A dynamic QR code lets you change where it points after printing, track who scans it, and customise the short link. Here is how to create one for free in under two minutes.
Quick Answer
Go to linkscan.org, sign in with Google, click Create New QR Code, choose Dynamic, enter your URL, customise the design, and download. Free, no expiration, unlimited scans.
What Makes a QR Code "Dynamic"?
A static QR code encodes your URL directly into the pattern. Change the URL and you need a new code. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect link (like linkscan.org/s/abc123) instead. When someone scans it, our server redirects them to your actual destination.
This indirection is what gives dynamic codes their power:
Editable
Change the destination URL anytime without reprinting the code.
Trackable
See how many people scan, when, where, and on what device.
Custom Links
Use branded short links like linkscan.org/s/your-brand.
Step-by-Step: Create a Dynamic QR Code
Sign in to LinkScan
Go to linkscan.org and click Sign in with Google. Dynamic QR codes require an account so you can edit them later. Signing in takes a few seconds, with no forms to fill out.
Static QR codes don't require an account. You can create them instantly from the homepage.
Start a new QR code
From your dashboard, click Create New QR Code. The page defaults to Dynamic mode, which is what you want. You'll see a real-time preview of your QR code on the right.
Enter your destination URL
Under the Content tab, enter the URL you want the QR code to redirect to. This can be any valid URL: a website, a Google Form, a PDF, a menu, a social media profile, or an app download page.
You can also give your QR code a name (like "Spring Menu" or "Event Ticket") and assign it to a project for organisation.
Customise the design
Switch to the Design tab to personalise your QR code:
- Dot style: squares, dots, rounded, or classy patterns
- Corner style: match or contrast with the dot pattern
- Colours: foreground and background colour picker
- Logo: upload your brand logo (error correction adjusts automatically)
The preview updates in real time so you can see exactly what the final code will look like.
Download and use
Click Create QR Code to save it. You can download as PNG (for print and digital) or SVG (for scalable, lossless output). Choose your resolution, up to 2048px for high-quality print.
Your QR code is now live. Print it on flyers, packaging, business cards, menus, or posters. Embed it on websites or share it digitally. Every scan will redirect to your destination URL.
After Creation: Edit, Track, and Manage
The whole point of a dynamic QR code is that it doesn't end at creation. Here is what you can do after printing:
Change the destination URL
From your dashboard, open the QR code and click Edit. Change the destination URL and save. The update takes effect immediately, and every future scan redirects to the new URL. No need to reprint.
This is useful for seasonal campaigns (swap the landing page each month), fixing broken links, or redirecting to updated content.
Track scan analytics
On the Advanced plan, each QR code shows scan analytics: total scans, unique visitors, daily trends, device breakdown (iOS, Android, desktop), browser types, and geographic data. Use this to measure campaign performance and understand your audience.
Use custom short links
Instead of an auto-generated short code like linkscan.org/s/XaSltIA8, Advanced users can create branded short links like linkscan.org/s/spring-menu or linkscan.org/s/your-brand. Custom short links are set when creating the QR code.
When to Use Dynamic vs Static QR Codes
| Use Case | Dynamic | Static |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing campaigns and flyers | No tracking | |
| Restaurant menus | Can't update | |
| Business cards | ||
| WiFi password sharing | Not needed | |
| Product packaging | Can't update | |
| Event tickets and check-in | No tracking |
Rule of thumb: if you might need to change the URL later or want to know how many people scanned it, use dynamic. If it's a one-off code for something like WiFi or a permanent link, static is fine.
LinkScan Free vs Advanced
Free
- 6 dynamic QR codes per day
- Unlimited static QR codes
- Edit destination URL anytime
- Full design customisation
- No expiration, unlimited scans
Advanced: $5/mo
- 30 dynamic QR codes per hour
- Scan analytics and tracking
- Custom short links (up to 10)
- Unlimited logo QR codes
- 10 projects, 10 team members
Create Your Dynamic QR Code
Free, no expiration, unlimited scans. Takes under 2 minutes.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
What is a dynamic QR code?
A dynamic QR code uses a short redirect URL instead of encoding your destination directly. This means you can change where the QR code points after printing, track scan analytics, and use custom short links, all without reprinting the code.
How do I create a dynamic QR code for free?
Go to linkscan.org, sign in with Google, click 'Create New QR Code', choose Dynamic, enter your destination URL, customise the design, and download. LinkScan offers free dynamic QR codes with no expiration and no scan limits.
Can I edit a dynamic QR code after printing?
Yes. Dynamic QR codes can be edited at any time through your LinkScan dashboard. Change the destination URL, update the design, or add a logo, all without reprinting. The printed QR code continues to work with the new destination.
Do dynamic QR codes expire?
On LinkScan, dynamic QR codes never expire. Once created, they remain active as long as your account exists. There are no monthly scan limits or expiration dates, even on the free tier.
What analytics do dynamic QR codes provide?
LinkScan dynamic QR codes track total scans, unique visitors, device types (iOS, Android, desktop), browsers, geographic locations, and scan timestamps. Analytics are available on the Advanced plan.
Can I use a custom short link with my dynamic QR code?
Yes. LinkScan Advanced users can create custom short links like linkscan.org/s/your-brand instead of an auto-generated code. You can set up to 10 custom short links on the Advanced plan.