Static vs dynamic
| Static | Dynamic | |
|---|---|---|
| Whatās inside | The final address or content | The serviceās short link |
| Change after printing | No | Yes, in the serviceās dashboard |
| Scan statistics | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | The code itself never expires | Depends on the serviceās terms and your plan |
| Privacy | No middleman | Each scan passes through the service |
Stories of a āfree QR generatorā code that later lands on an ad or a pay-to-reactivate page are usually a dynamic code whose free period ended. Read the terms before you print it on a menu or a sign.
A static code you never reprint
Put a URL whose content you control inside a static code:
- Your business listing page on a maps platform, or your social profile
- A fixed path on your own domain such as /menu, and edit that page when prices change
- A shared document link, and update the document
You get the main perk of dynamic codes, changing what people see, without depending on someone elseās subscription. Just never delete or move that URL.
Pre-print checklist
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Colors | Dark code on a light background. Inverted codes fail on some readers |
| Margin | 4 modules or more on every side; donāt drag the padding slider to 0 |
| Logo | Small and centered, and test on several phones if you add one |
| Size | Table menus 3ā4 cm (1.2ā1.6 in) or more. Size math |
| Finish | Gloss and lamination cause glare; matte reads better |
| Label | Print your business name and URL next to the code so customers can trust it |
Making it in the app
A static code from a link
On the Create tab of QR & Barcode Scanner, pick Link, enter the address and create it. Every code this app makes is static, so printed codes keep working even if you uninstall the app.
Go easy on the design
Design (unlocked for good with one ad) changes code color, background, padding, corner rounding and a center logo. The app itself warns: āA large logo can break scanning. Always test the finished code yourself.ā Its codes use level L, the one with the least recovery headroom, so for print, skip the logo or keep it smallest.
One code per table with Batch create
Need a different URL for each table? Put one URL per line in Batch create, then lay them out on one A4 page at 300 dpi with Label sheet. Both unlock for good after one ad.
FAQ
Do static QR codes expire?
No. They keep working as long as the page at that address exists.
What if someone sticks a fake code over mine?
Thatās a real scam. Cover the code with a frame or lamination and scan it yourself now and then. See checking QR links.
QR & Barcode Scanner Reader
No sign-up, and your scans stay on your phone. Free on Android.