What types of links can I use with a URL QR code?

You can link to virtually any link, which you can use to share your business’s home page or a product page. URL codes are also perfect for direct links to PDF documents, app store downloads, or online portfolios, to help you connect users to any online content.

Can I turn a web address into a QR code?

Yes, you can easily turn a web address into a URL QR code using our generator. Simply paste the link, generate the code, and download it with our online tool. When scanned by a client or prospective client, the QR code immediately opens your website on their smartphone or tablet.

Can I change the information linked once I've placed my code on printed materials?

It’s not a problem changing your code's content if you’ve used a dynamic code. Dynamic codes allow you to update the linked information without reprinting or having to change the actual code, making it cost-effective and flexible for large-scale campaigns. However, static QRs cannot be updated, so you’d need to create and print new codes if changes are required.

What’s the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?

A static QR code links to fixed information that cannot be changed once created. In contrast, a dynamic QR code allows you to update the linked content anytime without having to recreate the QR code over again. Dynamic codes also offer advanced features like scan tracking and analytics, making them ideal for flexible and data-driven campaigns. To better understand the differences and use cases, check out our guide on on the differences between static and dynamic QR codes.

Is it safe to use URL QR codes for forms or payments?

Yes, it is safe as long as the destination linkuses a secure protocol like HTTPS. Our generator makes sure all redirects are secure by following the strictest safety protocols.

What size should my URL QR code be for print materials?

For reliable scanning, the minimum size should be at least 2 cm x 2 cm. As a general rule, you should create a code with a 10:1 distance-to-size ratio. In other words, if the scanning distance is 10 inches, the code should be 1 inch wide. Remember to always test print your code before final production.

Can I create a URL QR code for free with QRNow?

Yes, you can create a URL QR code at no cost with our generator when you sign up for our free 7-day trial with our generator. During the trial, you can test premium features, such as dynamic editing and scan tracking, ensuring you have the best tools available before committing to a paid subscription plan. You can also create static codes for free, however, you will not be able to edit or track them.

Create a QR Code for a URL in Seconds

Make instant online connections effortless with URL QR codes and use them to:

Instantly direct them to a product or information
Easily share your customer support page to quickly give clients assistance
Send your clients to a page where they can provide feedback for input

Keep reading to see different examples of how you can use a QR code, how to take advantage of our URL QR code generator for free for 7 days, and the dos and don’ts of creating your own codes.

URL-QR-Code-EN

What Is a URL QR Code?

A URL QR code is a type of QR code that contains a website link (URL) and opens it instantly when scanned with a smartphone camera.

Instead of typing a long web address, users can scan the code to quickly access a webpage, product page, landing page, PDF file, app download link, or any online resource in seconds.

Types of URL QR Codes

You can create a QR code from a URL in two different ways. There are both static codes and dynamic codes.

Static codes are permanent, never-changing codes that are free to create, while dynamic codes are tied to your subscription and can be edited and tracked at any time.

Go over the table below to understand the main differences between each:

Static QR code	Dynamic QR code
The destination content is fixed and cannot be changed after creation.	The destination content can be updated or edited at any time.
The QR code directly stores the data (URL, text, email, etc.).	The QR code stores a short redirect URL that points to the content.
No tracking or analytics are available.	Supports scan tracking and analytics (location, device, time).
Best for permanent or one-time use (e.g., Wi-Fi access, personal links).	Ideal for marketing campaigns and business use where updates are needed.

Simple Steps to Create a QR Code for a URL

Creating a free dynamic URL QR code with QRNow’s generator is straightforward. Follow these steps to design and download your personalized code:

Enter your URL

Start by entering the link you want your QR code to direct users to.
Customize your QR code

Use our QR code generator to adjust the design of your code. Align its style to your brand and logo.
Download your URL QR code

Once your customization is complete, download your QR code in high-resolution.

How To Use a URL QR Code for Your Business to Share Products, Programs, and More

Take a look at the different ways to share important product and business details with clients when you convert a URL to a QR code.

Retail stores

Car dealerships

Healthcare providers

Restaurants & cafés

Educational institutions

How To Boost Engagement With Your Link QR Codes

Linking a URL to a QR Code is an excellent way to maximize user interaction and make your content more accessible to your clients.

Here are several effective ways you can add link QR codes to your marketing strategy:

Promise instant access to interactive tools

While PDFs are for reading, and videos are for watching, websites call for action. Motivate users to scan by offering immediate use of tools, sign-up pages, or contact forms.
Offer exclusive deals or benefits

Include something users can access by scanning the QR code, such as a limited-time discount, early access to a product, or bonus content to provide immediate value and get more engagement.
Drive action with interactive content

Send users to a poll to vote for a new product or suggest an upgrade to your business. Adding interactions like this can help your URL code get more scans.

Run marketing campaigns using your URL QR code

Take advantage of a URL QR code to create a successful marketing campaign, using its features to understand your clients and engage more potential users.

Here’s how you can use your QR code in a marketing campaign:

Launch one-time or seasonal promotions without reprinting: A brand runs a “Scan to unlock today’s offer” campaign on in-store signage, sending users directly to a limited-time promotion tailored to that location

Use “scan to discover” campaigns for new collections: An event organizer uses a “Scan to see what’s next” QR code on badges and posters to guide attendees to curated content and social updates during the event.

Connect offline touchpoints to online journeys: Instead of linking to a generic homepage, send scanners directly to a product page, signup form, or curated social feed that matches the context of where they scanned.

Test different messages and calls-to-action: A business tests two QR messages across different placements to see which campaign drives more engagement.

Add tracking metrics to measure campaign performance: Compare campaigns, placements, and messages to identify which QR activations drive the most engagement and repeat scans.

Best Practices When You Convert a URL to a QR Code

Below, you can take a look at some of the dos and don'ts to consider when creating and using URL QR codes:

Match the landing page to relevant context

Try to link to a specific product, information, warranty, or offer instead of just your homepage.
Linking to broken or incorrect URLs

Avoid embedding outdated or broken links that may frustrate users.
Make sure the page is optimized for mobile

Test your page to make sure that it looks good on cell phones to avoid frustrating your customers.
Using low-quality codes

Low-quality codes can become unscannable, especially when printed on various materials.
Keep the design clean

Maintain a simple, branded design that’s easy to recognize and visually pleasing.
Overcomplicating the design

Overcrowding with too many colors, logos, or unnecessary elements reduces usability.
Use direct destinations

Place a direct destination URL, not text fragment URLs.
Not adding clear instructions

Codes without context can leave users unsure about using them.

Track Scans to Measure Your URL QR Code’s Performance

When you create a dynamic code with our QR code generator, you can track scans to see where and when users have opened your link.

This allows you to:

Compare performance across locations and placements: See which QR codes perform better on storefronts, packaging, event materials, or print ads and focus on what drives the most engagement.

Understand the different devices people are scanning with: Identify peak scanning times and devices to align your messaging with how and when your audience engages.

Optimize campaigns through testing and iteration: Use scan data to test different landing pages, messages, or CTAs, then refine your QR campaigns based on real user behavior.

Use scans to add tracking parameters, A/B test and improve your scans:Add tracking parameters to understand which QR codes drive visits, sign-ups, or conversions not just scans.

By tracking your codes, you can make your QR codes and your business’s website more accessible and impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of links can I use with a URL QR code?

You can link to virtually any link, which you can use to share your business’s home page or a product page.

URL codes are also perfect for direct links to PDF documents, app store downloads, or online portfolios, to help you connect users to any online content.
Can I turn a web address into a QR code?

Yes, you can easily turn a web address into a URL QR code using our generator. Simply paste the link, generate the code, and download it with our online tool.

When scanned by a client or prospective client, the QR code immediately opens your website on their smartphone or tablet.
Can I change the information linked once I've placed my code on printed materials?

It’s not a problem changing your code's content if you’ve used a dynamic code.

Dynamic codes allow you to update the linked information without reprinting or having to change the actual code, making it cost-effective and flexible for large-scale campaigns.

However, static QRs cannot be updated, so you’d need to create and print new codes if changes are required.
What’s the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?

A static QR code links to fixed information that cannot be changed once created. In contrast, a dynamic QR code allows you to update the linked content anytime without having to recreate the QR code over again.

Dynamic codes also offer advanced features like scan tracking and analytics, making them ideal for flexible and data-driven campaigns.

To better understand the differences and use cases, check out our guide on on the differences between static and dynamic QR codes.
Is it safe to use URL QR codes for forms or payments?

Yes, it is safe as long as the destination linkuses a secure protocol like HTTPS. Our generator makes sure all redirects are secure by following the strictest safety protocols.
What size should my URL QR code be for print materials?

For reliable scanning, the minimum size should be at least 2 cm x 2 cm. As a general rule, you should create a code with a 10:1 distance-to-size ratio.

In other words, if the scanning distance is 10 inches, the code should be 1 inch wide. Remember to always test print your code before final production.
Can I create a URL QR code for free with QRNow?

Yes, you can create a URL QR code at no cost with our generator when you sign up for our free 7-day trial with our generator.

During the trial, you can test premium features, such as dynamic editing and scan tracking, ensuring you have the best tools available before committing to a paid subscription plan.

You can also create static codes for free, however, you will not be able to edit or track them.