Question 1

When should I use a static QR code instead of a dynamic one?

Accepted Answer

Use a static code when the destination URL is truly permanent, you do not need scan analytics, and you want zero ongoing costs. Examples include linking to a stable Wikipedia page, a personal LinkedIn profile, or an evergreen resource page you control. For anything else — marketing campaigns, menus, product packaging, events — dynamic codes are almost always the better choice because they offer editability and tracking.

Question 2

Can I track scans on a static QR code?

Accepted Answer

Not through the QR code itself, since there is no intermediary server logging requests. However, you can add UTM parameters to the embedded URL and track visits in Google Analytics. This gives you basic traffic data but not per-scan metadata like device type, OS, or geolocation that dynamic codes provide automatically.

Question 3

What happens if the URL in my static QR code breaks?

Accepted Answer

The code becomes permanently useless. Since the URL is encoded into the pixel pattern, there is no way to redirect it. Every printed instance of that code will lead to a 404 error page. This is the primary risk of static codes and the main reason businesses choose dynamic codes for any material printed in volume.

Question 4

Are static QR codes free to create?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because static codes do not require a redirect server or subscription service, they can be generated for free using any QR code generator, including QR-Hero's free tier. The resulting image file is yours to print and distribute without ongoing fees.

What Is a Static QR Code? Definition, Pros & Cons | QR-Hero