QR Code Generator Dynamic, Tracked, Branded — Every Scan Measured
A QR Code that cannot be tracked is a guess.
A QR Code whose destination cannot be changed is a liability.
Cuttly generates dynamic QR Codes from any short link — which means every scan is tracked as a click with full analytics, and the destination can be updated at any time without reprinting the code.
The QR Code generator is built directly into the Cuttly dashboard. No separate tool. No separate subscription. Every short link already has a QR Code waiting to be configured and downloaded.
Dynamic vs Static QR Codes — Why It Matters
Not all QR Codes work the same way. The difference between static and dynamic determines whether your QR Code is a flexible, measurable asset or a one-time-use object that cannot be tracked or updated.
| Feature | Static QR Code | Dynamic QR Code (Cuttly) |
|---|---|---|
| What is encoded | The raw destination URL | A short link that redirects to the destination |
| Destination changeable after printing | No — permanently fixed | Yes — update anytime in the dashboard |
| Scan tracking | None | Full analytics — every scan counted |
| Code complexity | Higher (longer URL = more complex pattern) | Lower (short link = simpler pattern, scans faster) |
| What happens if the destination changes | Code is permanently broken | All existing codes redirect to new destination automatically |
All Cuttly QR Codes are dynamic by default. The code encodes the Cuttly short link (or your branded domain short link), which redirects to your destination. Change the destination in your dashboard and every printed, shared or displayed QR Code updates instantly — no reprint, no new code.
How to Generate a QR Code in Cuttly
Step 1 — Shorten Your URL
Log in at cutt.ly/login. Paste your destination URL into the shortening field and click Shorten. Your link appears in the dashboard with a QR Code icon next to it.
Step 2 — Open the QR Code Generator
Click the QR Code icon next to any link in your link list. The QR Code panel opens showing your code and all available customisation options.
Step 3 — Customise
Adjust the available options to match your use case and brand (see full options below). For print use, set the size to at least 1024×1024 px. For logo use, set error correction to Q or H.
Step 4 — Download
Download your QR Code file. Use it in any design software, print workflow or digital placement. Always scale down from the downloaded size rather than scaling up a small file.
Step 5 — Test Before Deploying at Scale
Before printing, test the QR Code on at least two devices — an iPhone and an Android — using both the native camera app and a QR scanner app. Verify the destination loads correctly on mobile.
Step 6 — Track Scans in Analytics
Every scan appears in your Cuttly analytics as a click on the underlying short link. Open the analytics view for the link to see total scans, unique scans, device breakdown, country data and timing.
QR Code Customisation Options
| Option | Available Values | Notes | Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Configurable pixel dimensions | Use at least 1024 px for print quality | Free |
| Error correction level | L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%) | Use Q or H when adding a logo | Free |
| Corner style | Rounded / Square | Aesthetic choice — both scan equally well | Paid |
| Foreground colour | Any colour (hex) | Ensure strong contrast with background — dark on light | Paid |
| Logo | Your brand logo image | Centred in the code. Use error correction Q or H. | Paid |
The free plan includes QR Code generation with standard style and size options. Corner style, custom colours and logo embedding are available on paid plans.
What Cuttly Tracks for Every QR Code Scan
Because Cuttly QR Codes are built on short links, every scan generates the same analytics data as any link click — giving you full visibility into how your offline placements perform.
| Analytics Data | Available | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Total scans | Yes | Free |
| Unique scans | Yes | Free |
| Scan timeline (by day) | Yes | Free |
| Device type (mobile, tablet) | Yes | Free |
| OS (Android, iOS) | Yes | Free |
| Browser / scanner app | Yes | Free |
| Device brand | Yes | Free |
| Country (geo — country level) | Yes | Free |
| Referrer source | Yes | Free |
| Hourly heat map | Yes | Single+ |
| Bot filtering | Yes | Single+ |
| Analytics history | 30 days (free) / 365+ days (paid) | All plans |
QR Code scans are almost exclusively mobile — the OS breakdown will typically show Android and iOS only, with Desktop at or near zero. This is directly actionable: the destination behind any QR Code must be fully optimised for mobile or you will lose scans before they convert.
Changing the QR Code Destination Without Reprinting
This is the most important advantage of dynamic QR Codes over static ones — and the reason every professional QR Code deployment should use a short link as its foundation.
When you need to change where a QR Code points — campaign ends, page moves, product updated, menu changed — open the underlying short link in your Cuttly dashboard and edit the destination URL. Every QR Code currently in circulation — on packaging, menus, signage, business cards, posters — instantly redirects to the new destination. No new QR Code. No reprint.
Examples where this matters:
- Restaurant menus. Seasonal menu changes, price updates, new dishes — update the destination, existing table QR Codes reflect the change immediately
- Product packaging. Assembly guide updated, warranty page moved — all packaged products with the existing QR Code redirect to the correct page
- Event materials. Post-event, redirect the event schedule QR Code to recordings or resources — without collecting and reprinting all distributed materials
- Business cards. Portfolio updated, primary offering changed — all cards already distributed redirect to the new destination
- Seasonal campaigns. Campaign ends — redirect the QR Code to a neutral page rather than a dead campaign landing page
Destination changes require the Starter plan and above for same-domain changes, or the Single plan and above for changes to any URL.
QR Code Size Guide for Print
| Use Case | Typical Scanning Distance | Minimum QR Code Size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 10–20 cm | 1.5 × 1.5 cm |
| Product label / packaging | 10–30 cm | 2 × 2 cm |
| Restaurant menu (table) | 20–40 cm | 3 × 3 cm |
| A4 poster / flyer | 30–60 cm | 4 × 4 cm |
| Retail display / shelf | 50–100 cm | 8 × 8 cm |
| Exhibition banner | 1–2 metres | 15 × 15 cm |
| Outdoor poster / billboard | 3–5 metres | 30 × 30 cm or larger |
Always maintain a clear quiet zone — a white border of at least 4 module widths on all sides of the QR Code. Placing the code flush against a coloured border or busy background causes scanning failures. Download the largest available file size from Cuttly and scale down in your design software — never scale up a small file.
Where QR Codes Work Best in 2026
- Restaurant and café menus. The most established QR Code use case. Audiences scan habitually. Dynamic destination means menu updates never require reprinting.
- Product packaging. High scan rates when the CTA is specific — assembly instructions, usage tips, a discount on the next purchase. Vague CTAs reduce scan rates.
- Event badges and lanyards. Conference attendees who are actively networking expect QR Codes. Linking to a digital profile, contact page or session resources works well.
- Business cards. Scanned when the card is actively handled — immediately after exchange or when reviewing contacts later.
- Retail point of sale. Near products on shelf talkers, display cards or receipts — driving product page visits, review submissions or loyalty programme signups.
- Print advertising. Magazine and catalogue QR Codes perform when the CTA is specific and the audience is already engaged with the surrounding content.
FAQ: QR Code Generator
How do I create a QR Code with Cuttly?
Log in to your Cuttly dashboard, shorten any URL, then click the QR Code icon next to the link. The generator opens immediately. Adjust size, error correction level, corner style and colour, optionally add a logo (paid plans), then download. Every scan is automatically tracked as a click in your analytics.
What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR Code?
A static QR Code encodes the destination URL directly — once printed, the destination cannot be changed and scans cannot be tracked. A dynamic QR Code (all Cuttly QR Codes) encodes a short link. The destination can be updated at any time without reprinting, and every scan is tracked with full analytics.
Can I track QR Code scans?
Yes — automatically. Every Cuttly QR Code shares tracking with its underlying short link. Every scan is counted as a click with total scans, unique scans, device type, country, OS, browser and timing data. Available on all plans including free.
Can I change the destination of a QR Code after printing?
Yes. Edit the destination URL of the underlying short link in your dashboard. All existing printed QR Codes immediately redirect to the new destination — no reprint needed. Requires Starter plan (same domain) or Single plan (any URL).
Can I add a logo to a QR Code?
Yes — on paid Cuttly plans. Add your brand logo to the centre of the QR Code in the generator. Always set error correction to level Q or H when adding a logo, as the logo covers part of the code and higher error correction ensures it remains scannable.
What size should a QR Code be for printing?
Minimum 2×2 cm for close-range scanning (labels, business cards). Scale proportionally for distance — approximately 1 cm per 10 cm of scanning distance. A poster viewed from 3 metres needs a QR Code at least 30×30 cm. Always download the largest Cuttly file size and scale down in your design software.
Cuttly - Consistently Rated
Among Top URL Shorteners
Cuttly isn’t just another URL shortener. Our platform is trusted and recognized by top industry players like G2 and SaaSworthy. We're proud to be consistently rated as a High Performer in URL Shortening and Link Management, ensuring that our users get reliable, innovative, and high-performing tools.
