Do InDesign QR Codes expire?

[natalie_outlook]

Hello, 

When you make a QR code in InDesign do they expire? When you use free generators they will stop the link working after 30 days regardelss of the URL you have linked to is still functional. Are there any limitions like this when using InDesign created codes?

[Doug A Roberts]

I don't see how a static QR code can 'expire'. It's just another way of writing a URL.

Are you thinking of sites that provide a dynamic URL perhaps?

[natalie_outlook]

No I've made static ones on a free generator and after 30 days it stops working because I've not paid for the subscription. I'd assume a company like Adobe wouldn't do this but just better to be safe than sorry.

[Doug A Roberts]

Can you link to the site you used?

[natalie_outlook]

I can't remember it was a while ago

[Doug A Roberts · Accepted solution]

Well, an InDesign QR code is just a representation of the URL you input. As long as the URL itself doesn't change, the QR code will work.

[Test Screen Name]

Since a QR code can't stop working, it means that the URL stops working. You should check the actual link in the QR code - not just follow it, which goes with the forwarding. If you don't already know about this, study how link shortening works. Because QR codes work better with less text, link shortening is often recommended or automatic.

[natalie_outlook]

The link was fine, it was the QR code. I've done some more investigating and it seems it could be the free generators putting redirects on 'free' QR codes. Some forums are saying that you are actually provided with dynamic codes from some generators but told they are static and when you don't join subscribe they re-direct it after so long. When I was using the generators indd didn't have a QR code feature and I've never used them since hence the confusion. I'm sure the Adobe generated ones will fit my needs perfectly.

[JMESS226]

Thanks for asking this question. I have used the generators online before and while I don't know how they do it, they do in fact control if it loads the URL or not. I JUST NOW TODAY realized I could make these in InDeisgn, was thrilled! Thanks for the info.

[defaultwgkmjl9yxt1d]

uQR .me it expired when the trial expired. I was surprised-I thought as long as the link didn't change but they must adjust something in the QR code itself that is saved on the site-that's all I can think of-Maybe a redirect-just not sure. But I went back to Indesign and found out I could do color in Indesign as well.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

The codes do not, and cannot, change.

But if the link is routed through a short-URL, tracking or redirect provider, it's trivial to change or block any traffic through that link.

It's that simple.

Using a safe, standalone QR generator such as ID's has many data-safety advantages. If then you need or desire to manage its link for future changes, do so on your own website. That way you never pay another dime for 'services' and the link never expires or fails to work.

It's also that simple. Everything else — everything — is marketing deception and BS from the "free code" and "QR link provider" vendors.

[Angela26295912nuw2]

Can I get this QR code updated after the 30 days?  

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

A QR code is static once generated. If the content/data changes, you have to generate a new one. If by "30 days" you mean the expiration of the trial license, then no — the QR code function will be unavailable along with the rest of InDesign. But there are many, many QR code generators available that do the same job. (Better, even, if they've been updated to the 3.0 spec, which ID's has not.)

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