What is the difference between dynamic and static QR codes?
Updated Oct 7, 2026
A dynamic QR code points to a short link, so you can change its destination and track scans after printing. A static code stores the data directly and can't be changed.
A dynamic QR code encodes a ShortGo short link rather than the final address. That means you can:
- change the destination at any time, even after the code is printed
- track every scan in your analytics
Website URL, app-store and (optionally) vCard codes can be dynamic.
A static QR code — for example WiFi, text, email, SMS or phone — stores its content directly inside the pattern. It works without a short link, but it can’t be edited or tracked once printed. For anything going on packaging, posters or print ads, dynamic is usually the safer choice.
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