Difference Between Static and Dynamic QR Code

Published: 4 Jun 2024

Dynamic and Static QR Code

Dynamic and static QR codes are both frequently used in digital marketing and business. But what’s the difference between them? Static QR codes are permanent and cannot be modified, which can be limiting for businesses that need to make changes. On the other hand, dynamic QR codes offer flexibility and tracking capabilities, making them an attractive option for businesses looking for more control. Whether you’re looking for a simple, unchangeable code or one that can be updated as needed, understanding both types can help you choose the best fit for your needs.

Table of Content

Dynamic and Static QR Code
What is the Difference Between Dynamic and Static QR Code
Difference Between Static vs Dynamic QR Code
Conclusion About Static or Dynamic QR Code
FAQS - Dynamic QR Code

What is the Difference Between Dynamic and Static QR Code

The main difference between dynamic and static QR codes is that static QR codes are fixed and can not be changed, while dynamic QR codes can be updated and tracked even after being printed.

Difference Between Static vs Dynamic QR Code

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
Maintenance Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Once a Static QR code is generated, no further action is required. The information is fixed and frozen; it doesn’t change. Dynamic QR codes need continuing management because the information can be updated. Advanced Features Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Static QR codes are simple and don’t show advanced features. They are best for simple, unchanging information, such as sharing a permanent link to a website or displaying a fixed message. Generally, Static QR code making is free. Many online tools allow you to generate static QR codes at no cost. Static QR codes don’t require further fees after creation because the data they contain cannot be changed. Lifespan Static vs Dynamic QR Codes A static QR code’s content is set and never changes. As long as the contact information doesn’t change, the QR code’s company details will remain helpful. With a dynamic QR code, the data is always up to date and may be modified without changing the actual QR code. Using a QR code in marketing campaigns can update the URL or change its useful lifespan. Size Static vs Dynamic QR Codes You will put more information in a Static QR code, which will become more complex and longer. That is because all the data is directly stored within the QR code. Dynamic QR codes are usually smaller and less complex because they store a short URL to the website. Use Case Static vs Dynamic QR Codes This is ideal for simple, static information. It works well for data that shouldn’t change, such as sharing a set Wi-Fi password or contact information for businesses that don’t change. Ideal for situations where the information might need regular updates. For example; Linking to product pages where we can change details, like prices or specifications. Flexibility Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Once a Static QR code is created, we should correct this information because we cannot change it. This makes it inflexible when the data might need to be updated. Once created, information is frozen. Even after a Dynamic QR code has been printed or shared, the content changes anytime. This implies you can produce new QR codes anytime and update the content without damaging anything. Tracking Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Anyone cannot track the data of Static QR codes. When someone scans the QR code once, you won’t know how many people scanned it, where they scanned it, or when. You don’t need to see any usage details, like sharing a WiFi password or a business card. You can track a lot of helpful information through Dynamic QR codes. It is possible to view the number of times the QR code has been scanned, where it was scanned, the time it was checked, and occasionally even the type of device used to scan it. For example, if you use a QR code in an advertisement, you can see if people are scanning. Cost Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated at any time. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want. Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated anytime. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want. Changeability Static vs Dynamic QR Codes Once you create a static QR code, you can not change the data it contains. In simple words, you write something with a permanent marker, and you can’t erase or change it. Dynamic QR codes usually involve a cost. Many services charge a subscription fee or one-time payment to access their features when Dynamic QR codes offer advanced functionalities and continuous updates. Content Storage Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes Anyone cannot track the data of Static QR codes. When someone scans the QR code once, you won’t know how many people scanned it or when they scanned it. You don’t need to see any usage details, like sharing a WiFi password or a business card. Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated at any time. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Maintenance Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Once a Static QR code is generated, no further action is required. The information is fixed and frozen; it doesn’t change.
Dynamic QR codes need continuing management because the information can be updated.

Advanced Features Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes are simple and don’t show advanced features. They are best for simple, unchanging information, such as sharing a permanent link to a website or displaying a fixed
message.
Generally, Static QR code making is free. Many online tools allow you to generate static QR codes at no cost. Static QR codes don’t require further fees after creation because the data they contain cannot be changed.

Lifespan Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

A static QR code’s content is set and never changes. As long as the contact information doesn’t change, the QR code’s company details will remain helpful.
With a dynamic QR code, the data is always up to date and may be modified without changing the actual QR code. Using a QR code in marketing campaigns can update the URL or change its useful lifespan.

Size Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

You will put more information in a Static QR code, which will become more complex and longer. That is because all the data is directly stored within the QR code.
Dynamic QR codes are usually smaller and less complex because they store a short URL to the
website.

Use Case Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

This is ideal for simple, static information. It works well for data that shouldn’t change, such as sharing a set Wi-Fi password or contact information for businesses that don’t change.
Ideal for situations where the information might need regular updates. For example;
Linking to product pages where we can change details, like prices or specifications.

Flexibility Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Once a Static QR code is created, we should correct this information because we cannot change it. This makes it inflexible when the data might need to be updated. Once created, information is frozen.
Even after a Dynamic QR code has been printed or shared, the content changes anytime. This implies you can produce new QR codes anytime and update the content without damaging anything.

Tracking Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Anyone cannot track the data of Static QR codes. When someone scans the QR code once, you won’t know how many people scanned it, where they scanned it, or when. You don’t need to see any usage details, like sharing a WiFi password or a business card.
You can track a lot of helpful information through Dynamic QR codes. It is possible to view the number of times the QR code has been scanned, where it was scanned, the time it was checked, and occasionally even the type of device used to scan it. For example, if you use a QR code in an advertisement, you can see if people are scanning.

Cost Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated at any time. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want.
Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated anytime. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want.

Changeability Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Once you create a static QR code, you can not change the data it contains. In simple words, you write something with a permanent marker, and you can’t erase or change it.
Dynamic QR codes usually involve a cost. Many services charge a subscription fee or one-time payment to access their features when Dynamic QR codes offer advanced functionalities and continuous updates.

Content Storage Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Anyone cannot track the data of Static QR codes. When someone scans the QR code once, you won’t know how many people scanned it or when they scanned it. You don’t need to see any usage details, like sharing a WiFi password or a business card.
Data inside a Dynamic QR code can be changed or updated at any time. For Example, if you write on paper with a pencil, you can erase it and change it whenever you want.

Conclusion About Static or Dynamic QR Code

Static and Dynamic QR codes offer unique benefits, features, and functionality for specific uses. Static QR codes are frozen and simple, provide fixed information, are free to create, and do not change, like contact details, website links, locations, and text messages. However, Dynamic QR codes provide additional features and benefits. They are perfect for marketing campaigns, making offers, and event promotions. You can update anytime, track scan data, and adjust to changing information.

FAQS – Dynamic QR Code

Static and dynamic QR codes: what are they?

Dynamic QR codes can be changed whenever you want, while Static QR codes have fixed information that you cannot change once they are created.

How can a static QR code be made?

Creating a Static QR code is simple. You can use different online tools or QR code generators. Input the desired information (like a URL or text), and the tool generates a QR code.

What are some everyday use cases for static QR codes?

Static QR codes are frequently used to transfer permanent data, like text messages, Wi-Fi passwords, website links, phone numbers, and product information on packaging.

How secure are static QR codes?

Static QR codes are generally considered secure for sharing public information. However, they are unsuitable for sensitive or confidential data as the information is directly embedded in the code and cannot be encrypted or updated.

How long can static QR codes be used effectively?

Static QR codes can be used effectively if their information remains relevant and unchanged. Nevertheless, a fresh QR code must be created if the data needs to be changed.

How do dynamic QR codes work?

Dynamic QR codes store a short URL link pointing to external data. This link can be updated to redirect to different content without changing the QR code.

Does the process of creating dynamic QR codes come with any costs?

Yes, generating dynamic QR codes may involve costs. Some services offer free primary benefits, while advanced functionalities like tracking, analytics, and password protection may require a subscription or service fee.

Can you track the number of scans on a dynamic QR code?

Yes, dynamic QR codes allow the tracking of scanned data. They can give details like the number of times the QR code was checked, the location and time it was scanned, and the device used.

What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

The main difference is in their changeability and functionality. Unlike Dynamic QR codes, whose content can be updated at any moment, Static QR codes have fixed content and cannot be updated after creation. Advanced capabilities like tracking and analytics are also available with Dynamic QR codes.