QR Codes

Print a QR code once and change the website it opens after it is printed.

A dynamic QR code holds a short Magpie address instead of the destination. Each scan goes through that address to the website you set, so you can change the destination, turn the code off and on, and see how many times it was scanned, while every printed copy stays the same.

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Static and dynamic codes

A static code stores its content in the image itself. It works without Magpie, and changing the content means making and printing a new code.

A dynamic code stores a Magpie address, shown on the code's page as its Printed address. A scan opens that address, and Magpie sends the scanner on to the current destination. The destination is not in the image, so a long web address does not make the printed code denser.

Only a website can be a dynamic code's destination. The Static or dynamic choice appears once a website address is entered under Website or text.

Making a dynamic code

  1. Enter the website

    Enter an address beginning with http:// or https:// and choose Dynamic.

  2. Design it

    Colours, a logo, export size, error correction and clear space work as they do for any code.

  3. Save it

    Save QR code creates the code's permanent Magpie address, so a dynamic code is saved before it can be downloaded. A name is optional.

  4. Download or print

    The code's page has Download SVG, Download PNG and Download PDF, and Print. Test the printed code before it is used.

Destination and status

A saved dynamic code's page shows where it goes and whether it is on. Printed copies keep the same address and follow what is set on this page.

Website URL
Change where a scan goes, such as a new menu or this season's price list. The change will apply from the next scan.
Destination history
Each earlier destination, with the date and time it was replaced and what replaced it.
QR code is on
Turn it off and scans will show a page saying the code is turned off and to ask whoever created it for a current code or link. Turn it back on and scans will go to the destination again.
Delete QR code
In the code's More menu. After deletion, a scan of a printed copy shows the same turned-off page.

Scan counts

Each scan of a dynamic code that is turned on adds one to a total shown on the code's page. Magpie records the count only: not who scanned, from where, or on which device.

Static codes are not counted, because a scan of a static code does not reach Magpie.

What a printed dynamic code depends on

A printed dynamic code works while it exists in Magpie and is turned on, because every scan passes through its Magpie address. A code that has to work without Magpie can be a static code instead, which holds its website address directly.

Dynamic codes in a team

A code saved in a team belongs to the team, and the team's members see it on the Saved codes page. Members who can edit in the team can change its destination, turn it off and on, and delete it; members with view access cannot.

The assistant on the Dashboard can change a dynamic code's destination, turn a code on or off, and delete it when asked.

Make a code you can change later.

Create a Magpie account, open QR Codes, enter a website address and choose Dynamic.

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