QR code generator

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
January 4, 2023
4 replies
20289 views

When I generate a QR code using the link https://express.adobe.com/tools/qr-code-generator
does that QR code work forever as long as the link still works? I am planning on using this on printed books and need to make sure the code will always work.

How to

Correct answer James Gifford—NitroPress

I am never sure why it's thought that QR codes are somehow "fluid" or "dynamic" or dependent on server/net data.

A QR code is simply a barcode, a complex one that can encode up to several hundred characters of data while still remaining "coarse" enough to be read easily. (When the data reaches its limit, the QR pattern can be so fine that any small printing or display flaw makes it unreadable.)

Once generated, all the QR code has, forevermore, is the data that was encoded in it. It will remain readable as long as it is clear enough for a suitable reader/decoder to read and decode it. It does not matter where or how it was generated.

The only thing that is "dynamic" about QR codes is when they actually encode an address or URL that can be redirected. Those destination addresses have to remain available, or scanning the code won't do anything useful... just as if you typed in a 'dead' web address.

But the codes are permanent and fixed at the moment of creation, and can only be changed by re-generating them with different embedded information.

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

QR code is like a barcode - contents doesn't change once generated, only what is on the other end can change - if it's a link to some website.

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

Well, a QR code can contain any sequence of characters—a URL, a passphrase or vCard information. The only real limitation on content is that too many characters will result in a very fine-grained code that may not be reliably readable. But they don't always have to contain a URL or link to any particular net destination.

This one contains a short story, for example. 🙂

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

Ok I am also worried. I a make an QR code in adobe express and use in in a printed bok. Will this qr code work forever? I mean as long as I pay for my adobe program. I need a urgent replay.....

The short answer (plus some recommendations) are —

QR codes do not change. Ever. They are 100% static once generated.
What a QR code points to can be absolutely static, or to a URL or equivalent that is managed by a dynamic, usually "pay me" system, which means the code will only remain functional as long as the target address processes it.
Codes made in any tool can be completely static. It is the ones created by third-party, "service" based, "pay me" services who offer tracking and so forth that have any kind of limited lifespan.
If you are going to make QR codes you want to remain functional for a long, long time (years) you should almost certainly point them to simple redirect addresses, not full, hard-coded URLs. For example, don't make your code —
- https [domain name] \books\mybook\page6illustration10.html
Make it, instead —
- https [STABLE domain name] \BOOK23ILLO10
- ... and then use host-level redirection to point to a specific page. This allows the same code to be remapped and repointed over months and years as your host, site, and content move around.

Barb Binder

Community Expert

Hi James:

After poking around a bit, I'm seeing references to some of the free QR generators out there putting redirects on after a set time period. Perhaps that is the source of the confusion.

InDesign does not do that, Adam. And including this link since you actually asked us about the Adobe Express QR generator. Note the response from the Adobe staff member.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/adobe-express-discussions/qr-code/td-p/13107223

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

Yeah, I assumed that some of the "free" generators are inserting their own tracking and redirection information into user URLs, so there would be a perception that the codes themselves are somehow changing or dependent on server support. Or, to be more charitable, some services may provide active, context-sensitive redirection (by time of day, for example, or to a desktop or mobile site), and not have an permanent lifespan.

James Gifford—NitroPressCorrect answer

Legend

I am never sure why it's thought that QR codes are somehow "fluid" or "dynamic" or dependent on server/net data.

A QR code is simply a barcode, a complex one that can encode up to several hundred characters of data while still remaining "coarse" enough to be read easily. (When the data reaches its limit, the QR pattern can be so fine that any small printing or display flaw makes it unreadable.)

Once generated, all the QR code has, forevermore, is the data that was encoded in it. It will remain readable as long as it is clear enough for a suitable reader/decoder to read and decode it. It does not matter where or how it was generated.

The only thing that is "dynamic" about QR codes is when they actually encode an address or URL that can be redirected. Those destination addresses have to remain available, or scanning the code won't do anything useful... just as if you typed in a 'dead' web address.

But the codes are permanent and fixed at the moment of creation, and can only be changed by re-generating them with different embedded information.