Static vs trackable QR codes: what's the difference?

Every QR code on QR Crab is either static or trackable (also called dynamic). The difference matters most after you print: a trackable code can be changed and counts every scan; a static code is fixed but unlimited. Here's how each one works and how to pick.

Static QR codes

A static code is fixed when you create it. It's unlimited on every plan (subject to fair use), never counts toward your plan, and isn't tracked: the dashboard shows it as Not trackable. There are two kinds:

• The content is inside the code. Static Wi-Fi, vCard, MeCard, Text, Email, Phone, SMS, Event and Bitcoin codes hold the content itself. Phones act on it directly (join the network, save the contact, start the call) and it works offline. Deleting the code from your list doesn't affect printed copies. If you edit the content in the dashboard, the pattern changes, so you'd print it again.
• Static link codes. Static URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube and Location codes hold a short qrcrab.com link (qrcrab.com/r/…) that sends people to the fixed destination. Location opens Apple Maps on iPhone and iPad, and Google Maps on other phones. The destination can't be changed (“Static: the destination can't change after it's created.”), and deleting the code stops printed copies from working. Like trackable codes, they need a confirmed email.

Trackable QR codes

A trackable code holds a short link (qrcrab.com/r/…). When someone scans it, QR Crab counts the scan and then sends them on: to a website, or to a page hosted on QR Crab (a menu, a PDF, a coupon, a contact page…). Because the code only holds the link:

• Every scan is counted and shows up in the code's Stats tab. See What does QR Crab record when someone scans a code?.
• You can change the content any time. Printed copies open the new content straight away.
• You can switch it off with the Active box, and use plan options: automatic UTM tags (Premium and Pro), and a password, an expiry date or a scan limit (Pro).
• It counts toward your plan: 3 trackable codes on Free, 50 on Premium and 250 on Pro. Tracked scans are capped at 1,000, 25,000 and 250,000 per month. Above that, codes keep working; scans just aren't counted.
• It needs a confirmed email. Until you click the link we email you, you can only make static codes that hold their content (Wi-Fi, text, contact card…).

Deleting a trackable code removes its scan history and uploaded files, and printed copies stop working. If you might need it again, switch it off instead.

Which types can be static, trackable or both

On the New QR code page, the types under Basics are the ones you can make either way, and the types under Pages, files & forms are always trackable.

Trackable versions of Text, Email, Phone, SMS, Wi-Fi, Event, Bitcoin and vCard open a small page on QR Crab first, with a button to copy, call, text, join, add to calendar or save the contact. That extra page is what lets them count scans and be edited.

How to choose when you create a code

For types that work both ways, the content section of the editor starts with a Trackable / Static switch, set to the default for that type. The line under it explains what each option does for that type. Once you click Create QR code, the choice is fixed.

If you've used all your trackable codes, these types start as static and the trackable option is greyed out. If you haven't confirmed your email yet, the same goes for types whose static version holds the content (Wi-Fi, vCard, Text…), while URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube and Location are locked, because even their static version opens through a qrcrab.com link. Trackable-only types are locked until you confirm your email, free up a code or upgrade.

A simple rule: pick trackable if the code goes on something you can't easily reprint (signs, packaging, printed menus), if the content might change, or if you want to know how many people scan it. Pick static for things that never change, like a Wi-Fi network, a contact card or a fixed link, or when you need more codes than your plan's trackable limit.

Common questions

Can I turn a static code into a trackable one later (or the other way round)?

No. You choose when you create the code, and it stays that way. The editor says “Static codes stay static — create a new code for a trackable one.” Make a new code with the mode you want and print that one.

Do static codes expire?

No. QR Crab doesn't put an end date on static codes. A static code whose content is stored in the image (Wi-Fi, text, vCard…) keeps working even if you delete it from your list. A static link code opens through its qrcrab.com link, so it keeps working as long as you keep the code.

Do static codes count toward my plan?

No. Static codes are unlimited on every plan, including Free (subject to fair use), and never count toward your trackable codes or your monthly scans.

What happens when my trackable codes go over the monthly scan limit?

They keep working. Extra scans just aren't counted in your stats until the next month starts. See QR Crab plans compared: Free, Premium and Pro.

Why does my static website code contain a qrcrab.com link?

Static URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube and Location codes open through a short qrcrab.com link that sends people to the fixed destination. That lets us switch off codes that are used for abuse, and it's why creating one needs a confirmed email. The destination still can't change and your scans aren't tracked. Static link codes made before this change hold the link itself and keep working as they are.

Which one should I pick for Wi-Fi?

Usually static: phones join the network in one tap, even with no internet connection. A trackable Wi-Fi code counts scans and can be updated when you change the password, but phones open a page that shows the password instead of joining in one tap.