Frequently Asked Questions

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information like URLs, text, contact details, or other data. When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR code reader, it instantly directs users to the encoded information. QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, but have since become widely used for marketing, payments, and sharing information.

Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly through their built-in camera app. Simply open your camera, point it at the QR code, and a notification or link will appear that you can tap to open. If your phone doesn't have built-in QR scanning, you can download a free QR code scanner app from your device's app store.

Static QR codes have fixed content that can't be changed once created — the destination is encoded directly into the code pattern. Dynamic QR codes redirect through a short URL that you can update anytime without changing the printed code. That means you can change where it points, track scan analytics, and manage your codes after printing.

With SnapGlyph: enter the URL or content you want to encode, customize the design with your brand colors and logo, then download as PNG or SVG. The whole thing takes under a minute using the free generator on our homepage.

QR codes are used for linking to websites, sharing contact info (vCards), connecting to WiFi, displaying restaurant menus, providing product information, event check-ins, payments, social media profiles, app downloads, and marketing campaigns. Basically anything where you want to connect something physical to something digital.

The minimum recommended size for a QR code depends on how far away it will be scanned from. For close-up scanning (like on a business card or product label), 2cm x 2cm (0.8 inches) is usually sufficient. For posters or signs viewed from a distance, use the 10:1 rule: the code should be at least 1/10th the scanning distance. For example, if someone will scan from 1 meter away, the code should be at least 10cm (4 inches) square.

Yes. QR codes have error correction that allows up to 30% of the code to be obscured while still scanning. You can add a logo in the center of the code. SnapGlyph lets you upload your logo and automatically positions it so the code stays scannable.

Static QR codes never expire. They'll work as long as the destination content exists. Dynamic QR codes depend on the service provider. With SnapGlyph, your dynamic QR codes stay active as long as your account is in good standing. We don't artificially expire codes or limit scans.

With dynamic QR codes, yes. SnapGlyph tracks total scan count, scan location (city and country), device type (iOS, Android, etc.), time and date of each scan, and scan trends over time. You can use this to see how your QR codes are performing and adjust your campaigns.

For digital use (websites, emails, social media), PNG format works well and is universally supported. For print materials, SVG (vector format) is recommended because it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. SnapGlyph provides both PNG and SVG downloads so you're covered for any use case.

QR codes themselves are simply a way to encode data—they're not inherently secure or insecure. However, you should be cautious when scanning unknown QR codes, as they could link to malicious websites. For businesses creating QR codes, using a trusted service like SnapGlyph with HTTPS links and scan monitoring helps ensure your codes are safe for your customers.

All paid SnapGlyph plans include unlimited QR code creation. The Starter plan gives you unlimited static QR codes, while our Pro and Max plans add dynamic QR codes with scan tracking and analytics. You can always start with our free QR code generator on the homepage to create basic static codes without an account.