Quick answer: Yes, it is possible to create a permanent QR code that will always link to the same destination. There are a few ways to do this:
Using a static URL
One of the easiest ways to create a permanent QR code is to link it to a static URL that you control and that is unlikely to change, like your website’s homepage. For example, you could create a QR code that always links to www.yourbusiness.com. As long as you maintain control of your domain name, that URL should remain accessible indefinitely.
Using a permalink
If you want your QR code to link to a specific page on your website, you can create a permalink for that page and then generate a code that points to the permalink. Permalinks don’t change, so your QR code will always direct users to the same content.
Using a URL shortener
URL shorteners like Bitly allow you to create custom shortened links that redirect to longer URLs. You can create a shortened link that will always redirect to the same destination URL. As long as you maintain your Bitly account, your custom shortened link and associated QR code will work permanently.
Using a paid QR code service
There are paid QR code generator services like QRStuff that allow you to reserve a permanent QR code that will always point to your chosen URL. This protects against the code being recycled in the future. Paid services like this guarantee your QR code will work forever as long as you pay your subscription fees.
Printing the QR code
If you print your permanent QR code onto a business card, sign, poster, mailer or other physical object, it will be usable as long as the code itself remains intact and scannable. Avoid printing QR codes on temporary objects or surfaces where they may be obstructed or wear down over time.
Conclusion
Permanent QR codes are achievable as long as you use stable, long-lasting URLs and take steps to protect against link rot or changes at the destination. Consider using shortened links, permalinks, or paid QR code services to create codes that will work indefinitely when printed or displayed digitally.
Why would you want a permanent QR code?
Here are some common reasons businesses and individuals may want to create permanent QR codes:
- Promote your business – Put your permanent code on business cards, signs, print ads, etc. so customers can always access your website or special offer.
- Share contact info – Create a QR code with your phone number, email, social profiles so people can reach you even if your contacts change.
- Link to app downloads – Drive downloads of your mobile app by linking to it from a permanent QR code.
- Share portfolio content – Artists and photographers can link to their portfolios from permanent QR codes.
- Provide product info – Share spec sheets, manuals, or virtual tours for products through a stable QR code.
- Build brand awareness – Consistent branding with your logo and permanent QR code on all materials helps build brand recognition.
The permanence of the QR code allows users to access the linked content at any time just by scanning. The code will always work no matter when or where customers encounter it.
What are some examples of permanent QR code uses?
Permanent QR codes are very versatile and can be used in many creative ways. Here are some examples:
- On business cards – Link to your website, social media, contact form, etc.
- On packaging – Send customers to product info, your online store, etc.
- In magazines/newspapers – Provide a gateway to more content or subscriptions.
- On signs and posters – Share your menu, flyers, store info.
- On t-shirts/merchandise – Build your brand by linking to your website.
- At conferences – Share slides, videos, scheduling info with attendees.
- In storefront windows – Promote sales, store hours or other dynamic info after hours.
- On product warranties – Link to digital warranty registration and support.
- On headstones – Share memories, photos, videos of lost loved ones.
The possibilities are endless! Anywhere you want to reliably provide quick access to digital content, a permanent QR code can do the job.
What information can you include in a permanent QR code?
QR codes can store several types of data, including:
- Website URLs
- App download links
- Contact information (phone, email, addresses)
- Social media profiles
- Text
- Documents (PDFs)
- Images
- Videos
- Audio
- Geolocation coordinates
- Calendar events/appointments
- Contactless payment info
As long as the files or links stored in the QR code remain available online, they can be accessed indefinitely by scanning the code. Some types of data like text strings and contact info can be stored directly in the code.
How are QR codes generated and scanned?
QR codes can be generated through free online tools or paid QR code generator services. To create a code, you just enter the URL, text, or other data you want users to access. The generator will encode that into a scannable QR code image.
QR codes can be scanned using the camera on a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. The camera app will automatically detect and scan the code. Most apps will then display the linked content directly in the browser.
QR codes can also be scanned using dedicated QR scanner apps or even external dedicated scanners. The scanner extracts and decodes the data from the code.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes use a type of matrix barcode technology to encode data into an image. The code consists of black square dots arranged in a square grid on a white background that can be scanned by imaging devices like cameras. Here’s a quick rundown of how they work:
- Data is encoded using Reed-Solomon error correction to add redundancy and enable data recovery in case the code is partially damaged.
- The encoded data bits are then mapped into square modules in a grid format.
- Finder patterns of larger squares help align and orient the code for scanners.
- Scanners identify the finder patterns and extract the encoded data bits.
- The imaging software decodes the bits into meaningful data using the Reed-Solomon error correction if needed.
- The resulting data usually contains a locator indicating the data type (URL, text, etc) and the related info.
- The scanning app performs the appropriate action based on the data type, like launching a URL.
This all happens instantly when a properly configured camera scans the code.
What are the technical requirements for a permanent QR code?
To create a QR code that remains usable over time, the code itself and the backend infrastructure must meet certain requirements:
- Static, unchanging target URL or data parameters.
- High level of Reed-Solomon error correction (up to 30% damage recovery).
- Good print quality and materials to prevent damage or fading.
- QR code size of at least 1 inch square for scannability.
- URL or host server must be continuously available.
- Domain name or account owning target URL should not lapse.
- Use URL shortened or permalinks to prevent parameter changes.
- Web server should use 301 redirects if URLs must change.
Meeting these requirements will help maximize the lifespan of your permanent QR code in both physical and digital forms.
Can you convert an existing QR code to be permanent?
Unfortunately, no. An existing generated QR code cannot be retroactively made permanent or updated to link to a different URL. The data encoded into the QR code pixels is fixed once it is created. To change the URL or make a code permanent, you must generate an entirely new QR code.
Some paid QR code services may allow you to update where an existing code points by using server-side redirection. But the image code itself cannot be altered after creation. For this reason, it’s important to carefully consider the target data before printing or widely publishing any QR code designs.
What’s the difference between a permanent and dynamic QR code?
| Permanent QR Code | Dynamic QR Code |
|---|---|
| Encodes static, unchanging data like URLs and text | Encodes dynamically changing data like stats or inventory |
| Reliably points to the same destination indefinitely | Points to information that frequently updates in real time |
| Often used for branding, contact info, links to long term content | Used for things like live metrics, schedules, stock status |
| Safe to print – will not lose effectiveness over time | Best for digital displays – prints would become outdated |
The main difference is permanence versus dynamically updating data. Choose permanent QR codes for stable evergreen content and dynamic codes for frequently changing details.
How can you ensure your QR code always works?
Here are some tips to maximize uptime for permanent QR codes:
- Register important domains for 10+ years to maintain control.
- Use stable top-level domains like .com rather than niche domains.
- Renew SSL certificates promptly to avoid expired warnings.
- Choose reputable web hosting with 99%+ uptime guarantees.
- Implement 301 redirects if you have to change URLs.
- Use link shortener services carefully as they may recycle links.
- Use paid QR code services that guarantee permanence.
- Print on durable materials like aluminum or acrylic if used physically.
Building redundancy into your backend infrastructure is key. Monitor links regularly to make sure they remain active to avoid dead QR codes.
What happens if a permanent QR code stops working?
If a permanent QR code stops working, users will not be able to scan and access the linked content. Some things that can cause failure include:
- The target URL goes offline or returns an error.
- The domain registration lapses.
- The SSL certificate expires.
- The redirect is misconfigured or loops.
- The QR code sustained damage or printing defects.
Ideally this should not happen if the code and infrastructure were properly set up for permanence. But if it does occur, unfortunately the original QR code cannot be fixed. A full replacement code would need to be generated and redeployed to restore functionality.
Should you use a permanent or dynamic QR code for your business?
Most businesses should utilize both permanent and dynamic QR codes for different purposes:
- Permanent – Link to evergreen content like your website, contact page, social profiles, brochures, menus, etc. Useful on printed signage, business cards, stickers, packaging.
- Dynamic – Display real-time information like inventory, wait times, promotions, schedules, forms. Ideal for digital screens, window displays, tablets.
Carefully consider the lifespan of the content you want to link to. Permanent codes work great for longtime branding while dynamic codes are better for frequently updated details.
Conclusion
Permanent QR codes provide a reliable way to consistently connect users to your business or chosen media. By using stable URLs and professional code generation techniques, QR codes can function indefinitely even when printed. Careful implementation ensures your QR codes remain scanable and direct to active content perpetually so customers always have access.