Editable + Trackable

Dynamic QR Codes

QR codes you can edit anytime. Track how many times your code is scanned. Change the destination without reprinting. Free and unlimited.

What is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code is a QR code that uses a short redirect URL instead of encoding the final destination directly. This architecture allows you to change where the QR code points to at any time without reprinting or recreating the code. Dynamic QR codes also track how many times they have been scanned.

When someone scans a dynamic QR code, they are briefly redirected through a server (like LinkScan) to the final destination. This redirect happens in milliseconds and is invisible to the user, but it enables two powerful features:

  • Editable destinations: Change where the code sends users at any time
  • Scan tracking: See how many times your QR code has been scanned

Dynamic QR codes are ideal for marketing campaigns, product packaging, print materials, and any scenario where you need flexibility or want to measure engagement.

How Dynamic QR Codes Work:

  1. 1 You create a dynamic QR code for example.com
  2. 2 The QR code encodes linkscan.org/s/abc123
  3. 3 User scans and is redirected to example.com
  4. 4 Scan is recorded with analytics data
  5. 5 You can change example.com to newsite.com anytime
  6. 6 Same QR code pattern, new destination

Dynamic vs Static QR Codes

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right type for your use case.

Static QR Codes

Encode the final URL directly in the pattern. Cannot be changed after creation. No analytics. Work offline. Best for permanent content.

Dynamic QR Codes

Use a redirect URL. Destination can be changed anytime. Full scan analytics. Require internet. Best for marketing and changing content.

FeatureStaticDynamic
Edit destination URL
Track scan count
Works offline
No internet dependency
Requires account
Ideal for permanent content
Ideal for marketing
Supports A/B testing

Recommendation: Use dynamic QR codes for marketing, packaging, and any printed materials. Use static codes for permanent information that never changes and must work offline. Read our full comparison guide.

How to Create a Dynamic QR Code

Create your first dynamic QR code in under 2 minutes. Free, no credit card required.

1

Enter your URL

Paste the destination URL you want your QR code to link to. This can be any valid web address.

2

Select Dynamic

Toggle the QR code type to "Dynamic" to enable editing and analytics tracking.

3

Customise design

Choose colours, add your logo, and adjust the style to match your brand.

4

Create free account

Sign up with Google to save your dynamic QR code and access analytics.

5

Download and use

Export as PNG or SVG and add to your materials. Edit the destination anytime from your dashboard.

Why Use Dynamic QR Codes?

Dynamic QR codes provide flexibility and insights that static codes cannot offer.

Edit Anytime

Change the destination URL whenever you want without reprinting. Update campaigns, fix typos, or redirect to new pages instantly.

Scan Tracking

See how many times your QR code has been scanned. Monitor engagement and measure campaign performance.

Short URLs

Each dynamic QR code uses a clean, short redirect URL (linkscan.org/s/...) that is easy to share and type.

Instant Redirects

Our global edge network ensures fast redirects worldwide. Users reach your destination in milliseconds.

Reliable Infrastructure

Built on enterprise-grade infrastructure with high uptime. Your QR codes work when your customers need them.

Unlimited Edits

Change the destination as many times as you need. There are no limits on how often you can update your QR codes.

Use Cases for Dynamic QR Codes

Dynamic QR codes are ideal for any scenario where content may change or you need to track engagement.

Marketing Campaigns

Update campaign URLs without reprinting materials. Track which channels, placements, and creatives perform best. A/B test landing pages using the same QR code.

Product Packaging

Link to product pages, instruction manuals, warranty registration, or support. Update content as products evolve without changing packaging.

Print Materials

Flyers, posters, brochures, and business cards that point to content you can update. Never waste printed materials due to URL changes.

Event Management

Registration links, schedules, venue maps, and speaker information that can change before and during the event. Update in real-time.

Restaurant Menus

Digital menus that update instantly with seasonal specials, price changes, and sold-out items. No reprinting table cards.

Real Estate

Property listings that update as details change, open house times shift, or properties sell. Redirect to new listings automatically.

Retail & E-commerce

In-store displays linking to product pages, reviews, or promotions. Update destinations during sales without changing signage.

Payment & Donations

Payment links that can be updated if payment processors change. Track how many people scan your donation QR codes.

Free Dynamic QR Codes

LinkScan provides unlimited free dynamic QR codes with scan tracking. No hidden fees, no trial periods, no credit card required.

  • Unlimited dynamic QR codes
  • No scan limits on any plan
  • Scan count tracking included free
  • Custom colours and logos
  • Free account required (sign up with Google)

Free

Forever. No catches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dynamic QR codes and how they work.

What is a dynamic QR code?

A dynamic QR code is a QR code that uses a short redirect URL instead of encoding the final destination directly. This allows you to change where the QR code points to at any time without reprinting or recreating the code. When someone scans a dynamic QR code, they are briefly redirected through the QR code platform (like LinkScan) to the final destination. This redirect enables two key features: the ability to edit the destination URL after creation, and scan count tracking.

How is a dynamic QR code different from a static QR code?

Static QR codes encode the final destination URL directly into the QR pattern itself. Once created and printed, they cannot be changed. If you need to update the URL, you must create a new QR code and reprint all materials. Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL instead. The actual destination is stored on a server and can be changed at any time. The QR code pattern stays the same, but where it sends users can be updated instantly. Dynamic codes also track scan counts, while static codes provide no analytics.

Are dynamic QR codes free?

Yes. LinkScan provides unlimited free dynamic QR codes with scan tracking. A free account is required to create and manage dynamic codes, but there are no hidden fees, no trial periods, and no limits on the number of codes or scans.

What analytics do dynamic QR codes track?

Dynamic QR codes on LinkScan track the total number of scans. Each time someone scans your QR code, the count is incremented. This allows you to measure engagement and see how your QR codes are performing.

Will the QR code image change if I edit the URL?

No. The QR code pattern remains exactly the same when you change the destination URL. This is the primary benefit of dynamic QR codes for printed materials. You can print thousands of flyers, then later change where the QR code sends users without reprinting anything. The redirect happens on the server side, so the encoded pattern never needs to change.

How fast is the redirect?

LinkScan uses a global edge network to ensure redirects happen in milliseconds. Users typically do not notice any delay. The redirect is a simple HTTP 301/302 response that browsers handle instantly. Most users experience the redirect in under 100 milliseconds regardless of their location.

Do dynamic QR codes work offline?

Dynamic QR codes require an internet connection to work because they redirect through a server. If someone scans the code without internet access, the redirect will fail. For scenarios requiring offline functionality (like emergency information or locations without reliable connectivity), static QR codes are more appropriate. However, for the vast majority of use cases where users have mobile data, dynamic codes work perfectly.

Can I add a logo to a dynamic QR code?

Yes. Dynamic QR codes support all the same customisation options as static codes, including custom colours, logo overlays, and different patterns. Adding a logo does not affect the dynamic functionality or analytics. We recommend using error correction level H (high) when adding logos to ensure reliable scanning.

How do I edit a dynamic QR code destination?

Log in to your LinkScan account and navigate to your dashboard. Find the QR code you want to edit, click on it to open the details panel, and update the destination URL. Changes take effect immediately. There is no limit to how many times you can change the destination.

Can I see who scanned my QR code?

No. LinkScan only tracks the total number of scans. We do not collect or store any personal information about individual scanners. You can see how many times your code was scanned, but not who scanned it. This approach respects user privacy.

What happens if LinkScan goes offline?

We maintain high availability infrastructure with redundancy across multiple regions. In the unlikely event of an outage, QR codes would temporarily fail to redirect. We provide status updates at status.linkscan.org. For mission-critical applications requiring 100% uptime guarantees, we recommend having a fallback strategy or considering static codes for essential information.

Can I use dynamic QR codes for commercial purposes?

Yes. There are no restrictions on commercial use. You can use dynamic QR codes in advertising, product packaging, marketing campaigns, and any business application. The codes you create are yours to use however you need.

Learn More About QR Codes

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