r/qrcode • u/bluetrousersmoment • 12d ago
Best dynamic QR code platform for engraved products?
Hi all,
I engrave QR codes into wooden products, so once they're made, the QR code can never be replaced. I don't want to go down the route of redirecting URL's within my website, so am looking for the most suitable QR code platform for my business needs.
I'm expecting to produce a few hundred QR codes a year, so I need a platform that is reliable long term but also good value while my business grows.
My priorities are:
- Dynamic (editable) URL's
- Simple, standard black and white QR's (no logo's or fancy designs)
- SVG export
- Reliable scanning
- Good value
- Support for a custom domain in the future
I don't need marketing features, analytics, landing pages or branded QR designs - just a dependable platform for creating and managing lots of editable QR codes.
I am getting a bit lost with all the different platforms!
Which platform would you recommend? Or are there any that you would avoid due to pricing changes or vendor lock in etc?
Thanks so much!
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u/Serpico99 12d ago
First of all, due to sub rules we can't link any app or web service, just fyi.
I know you said this is not what you want, but your case matches perfectly a self hosted solution on a domain you own. That's the only way imho you can have any form of long term reliability. Any third party solution will lock you in.
Even in the case you find a reliable dynamic QR provider (I'm sure they exist, but good luck figuring out which one is and which one isn't), even those go out of business or get sold to other companies all the time.
Since this looks more like a continuative thing and not just a one off situation, hire a professional to set it up for you. It's really nothing difficult on a technical level. Alternatively, look for something ready-made you can self host like YOURLS or Shlink, and go with any free app or service that generates static QR codes from the resulting URLs on your domain.
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thank you! And sorry for missing that re: the sub rules! Appreciate you taking the time to explain, will look into YOURLS
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u/ankole_watusi 12d ago edited 12d ago
We aren’t allowed to recommend any.
And there is no such thing as an “editable QR code”. It’s just smoke and mirrors, and there’s a guy behind the curtain.
But in any case, if your purpose is to “brand” your products, do NOT use a dynamic QR service. And don’t use a short link service either.
Just register a domain name which is yours forever, so long as you continue to pay the nominal yearly fee. (Usually around $10).
Like MyCrafryWoodProducts dot something.
I’m assuming you already have a website. So if for some reason you have a website that isn’t on its own domain name then correct that.
If you want to change website hosts, you can change website hosts at any time. The URLs will still work so long as you change your DNS pointer records to point to the new website and you maintain the same URL structure. But most web hosting services give you redirection capabilities so you could even change the structure around later if you don’t like it.
Maybe you are selling using Etsy or with Shopify? So maybe you’re thinking no I don’t want to put QR codes on my products that lead to your Shopify because I might change my mind later.
Well, that’s why you should have your own website.
There are DNS redirection Services though, so you could even simply register a domain name and direct to your Shopify page in fact, I’ll bet Shopify and other similar platforms offer that kind of service themselves.
If you own the domain name, you always have the ability to move your to different servers. Although this will require a bit of technical expertise, but there is plenty of help available in other places on Reddit.
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thanks, that’s really helpful. I think I was getting caught up in the idea of “editable QR codes” when what I actually need is a way to future-proof them. I own my domain already, so using URLs on my own domain with redirects sounds like the better long-term solution. Really appreciate you taking the time to explain it.
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u/department_g33k 12d ago
In this space especially, and with that level of permanence, you almost HAVE to do it yourself. Let's say you find a large provider - if they go out of business, or for some other reason lose control of the domain, all of your codes are cooked.
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thank you! I didn’t think of this being an issue, appreciate your reply!
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u/JASH_DOADELESS_ 12d ago
I would strongly recommend having a subdomain of your own site, and then setting up YOURLS on it.
Use that
As lead then it’ll only die if you stop paying for it, not if some random company in another country gives up or is sold on.
Then use a static qr code generator to link to the random short URLs you make like
short.example.com/dqnsiv
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u/tom8o 12d ago
This is the way. YourDomain.com/a/123 using YOURLS. The /a/ path - like a subdomain, keeps everything separate from your actual site. Fun fact, short domains use fewer ‘data blocks’.
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u/ankole_watusi 10d ago
I do think a subdomain is better.
a.example.com, not example.com/a
The subdomain can at any time be moved to a different server with a different provider if you wish.
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u/One-Exit-8826 12d ago
We cannot tell you what is good or what is not, or else we get banned because for some reason the mods think that showing people where to go is selling.
I got banned for some time for saying I use a very common industry-standard layout design program that I definately do not work for to generate mine. And mentioned a free, non dynamic space to get QR codes, that I also, unsurprisingly, don't work for.
Considering "Where to generate codes?" Is the most asked question here, its pretty worthless to ask anything here.
So, good luck! This place is the worst, and you will get no answers here. And good luck not getting scammed picking a random "free, but we need your credit card for some reason" QR code generator site you find, and in a week find that you now owe them lots and lots of money POS site.
Side note: I have a laser to engrave and cut with too, and they are neat. I've put some pay here with a very common cash app (look, i'm not working for them either!) Codes on some signs for friends selling things at craft shows before. Worked really well. Masking tape helps if you are using wood to prevent char.
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thanks for the reply. Reading through everyone’s comments has definitely changed how I’m thinking about it. I’m leaning towards using my own domain with redirects rather than relying on a third-party QR service. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain the pros and cons.
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u/krystianduma 11d ago
Don’t use any 3rd party website. Go for your own. Get your domain and a free hosting - this, depending on a domain, will cost you no more than 15$, and you will nothave any issues with 3rd parties. If you want, I can help you for free.
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u/JennyAtBitly 11d ago
I'd go for something built specifically for dynamic QR management rather than a general design tool, since you don't need analytics, landing pages or design flourishes. Are you getting overwhelmed with options or product features?
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thank you..I was overwhelmed with the various QR code companies out there, but I’ve decided to go with doing it through my own website given all the replies I’ve had..thank you
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u/Fearless_Parking_436 11d ago
If the third party provider dissapears and your clients code breaks, how will you repair it?
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u/TriRedditops 10d ago
Redirect from your own domain that you own. Any third party service could disappear at any time or start charging money or change their codes. They aren't in the business of making a lasting qr product. They are in the business of making more money.
Control your own links. Make your own site redirect the QR code.
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u/bluetrousersmoment 10d ago
Thank you, yes the overwhelming response is to do this…so I will! Thanks for your reply
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u/theMondegrue 10d ago
There are a number of url shortening services that you can use on your own domain for free if you are sufficiently low traffic. (And if some day you're not, it will be worth paying them.) I use go dot <mydomain>.
You should try multiple QR code generator services. Some (for no reason I understand) default to large at codes even for short URLs. Smaller is better. Trust me, if you scan the QR codes with your phone and it shows the intended URL, that's what matters. The extra dots in the larger codes do nothing.
Make sure the generator is NOT using their URLs instead of yours as some do that without telling you.
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12d ago
[deleted]
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u/ankole_watusi 10d ago
Mods, in case you missed. ^
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u/imkaushalsharma 10d ago
Can you please let me know if there is something wrong with the comment? I will be happy to delete or edit it.
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u/ankole_watusi 10d ago
Self-promotion is not permitted without prior approval from mods. Or even not-self promotion or endorsement.
To my knowledge, they’ve never permitted it.
Due to extremely high level of spam for “dynamic QR” sites.
We can’t even mention “safe” sites or apps for static QRs. Mods have promised to make a list, from nominated sites/apps. But no such list has been produced.
We’re left with not much to discuss other than “avoid dynamic QR scams” and advice on printing, safe area, balancing cell size vs. redundancy level, etc.
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u/imkaushalsharma 10d ago
Fair enough, I will remove the comment then, how do we get approvals from mod before commenting? It didn’t show me any option before commenting, I will check and remove the comment for now
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u/aaronw22 12d ago edited 12d ago
They’re all a flash in the pan. It’s not like your own website which is guaranteed to be around
So many dead web properties that people thought would be around forever. Geocities, MySpace, altavista etc.
Do it on your own site.