Redirect

A redirect automatically forwards users from one URL to another, implemented via HTTP status codes 301 (permanent) or 302 (temporary). In the QR code world, both dynamic QR codes and URL shorteners rely on redirects as their foundational technology.

Dynamic QR codes store a short intermediary URL that a management server controls. The redirect destination can be changed without modifying the printed code, enabling campaign swaps, content updates, and A/B testing. Static QR codes store the final URL directly with no redirect.

Redirects involve trade-offs. Benefits include flexibility and analytics (scan counts, geography, device tracking). Drawbacks include server dependency - if the redirect server goes down, all codes stop working. Redirects also add 100-300ms latency. For long-lived printed materials (product packaging, building signage), static QR codes without redirect dependency are safer.