QR codes have become omnipresent in our daily lives. We scan them to check into events, access menus, and more. While standard static QR codes work well for many uses, dynamic QR codes open up new possibilities.
Looking for QR Code Generator Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best QR Code Generator Software solutions.
Unlike a static QR code, a dynamic QR code can change over time. It can direct users to different URLs, show different data, or trigger different actions. This flexibility allows for creative new ways to use QR codes that just aren’t possible with static ones.
That’s why dynamic QR codes are here to stay. Dynamic QR codes generated by users got over 6.8 million scans from global users in 2022, a 433% increase over 2021 figures.
But how to create dynamic QR codes, and why are businesses using them? Let’s dig deeper into this topic!
How To Generate a Dynamic QR Code?
Dynamic QR codes allow you to update the information encoded in a QR code without generating a new one. This makes them incredibly versatile compared to standard static QR codes. Follow these key steps to generate dynamic QR codes.
- Choose a QR code generator that supports dynamic QR codes, like QR Code Generator or QRStuff. These services let you edit QR codes after creating them.
- Pick the type of dynamic QR code you want – URL, text, contact, Wi-Fi, etc. This determines what information can be encoded.
- Input the initial data or content to be encoded. For a URL QR code, enter the starting URL destination.
- Customize the appearance of the QR code with colors, logos, or patterns if desired.
- Generate the dynamic QR code and download the image.
- Use the generator’s dashboard to track and update the QR code content without changing the code itself.
- Update the destination URL, text, or other data associated with the QR code anytime you want to change what it links to or displays.
This way, you can benefit from the flexibility of dynamic QR codes that can change over time, directing users to new destinations or showing updated information on scanning.
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of choosing a reliable QR code generator that supports dynamic functionality. Prioritize platforms that offer analytics to track scan performance, enabling data-driven insights for your campaigns. Additionally, regularly update the linked content to keep information relevant and consider incorporating security measures to protect against potential misuse or unauthorized changes.
Types of Dynamic QR Codes and Difference Between Them
There are six types of dynamic QR codes, including URL QR codes, text QR codes, contact QR codes, WiFi QR codes, event QR codes, and geolocation QR codes. Let’s understand them and the key differences between the different versions of QR codes.
1. URL QR Codes
URL QR codes are designed to link to a specific URL or webpage. The encoded URL is the destination to which users are directed when they scan the QR code. These QR codes are commonly used in marketing campaigns and promotions, enabling businesses to share web content with customers. What makes them dynamic is the ability to change the URL linked to the QR code without altering the QR code itself. This allows for flexibility in content management, making them ideal for promotional campaigns where landing pages may change over time.
2. Text QR Codes
Text QR codes encode plain text and are used to share messages, notes, or instructions. They are dynamic QR codes because the content encoded within them can be edited or updated without generating a new QR code. This makes them suitable for scenarios where you want to provide information that may change frequently, such as instructions or messages to users.
3. Contact QR Codes (vCard)
Contact QR codes, often in vCard format, encode contact information like a person’s name, phone number, email address, and more. Users can scan these QR codes to add the contact details directly to their address book. These are frequently used on business cards and event invitations. Their dynamic nature allows you to update or modify the contact information without changing the QR code, ensuring accurate and up-to-date contact details are shared.
4. WiFi QR Codes
WiFi QR codes encode Wi-Fi network credentials, including the SSID and password. When users scan the QR code, it automatically configures their device to connect to the specified Wi-Fi network. These QR codes are particularly handy for temporary network sharing, such as in a coffee shop or at an event venue, as the network credentials can be easily updated through a dynamic QR code.
5. Event QR Codes
Event QR codes are used for managing events, such as ticketing and RSVPs. They often contain event details like date, time, and venue. What makes them dynamic is the ability to update the event information or send event-related updates through the QR code. This ensures that attendees receive the latest information regarding the event, including any last-minute changes.
6. Geolocation QR Codes
Geolocation QR codes encode geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) that link to a specific location on a map. Users can scan the QR code to access a map or navigation app to find the location. These QR codes can be dynamic, allowing you to change the coordinates if the destination location needs to be updated, making them useful for dynamic navigation and location-based services.
For a quick comparison, here’s a tabular representation of the differences between the types of QR codes.
| Type of QR Code | Purpose | Use Cases | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| URL QR Codes | Link to changeable URLs | Marketing, promotions, websites | Changeable destination URL |
| Text QR Codes | Encode editable plain text | Messages, notes, instructions | Editable text content |
| Contact QR Codes | Encode contact information | Business cards, invitations | Editable contact details |
| WiFi QR Codes | Encode changeable Wi-Fi credentials | Network sharing at events, venues | Changeable network credentials |
| Event QR Codes | Manage dynamic event information | Event tickets, RSVPs | Update event details and information |
| Geolocation QR Codes | Encode changeable map coordinates | Navigation, location-based services | Editable geographic coordinates |
How Do Dynamic QR Codes Work?
Dynamic QR codes work by allowing the content they link to be modified or updated without changing the QR code itself. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how dynamic QR codes work:
1. Creation
Dynamic QR codes are generated using a QR code generator or a QR code management platform. During the creation process, you provide the content you want the QR code to encode, whether it’s a URL, text, contact information, or other data.
2. Content Hosting
Unlike static QR codes, which store all the information within the QR code itself, dynamic QR codes store a reference to the content. This reference is typically hosted on the QR code provider’s servers or another external location. The QR code contains a link to this hosted content, often in the form of a unique identifier or URL.
3. User Interaction
When a user scans a dynamic QR code using a QR code reader app on their smartphone or other scanning device, the app reads the QR code and accesses the hosted content by following the link stored in the QR code.
4. Content Retrieval
The user’s device connects to the hosted content, which can be a webpage, text file, vCard, or any other type of data. The content is then displayed or acted upon, depending on the content type.
5. Content Updates
The dynamic aspect comes into play when you, as the QR code creator, need to update or modify the content associated with the QR code. Instead of generating a new QR code, you access the QR code provider’s platform or management dashboard. There, you can make changes to the linked content, such as updating a webpage, changing text, or editing contact information.
6. Real-Time Access
As the hosted content is dynamically linked to the QR code, any changes you make in the content are reflected in real-time. Users who scan the QR code will always access the most current content, even if it has been updated multiple times.
7. Access Control
Many QR code management platforms offer access control and analytics features. These tools allow you to restrict who can update the content and track metrics related to the QR code’s usage, such as scan counts and user demographics.
8. Distribution
Once you’ve made any necessary changes, you can continue to distribute the same QR code, and users will always access the most up-to-date information when they scan it.
Why Brands and Business Companies Are Using Dynamic QR Codes?
Businesses use dynamic QR codes because of the numerous advantages they offer over static QR codes. Here are some key reasons why dynamic QR codes are popular among brands.
1. Content Flexibility
With dynamic QR codes, businesses can update linked content without reprinting or redistributing QR codes. This makes them ideal for time-limited promotions that may change weekly or monthly. Businesses can also update product information, pricing, menus, and more in real time, ensuring customers always access the latest info. The flexibility brings endless possibilities without QR code replacement costs.
2. Multi-Purpose Marketing
A single dynamic QR code can serve multiple marketing campaigns over time. For example, a QR code on a brochure could first direct to a product page, then be updated to link to a special discount page, and later to an educational video. Marketers save time and resources by using one code across different initiatives.
3. Enhanced User Experience
Dynamic codes allow directing users to engage landing pages with videos, interactive demos, quizzes, and more. Going beyond static promotional text or product pages creates a richer experience and builds customer relationships. The content can also be tailored for different audiences.
4. Real-Time Analytics
With QR management platforms, businesses can access a dashboard to view scan metrics – when, where, and how often codes were scanned. This data reveals campaign effectiveness, geographic engagement levels, and user preferences. Actionable insights can inform marketing decisions and strategies.
5. Improved Targeting
Analytics from dynamic QR codes can help segment audiences based on their engagement. Businesses can then serve different content to different user groups. For example, regular customers may get exclusive deals while new prospects receive educational materials.
6. Cost-Effective
Avoiding reprinting costs is a key benefit of using one dynamic code across frequently changing marketing campaigns. Updated content can be delivered digitally without new signage, packaging, or labels. It’s a budget-friendly approach for businesses.
Tips on How To Make Your Dynamic QR Code Marketing a Success
While dynamic QR codes are already a success, here are some tips to get a high ROI from your QR code campaigns.
- Have a clear goal: Define what you want users to do when they scan the code, such as visiting a product page, signing up for a webinar, or claiming an offer.
- Choose the right QR code type: Select a QR code type (e.g., URL, text, contact) that aligns with your campaign goal.
- Lead users to valuable content: Dynamic codes are great for taking users to special landing pages, videos, coupons, etc. Offer something useful.
- Place QR codes strategically: Put codes on print materials, product packaging, store windows, etc., based on your audience.
- Make scanning easy: Use a short URL and position codes so they can be scanned easily without obstruction.
- Promote the QR codes: Let your audience know about them through other marketing channels like social media, emails, and advertisements.
- Refresh content frequently: Update the content regularly to give users incentives to scan again during your campaign.
- Track performance: Use analytics to see scan rates, location, and timestamps and monitor campaign results.
- Test different approaches: Try different content types, placement strategies, and target groups to identify what resonates best.
- Build on successes: Optimize based on results and expand by putting codes on new materials or locations.
- Be creative: Explore innovative ways to integrate dynamic QR codes into interactive campaigns.
How To Choose the Best Dynamic QR Code Generator?
Choosing the best dynamic QR code generator can be crucial for your business, considering the significance of QR codes in modern marketing and information dissemination. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the most suitable dynamic QR code generator.
1. Customization Options
Look for a QR code generator that gives you plenty of customization options to create a QR code that aligns with your brand’s visual identity. Specifically, seek out a generator that enables you to add your company logo or icon to the QR code, modify the colors to match your brand palette, and adjust the overall design aesthetics like dots, lines, and frames that make up the matrix pattern. This level of customization ensures your QR codes are on-brand and identifiable as belonging to your company.
2. Analytics and Tracking
To understand the performance of your QR codes and optimize their use, the ideal generator should have analytics and tracking capabilities. Look for the ability to see metrics like scan rates, monitor where and when scans occur, identify traffic sources, and understand which devices are scanning the codes. Robust analytics and tracking allow you to continually refine the utilization of QR codes and highlight the most effective campaigns.
3. Scalability
Look for a QR code generator that can efficiently handle the generation of multiple QR codes, particularly if you anticipate high traffic or plan for business expansion. Scalability ensures that the generator can accommodate the growing demands of your business without compromising on performance or quality.
4. Reliability and Security
Prioritize a QR code generator that prioritizes data security and reliability. Look for features such as password protection, data encryption, and secure data storage to protect sensitive information embedded within QR codes. A secure QR code generator instills trust and confidence in both your business and your customers.
5. Integration Options
Choose a QR code generator that seamlessly integrates with your existing software systems and tools. This integration facilitates a smooth workflow and allows for the easy incorporation of QR codes into your existing marketing and operational processes. Look for compatibility with popular software platforms and tools used in your industry for maximum efficiency and convenience.
6. Mobile-Friendly Design
Opt for a QR code generator that produces mobile-friendly QR codes that can be easily scanned using a wide range of devices and screen sizes. Mobile-friendly QR codes ensure a seamless user experience and accessibility, regardless of the type of device used for scanning, thereby maximizing the reach and effectiveness of your QR code campaigns.
7. Customer Support
Look for a QR code generator that provides comprehensive customer support, including access to resources such as tutorials, FAQs, and responsive customer service representatives. Reliable customer support can be invaluable in addressing any issues or queries that may arise during the QR code generation process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for users.
Top 10 Dynamic QR Code Generators
The top dynamic QR code generators are QR Code Dynamic, Uniqode, QRTiger, Flowcode, and QR Code Generator Pro. Let’s take an in-depth look at these tools, including their features and pros and cons so you can generate QR codes with ease.
| Generator Name | Pricing | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro: $29 per month | Dynamic links, 180 days statistics retention | |
| Lite: $15 per month | Unlimited QR code scans, 24/7 support | |
| Regular: $7 per month | Track the location of scans, Save your QR code design as a template | |
| Pro: $5 per month | Contract development, Multi-chain compatibility | |
| Starter: $5 per month | Track campaigns, Employ third-party APIs | |
| Essential: $5 per month | Full QR Code customization, PDF codes | |
| It has two plans priced at $35 per month and $350 per month. | QR Code Statistics, Fully customized landing pages | |
| Starter: $6.99 per month | QR shapes, Pre-designed QRs | |
| Full Suite: $12.95 per month | Access to different file types , Design capabilities | |
| Standard: $17.28 per month | Weekly reports, Advanced analytics (Graphs, stats exports) |
1. QR Code Dynamic
This dynamic QR code generator excels at creating highly customizable dynamic QR codes perfect for marketing campaigns. It enables full customization of colors, icons, logos, and frames to match brand aesthetics. Real-time analytics provide scan insights. The dynamic link updating feature makes it easy to adapt QR code campaigns on the fly.
Features
- 13 QR code types
- Dynamic links
- 180 days statistics retention
- Affiliate Percentage
- API Access
- Password protection
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Pro: $29 per month
- Fully customized dynamic QR codes matching brand visual identity.
- Real-time analytics provide detailed scan insights and metrics.
- Dynamic links can be updated on the fly for flexible campaigns.
- Variety of templates and design tools for unique QR codes.
- More expensive pricing tiers to access full functionality.
- Design customization features have a learning curve.
- Limited dynamic URL tracking compared to analytics-focused platforms.
- Codes can suffer quality issues when applying excessive branding.
2. Uniqode
Ideal for leveraging QR codes in location-based marketing, Uniqode integrates with Bluetooth beacons for proximity-based interactions. Businesses can trigger contextual QR code content based on a user’s physical location. Its analytics give scanning insights down to the beacon level.
Features
- Customizations
- 15+ QR code types
- Unlimited QR code scans
- 24/7 support
- GPS tracking
- Bulk creation
- Retargeting
Pricing
- Lite: $15 per month
- Pro: $49 per month
- Plus: $99 per month
- Integrates with beacons for location-based contextual QR experiences.
- Dynamic QR content can be adapted based on user proximity.
- Analytics provide granular location-specific usage data.
- Dashboard centralizes beacon and QR code management.
- Requires added beacon hardware for true location-based functionality.
- Setup and configuration involve technical complexity.
- QR code design and editing functionality is more limited.
- Pricing tiers get expensive for large volumes of beacons and codes.
3. QR TIGER
Boasting one of the most intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, QR TIGER makes QR code generation accessible for everyone. It’s perfect for personal QR use with features like photo QR codes and QR-based contact cards. The wide range of templates and styling options excel for professional use, too.
Features
- 12 dynamic QR
- High-resolution image
- Track the number of scans
- Track the location of scans
- Save your QR code design as a template
- Canva integration
- API: 3000 requests/month
Pricing
- Freemium: $0 per month
- Regular: $7 per month
- Advanced: $16 per month
- Premium: $37 per month
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface for easy QR generation.
- Ideal for personal QR codes like contact cards and photo sharing.
- Styling options allow matching brand visual identity.
- Dynamic URLs can be updated easily across multiple codes.
- Less robust set of design templates and assets compared to some platforms.
- Limited dynamic QR code performance tracking and analytics.
- Advanced branding capabilities require premium paid plans.
4. Flowcode
This QR code platform offers a vast library of templates, images, frames, and graphic design tools to customize codes to match brand aesthetics. Businesses can upload logos, set color schemes, and add other brand elements for unique, identifiable codes. Flowcode also provides a proprietary dynamic link management system to easily update URLs across multiple QR codes from one dashboard.
Features
- Tokenization
- Campaign tracking
- Interoperability
- Contract development
- Multi-chain compatibility
- Consensus mechanism
Pricing
- Pro: $5 per month
- Pro Plus: $25 per month
- Growth: Starts at $250 per month
- The vast library of templates and images enables highly customized QR code designs to match brand aesthetics.
- The proprietary dynamic URL management system allows efficient updating of links across multiple codes.
- Advanced user control over frames, colors, logos, and images creates unique branded codes.
- Link shortening and UTM tracking provide analytics on engagement.
- The interface has a steep learning curve compared to simpler generators.
- The free plan is restrictive, with a 100-scan per month limit.
- Annual pricing is more expensive than some competitor platforms.
- Customizing individual codes can be time-consuming at scale.
5. QR Code Generator Pro
Designed for enterprise-level use, this tool enables the bulk generation of hundreds of unique QR codes at once. Businesses can customize colors, add logos, and stylize each code individually or apply templates to batches of codes. The generator uses optimized algorithms to produce scannable QR codes every time, even when generating at scale.
Features
- Design fully-customized QR Codes
- Build landing pages
- Track campaigns
- Employ third-party APIs
- Bulk creation
Pricing
- Starter: $5 per month
- Advanced: $12.50 per month
- Professional: $37.50 per month
- Optimized algorithms allow bulk generation of hundreds of unique scannable codes.
- Businesses can completely customize colors, logos, and templates for each code.
- Dynamic QR codes are easily updated from one central dashboard.
- Usage analytics provide actionable insights on campaign performance.
- Expensive pricing makes it less feasible for small business needs.
- Designing fully customized codes requires technical skills.
- QR code analytics features lag behind some competitors.
- Bulk editing style across multiple codes involves a learning curve.
6. The QR Code Generator
This tool allows anyone to create basic static and dynamic QR codes easily without needing to register. While design options are limited compared to paid solutions, it still enable adding logos and picking colors to align codes with brand identities. The lack of design variety makes it better suited for personal QR codes than business marketing.
Features
- 1000px image resolution
- Full QR Code customization
- PDF codes
- SVG format
- All image resolutions
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Essential: $5 per month
- Advanced: $12.50 per month
- Professional: $37.50 per month
- Allows quick creation of basic static and dynamic QR codes.
- Covers the basics like inserting logos and changing colors.
- Intuitive enough for beginners with no learning curve.
- Very limited design options and customization capabilities.
- Dynamic URL updating is manual for each code.
- Provides no analytics on QR code performance.
7. QR.io
Going beyond basic generation, QR.io provides additional tracking and analytics capabilities to gain insights into QR code performance. Businesses can view metrics like scan volume, location, source, device, and more. QR.io also enables adding logos, images, colors, and personalized frames when designing codes. These robust creation and analytics features make QR.io ideal for understanding and optimizing business QR code campaigns.
Features
- 10+ types of QR codes
- Customized colors and shapes for QR Codes
- QR Code Statistics
- Fully customized landing pages
- No Coding Required
Pricing
It has two plans priced at $35 per month and $350 per month.
- Provides excellent analytics into QR campaign performance.
- Design customization allows matching codes to brand aesthetics.
- Dynamic URLs can be updated in batches across multiple codes.
- Clean, uncluttered interface for easy generation.
- The free plan limits business use to only 50 scans per month.
- Design capabilities lag behind some competing platforms.
- Lacks some helpful tracking features like UTM parameters.
8. QR Code Chimp
QR Code Chimp produces high-quality, scannable QR codes enhanced by fun, monkey-themed visual designs. While well-suited for personal novelty use, bulk generation and campaign management tools can aid businesses with large QR code needs. Companies can also customize colors, insert logos, and overlay brand images over the playful monkey aesthetic.
Features
- Analytics
- Bulk Uploads
- 3D QRs
- QR shapes
- Pre-designed QRs
- Customization
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Starter: $6.99 per month
- Pro: $13.99 per month
- Ultima: $34.99 per month
- Produces optimized, scannable QR codes every time.
- Fun monkey themes inject personality and playfulness.
- Bulk generation accommodates large business QR needs.
- Campaign analytics help optimize usage.
- Customization requires overlaying brand elements over monkey graphics.
- Updating dynamic URLs must be done one code at a time.
- Limited analytics compared to data-focused platforms.
9. QRStuff
As a free QR code generator requiring no registration, QRStuff aims for quick, hassle-free QR code creation. The design options are straightforward, allowing changing colors and inserting basic logos. While layouts are not as varied as paid solutions, QRStuff covers the essentials for basic QR generation without unnecessary complexity.
Features
- Unlimited static codes
- Dynamic codes
- Access to different file types
- Design capabilities
- Tracking spreadsheets
Pricing
- Free Suite: $0 per month
- Full Suite: $12.95 per month
- Totally free online generator requiring no signup.
- Allows quick and easy QR code generation.
- Minimal, no-frills interface for fast creation.
- Extremely limited design options and customization capabilities.
- No ability to update dynamic URLs after initial creation.
- Provides zero analytics or performance data.
10. QR Code Generator by Unitag
Unitag provides an all-in-one solution for designing, managing, and tracking QR codes. Businesses can generate customized codes with logos, images, colors, and templates applied. Unitag enables easy updating of dynamic URLs across multiple codes through its online dashboard. Moreover, its user-friendly analytics provide in-depth insight into QR campaign performance.
Features
- Custom short URLs
- High-resolution QR Codes
- Weekly reports
- Advanced analytics (Graphs, stats exports)
- Campaigns
- Filters (language + device detection)
Pricing
- Standard: $17.28 per month
- Gold: $49 per month
- Platinum: $99 per month
- Allows creating customized QR codes with logos, images, and branding.
- Bulk generation of multiple dynamic QR codes is streamlined.
- Dynamic URLs can be efficiently updated from one dashboard.
- Provides user-friendly analytics into QR performance.
- Less design template variety compared to some competitor platforms.
- Analytics capabilities lag behind dedicated tracking tools.
- Bulk editing brand styling across codes can be tricky.
- Limited free plan with 100 scans per month cap.
Interesting read: 17 Best Document Scanning Software For PC 2023
Conclusion
Dynamic QR codes open up exciting new possibilities that static QR codes simply cannot offer. Their ability to change and adapt over time unlocks countless creative applications for businesses, marketers, and creators. When leveraged effectively, they can drive engagement, deliver interesting user experiences, and offer flexibility across campaigns. Their implementation only requires a few simple steps, and many free and affordable tools are available to generate and manage them.
Yes, the main advantage of a dynamic QR code is that it can be changed and updated without having to replace the physical QR code graphic. With a dynamic QR code generator, you can edit the underlying URL or other content that the code points to at any time. This allows you to adapt QR code campaigns on the fly.
There is no technical limit on the number of times a dynamic QR code can be scanned. A well-generated dynamic QR code will continue to function properly and direct users to the updated destination URL regardless of how many times it is scanned. As long as the code remains scannable by a camera, it can be scanned an unlimited number of times.
There are several reliable dynamic QR code generators, such as QR Code Dynamic, Beaconstac, QR Tiger, Flowcode, and QR Stuff.
Rohit Rajpal is an accomplished writer with a deep understanding of technology, digital marketing, and customer service. He brings extensive expertise in ERP and CRM systems, blending technical insight with clear, engaging content. Rohit’s work bridges the gap between complex concepts and accessible communication for diverse audiences.
