Static QR codes: the content is in the pattern

A static code encodes the final content directly into the pattern, so a scan yields the result with no redirect service in between. The trade-off is that the content cannot change — what you print is what people get.

What defines a static code

Content lives in the pattern

A web address, a piece of text or WiFi details are encoded into the code itself. What the scanning device decodes is the final content, with nothing in between.

Never expires

It depends on no server being available. Once printed, the code keeps resolving for as long as the pattern stays legible — including long-term postings.

No server-side resolution

Scanning makes no request to our network, so it works wherever there is no coverage, on internal networks and on offline materials.

Does not use the dynamic allowance

Static codes are not restricted by subscription state and do not count against the dynamic code limit (free and trial accounts default to 5 dynamic codes, adjustable in the console).

9 static code types

  • Link

    Encode a web address into the pattern — scanning opens it directly

  • Text

    Show a plain piece of text

  • Email

    Pre-fill the recipient and subject when scanned

  • Phone call

    Scanning dials the number directly

  • SMS

    Pre-fill an SMS message when scanned

  • WhatsApp

    Scanning starts a WhatsApp conversation

  • WiFi

    Join the network without reciting the password

  • vCard

    Save contact details by scanning

  • Event

    Add the event to a calendar by scanning

When a static code fits

  • Content that is fixed and stays fixed: WiFi access, a shop web address, contact details
  • Use in offline or internal environments where an external service cannot be relied on
  • One-off or short-lived materials: flyers, event collateral, booth backdrops
  • The shortest possible scan path: skip the short link and get the content directly

Reach for a dynamic code instead

The destination may change after launch
The content sits in the pattern, so changing it means generating a new code and replacing the material; only dynamic codes support changing the destination.
Scan counts, times, regions or devices are needed
Scans never reach our servers, so scan events cannot be recorded; only dynamic codes can provide that data.
A customizable landing page is needed (menus, coupons, multiple links)
A static code expresses one fixed piece of content and has no editable page layer.
Routing is needed after the scan (sending each OS to its own app store)
Routing by device requires server-side judgement — that is the app download type of a dynamic code.

The two kinds can also be mixed under one account:Learn about dynamic codes

Generate a QR code that needs no service

Creating and using static codes is not restricted by subscription state. Sign up and you can generate codes, design the appearance and export PNG, SVG, JPG or PDF.