Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

QR codes

Learned my lesson the hard way.

Recently, when making QR codes for our marketing materials, and for the back of an author’s book linking up to their author website, we learned an important lesson about QR codes. Just before our flyers went to print, I received a message from the platform, where I thought I had generated a free QR code, that the code would expire in 2 days! If I wanted to keep the code up and running, I had to sign on to a subscription of 12 EUR/month. Frustrated and stressed, I dove down the rabbit hole of QR codes. Turns out there’s a difference between static and dynamic QR codes. Had I known this going into it, that would have saved a lot of stress. Luckily I was just in time before signing my life away to a QR subscription.

QR codes are handy when linking up to your author website, or to your payment platform when you sell books at a book launch. Before creating one, make sure you know the difference.

Static QR Code:

The encoded data (e.g., URL, text, contact info) is fixed and cannot be changed after generation.

It does not track scans or analytics.

Best for permanent use cases like business cards, printed materials, and Wi-Fi access.

Dynamic QR Code:

The encoded data (e.g., URL) redirects to an editable link or content.

Allows tracking of scans (location, device, time, etc.).

Can be updated after printing, making it ideal for marketing campaigns, event registrations, and temporary promotions.

Platforms Offering Free Permanent Static QR Codes

Many platforms provide free, permanent static QR codes without expiration. Here are some popular ones:

QR Code Monkey (www.qrcode-monkey.com)

QR Stuff (www.qrstuff.com)

GoQR.me (www.goqr.me)

The QR Code Generator (www.the-qrcode-generator.com)

Canva (QR code generator within its design tools)

These platforms allow users to generate static QR codes for free, with some offering customization options like colors and logos. Supposedly you can also create static QR codes in Adobe Indesign, but not sure what happens if you cancel your Indesign subscription…

We live and learn! Long live the permanent static FREE QR code.