code is the simplest and most commonly used type of QR code. The data it contains is fixed – once generated and placed, for example, on a leaflet or business card, it cannot be edited.

For instance, a static QR code may link directly to a website. If the website’s address changes or a campaign ends, the static QR code becomes outdated. To update the content, you need to generate a new code and replace the printed materials.

Advantages of a Static QR Code:

• Simplicity: easy and quick to generate.
• No additional costs: does not require a redirect server or an advanced management system.
• Always works if the data is current: the information (e.g., link, text) is directly encoded.

Limitations of a Static QR Code:

• No option to edit the content after printing.
• No analytics: you cannot track how many times or when the code was scanned.
• Fixed content: you can't personalize or update the redirection over time.

What Is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code is a more advanced solution. The code itself doesn’t contain the final destination (e.g., a direct link), but instead redirects to a server, which forwards the user to the appropriate webpage or delivers other content.

What does this mean in practice? You can change the content linked to the code at any time, without reprinting a new code. This is a huge advantage in the fast-paced world of marketing and sales.

Advantages of a Dynamic QR Code:

• Content editing capability: change the link, text, or file while the QR code remains the same.
• Analytics and reporting: track how many times, when, and where the code was scanned, as well as which device was used.
• Personalization options: adjust the content to the target group, location, or time of day.
• Cost-effective: no need to reprint materials, reducing costs and waste.
• Security: only authorized users can edit the content, ensuring full control over communication.

Limitations of a Dynamic QR Code:

• Requires a QR code management system, such as Simple QR.
• Usually involves maintenance costs, such as a subscription fee or server hosting.

Key Differences Between Static and Dynamic QR Codes

When Should You Choose a Static QR Code, and When a Dynamic One?

A static QR code works well when:

• The content won’t change (e.g., homepage URL, contact details).
• You need a simple solution without additional costs.
• You operate locally and don’t need data analysis.

A dynamic QR code is ideal when:

• You run marketing campaigns that require flexibility and content updates.
• You want to analyze the effectiveness of your actions and know who, when, and from where your code was scanned.
• You operate in e-commerce, events, or promotions, and need to quickly respond to market needs.

Fun Fact – How Does Content Editing Work with Dynamic QR Codes?

With dynamic QR codes, such as Simple QR by Veriori, any content change takes place in a simple, intuitive admin panel. You don’t need coding skills – just a few clicks and you can, for example, update a link to a new product catalog, a sign-up form, or a promotion page. Everything happens instantly, without the need to reprint or replace the code.

Summary

Static or dynamic? The choice depends on your needs and goals. If you need a basic function without extra features, go for a static code. However, if you value flexibility, analytics, and cost-efficiency, a dynamic QR code is the future-proof solution.

At Veriori, we believe technology should be simple, transparent, and useful – that’s why we created Simple QR, an intuitive tool for managing dynamic QR codes. With Simple QR, your codes can gain new life – you can edit their content, analyze performance, and improve communication with your customers.

If you want to learn more about the possibilities of Simple QR and dynamic QR codes, contact us or try our solution at simpleqr.veriori.com.

Veriori SA – a Polish company specializing in delivering modern technologies based on QR codes, such as Simple QR and Secured QR. Our mission is simple and authentic communication in the business world, powered by technology designed to serve people.