Static vs dynamic QR codes
A static QR code stores the full destination inside the pattern. It works forever, but you can never edit it and you cannot tell how many people scanned it. A dynamic QR code stores a short link such as https://fvj.io/menu24. When someone scans it, our server counts the scan and redirects them to your page. Because the code only contains the short link, the pattern stays small and easy to scan, and you can change the destination at any time.
| Static QR | Dynamic QR (URLMode) | |
|---|---|---|
| Edit destination after printing | No | Yes (free account) |
| Scan analytics | No | Yes — day, country, device |
| Pattern density | Grows with URL length | Always small |
| Works without internet service | Yes | Needs our redirect |
How to create a QR code
- Paste the URL your QR code should open.
- Pick a foreground and background colour (keep strong contrast — dark on light scans best).
- Click Create QR code, then download the PNG (for screens and quick printing) or SVG (vector — sharp at any size for print).
Printing tips that prevent failed scans
- Size: print at least 2 × 2 cm (0.8 in). For posters scanned from a distance, use the 10:1 rule — scanning distance divided by 10 equals the minimum width.
- Quiet zone: leave the white border around the code. Our downloads already include a four-module margin.
- Contrast: never invert (light code on dark background) and avoid low-contrast brand colours like yellow on white.
- Test before printing: scan with both an iPhone and an Android camera at the final size.
- Add a call to action next to the code — "Scan for the menu" gets far more scans than a bare square.
Track your campaign properly
For marketing campaigns, add UTM parameters to the destination with the UTM Builder before creating the QR code. Google Analytics will then show QR scans as their own source (for example utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=qr), while URLMode shows the raw scan count. Want a plain short link too? Use the URL Shortener.
Limits
Guests can create 2 QR codes per network. A free account gives you unlimited dynamic QR codes, editable destinations and a dashboard to download every code again at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Do these QR codes expire?
No. The QR code keeps working as long as its short link is active. Links are only disabled if they violate our acceptable-use policy.
Can I change the QR code destination after printing?
Yes. Log in, open the QR code in your dashboard and edit the destination. The printed pattern stays the same and starts opening the new URL immediately.
PNG or SVG — which should I download?
Use PNG for websites, presentations and everyday printing. Use SVG for professional print work and large formats, because a vector file stays perfectly sharp at any size.
How small can a QR code be printed?
About 2 × 2 cm is the practical minimum for close-range scanning. For a poster read from 2 metres away, make it at least 20 cm wide.
Can I count how many people scanned it?
Yes. Every scan passes through the short link, so your dashboard shows total scans and a breakdown by day, country, device and referrer.