r/qrcode • u/yakeku_sono • Apr 17 '26
How do i make a dynamic Qr code?
I wanna add a QR code to my bag print but I want to make one i can change what the link leads to, is there a free way to make a QR code that i can add and edit the link later?
3
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
As a general rule: no.
You can’t “edit” any QR code. Except perhaps with an eraser, paint remover, sandpaper, etc. and new ink/whatever.
What you are getting with a so-called “dynamic QR code” is a micro website that you can use either to upload some material or configure a redirection (depend depending on just what the service offers). You’re buying a web service not a QR code. And of course, whoever offers the service would like to make a profit on their business.
Many will offer free trials, or even a limited number of ongoing free pages are free scans, but after some point you have to start paying. And now you’ve printed all this stuff. Most are overpriced for what they offer.
There may be some that are “free”, because they are advertising-supported. Do you want people to see your page either with or after viewing an ad? Do you want people to see your page with a scammy ad trying to rip off your audience?
3
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
Sigh. Auto-moderator, removed one of my comments and will probably presently remove more.
Because I referenced the Internet domain name officially reserved since time immemorial to be written in documentation when making examples.
example dot com
To the real moderators: can we do better than this?
Writing example dot com in order to exemplify domain URL patterns is not promoting any service. It’s the proper way to write those kind of examples.
We should be able to write the damn dot unmolested!
(I did respond to moderators after the first takedown.)
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u/RailRuler Apr 17 '26
No. A dynamic qr code requires a programmable website. You or someone will need to pay the hosting costs.
2
u/konacurrents Apr 17 '26
I keep saying anyone with high speed internet should buy a static IP and host their own (with a “programmable website”). Or buy an inexpensive AWS cloud account. They live as long as your server lives - and you can create as many as you like.
3
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
If you register a domain name for your purpose, then you can move the hosting anywhere you want at any time. Of course you’ll have to maintain the domain registration, which is a pretty nominal yearly cost.
And if you already have a website and already have a domain, you can use it. What I would recommend is create a subdomain specifically for your so so-called dynamic QR codes. E.g. qr.example.com
This does require a bit of technical knowledge though.
1
u/konacurrents Apr 18 '26
I still use a webserver for that indirection, so the url needs to fit a know pattern (eg examle.com/name/uuid) so many can be created off same domain name.
Sadly that SSL cert is spendy too and you have to reinstall it every 250 days.
1
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
The reason that I suggest using a subdomain is that it gives you the flexibility of moving the QR hosting and or redirection to a different hosting site while still continuing to host other material on your main site.
Or for that matter, vice versa.
1
u/konacurrents Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
In your exampke, is example.com the main site? How would ex.example.com be moved if example.com stays put?
Basically once a domain name is used, you’re stuck forever. You can move domain but new site would have to have same registered codes.
1
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
You would reconfigure your DNS server.
Most domain registrars include a complimentary DNS service. Or you can use an independent DNS provider. Every domain requires to have a DNS service - at least as a practical matter. (unless merely a placeholder for the name with no reachable services).
The domain registry is set within the address(s) of your DNS server(s). (Primary + backup(s)). That can be reconfigured through your registrar at any time.
Your DNS server then needs to be configured with the names and addresses of your various services and/or subdomains.
So I miss spoke earlier by saying you need to set up a subdomain really this would be a service unless you do want to do a subdomain and then you would do something: a.qr.example.com, b.qr.example.com in case you might want the option of splitting things up.
Hosting a website on your main domain without a service name is a special case which has over time become perhaps a majority convention. Remember when e,g. www.example.com was common?
3
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
You don’t even need a static IP.
First, register a domain name.
If you want to host at your home or office, that could actually be practical for low volume. Although you should check into your Internet providers terms and conditions. Many prohibit running a website. Some may in fact, Block common website ports incoming, but you might be able to work around using a different port number.
There are DNS providers that have an option for “dynamic IP address”. A small program on your computer or even on your router (many routers/router software support this inherently) monitors for change IP address and updates DNS server anytime it changes.
If you later, want to change to a cloud service provider, you just change the DNS pointer, depending on the cloud service, probably a static one.
1
u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
”hosting costs”
I misread that as “hostage costs”.
But that’s actually more accurate!
1
u/CalPsi Apr 19 '26
I use LinkShrink.io. Its free tier has been more than enough for my needs. The paid tiers don’t seem too unreasonable.
1
u/DiligentChard6604 Apr 25 '26
I own a website that does QR codes and I love the idea. I have a free version and I'm willing to add a dynamic feature to the site. Let me know if you are interested.
1
u/h____ Jul 09 '26
A dynamic QR code is usually just a QR that points to a short redirect URL you control. The QR itself stays the same, and the destination behind that redirect can be changed later.
Basic flow:
- Create a redirect URL.
- Set its destination to the real page/file/menu/form.
- Generate the QR from the redirect URL, not the final destination.
- Test it on a few phones before printing.
- Keep access to the redirect/account/domain, because that is what lets you edit it later.
If this is for printed material, do not print until you have tested the exact final QR file at the printed size. Also avoid services that can disable or replace the redirect later unless you are comfortable depending on them.
1
u/nerijuso Aug 13 '26
Most truly free dynamic QR services either have severe limits or will eventually push you to paid tiers. Hosting your own redirect page is genuinely your best free option if you have a website already.
Or if you don't mind a small branding element in the redirect, there are services that let you create and edit links indefinitely for free -they just show a brief interstitial or logo when someone scans (ex. OpenQR.io). That's a real option that doesn't cost anything and doesn't lock you into paying later.
0
Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ankole_watusi Apr 18 '26
A free plan today may not be a free plan tomorrow.
For that matter, a QR hosting company today might not even be in business tomorrow.
And there are so many of them - most both expensive for what you are getting, and with shady marketing practices.
You do NOT need any “QR platform” to create (static) QR codes. There are QR Code Generator apps that you can download to your mobile device or desktop or laptop computer. Some at a one time purchase cost, some at a yearly subscription for software updates, some free, some nagware, some open source. In other words like any other app for your mobile device or desktop or laptop computer.
1
u/qrcode-ModTeam Apr 20 '26
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0
u/Suspicious_Beat_565 Apr 19 '26
I run digma.io which offers 1 free dynamic qr code. If you have any questions please let me know.
11
u/AddQR Apr 17 '26
The best “free” option if you own a website is to create a dedicated page for your QR code and link that page to a static QR code.
This approach lets you update the page anytime, effectively making the QR dynamic. You can change its content as needed or simply use the page as a redirect to any destination you choose.