What is a dynamic QR code?

Your menu has moved to a new web address, but the QR codes on your tables don't need reprinting. That's a useful reason to choose a dynamic QR code: you can update its destination or hosted content in your account and keep using the printed pattern.

How dynamic codes work

A dynamic QR code stores a link maintained by a service provider. When someone scans it, the service checks the current settings and takes them to the destination website or displays hosted content. For a website code, the route is:

Scan → BananaQR link → Your chosen website

You change the destination associated with that link. The QR pattern and the link inside it stay the same. A static QR code stores the address, text, or other information you enter directly in its pattern.

When to choose a dynamic code

Dynamic codes are useful when a menu moves to a different address, a campaign poster needs to point to a new page after an event, or a digital business card needs updating. You can make those changes without replacing the printed materials.

If you just need a QR code for a fixed web address, a static code is usually enough. Updating the page at that same address doesn't require a new code. If you already maintain your own permanent address or short link, you can also put it in a static code and manage the content and redirects on your website.

What to check before printing

Dynamic codes depend on a provider maintaining its domains, servers, and redirect service. That has ongoing costs. The team also needs to identify abuse and review reports to reduce the risk of harmful content getting a shared domain blocked. A service outage or an unavailable destination website can affect access when someone scans.

Before choosing a service, check whether codes keep working after a trial or subscription ends, and whether visitors will see ads or branding. Once your materials are printed, switching providers may mean reprinting them. Those rules should be clear before you commit.

Create a dynamic code with BananaQR

BananaQR now supports dynamic QR codes. Open the generator, select Dynamic, and sign in to a free account to create one. You can later edit the destination or hosted content in your account while your printed codes keep using the original link.

Our static codes are free to create and download forever, without signing in. Our dynamic codes never expire, and we won't disable them because you haven't upgraded or stopped renewing. Free dynamic codes may show modest ads or BananaQR branding on redirect pages or hosted content pages. Paid plans remove these displays.

This promise applies to legitimate use that follows our terms. Content used for scams, phishing, or other harmful purposes will be disabled.

Create a dynamic QR code, or read our promise for more about ongoing costs and our approach to charging.

If you have questions, contact [email protected].