Editing QR code link

Oh, my, the "dynamic QR code" phantom raises its head again. 🙂

There is, unfortunately, no such thing as a dynamic QR code. Once created, they are static. They can be replaced in an electronic environment (web, kiosk or even e-doc like PDF). But they're still static until replaced... and if printed, the only way to change them is with a sticker.

What can be changed is how the URL encoded into them (we're assuming web-link content; QR codes can hold all kinds of data) is handled by the destination server. The very best way to maintain flexibility is to use a shortlink or redirection server, so that any incoming address can be redirected to any other, and changed — yes — dynamically. The better way for most small users and ones who don't want to depend on (paying for) (being tied to) a redirection service is to use a flexible address that can be redirected by the host web server; something like [MYCOMPANY][DOTCOM]/ABC123 can be reassigned at will to any other valid destination, even for codes printed on old, yellowing newsprint.

So in this case, if a specific URL was used (pointing to a specific landing page or indirect location), the destination web server can redirect it. If it's a base address like [MYCOMPANY][DOTCOM] or that, pointed to a generic page like /contact.html or /index.php.... there's not much that can be done. Be sure to use a flexible URL assignment in your next QR code.

A primer on QR codes created in InDesign is here.