QR Codes overview
Create dynamic, branded QR codes that keep working when you change the destination.
Pointerly QR Codes are dynamic: the printed token never changes, while you can repoint the destination, pause scans, restyle artwork, and download PNG/SVG. Prefer pointing a code at one of your links so deep linking, marketplace routing, affiliate tags, and A/B tests stay intact. An external URL is supported but skips those behaviors.
Dynamic QR capacity is a plan entitlement. Past the allowance you may buy a permanent slot (pay-as-you-go, with explicit consent), a QR pack, or the monthly QR add-on—or archive codes you no longer print. Plans without dynamic QR still allow static QR downloads from individual links elsewhere in the product.
What you'll do
- Create a named QR aimed at a Pointerly link (or an external URL)
- Design the artwork, download PNG/SVG, and copy the scan URL (
/q/…) - Pause, resume, open details/analytics, or delete codes
- Understand capacity, pay-as-you-go consent, and why tokens never rotate
Before you start
- Correct team selected
- Plan feature QR Codes unlocked (otherwise the page shows an upgrade gate)
- For link destinations: at least one tracked link
- Optional: billing card / pay-as-you-go enabled if you expect to exceed the included quota
Concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scan token / code | Immutable alphanumeric token in the artwork; public scan path under /q/ |
| Dynamic QR | Server-resolved destination you can change after printing |
| Link destination (default) | Points at a Pointerly link UUID; inherits deep link, geo/marketplace routing, tag, tests |
| External URL | Straight redirect; no affiliate/deep-link inheritance |
| Design sheet | Colors, logo/mark, and layout; saved explicitly |
| Active / paused / archived | Availability; only active codes count toward quota |
| Pay-as-you-go slot | One-time invoice line that permanently adds capacity when you consent at create time |
Create a QR code
- Go to Dashboard → QR Codes.
- Click New QR code.
- Enter a Name (e.g. “Spring poster”).
- Under Destination, pick a link with search (Use one of my links), or switch to Use an external URL.
- If you are over allowance and pay-as-you-go is available, read the amber charge notice and tick Add $X to my next invoice before creating.
- Click Create.
The scan token is minted once and never changes—printed posters stay valid when you repoint later.
Manage codes
From the table you can:
- Open View details (
/dashboard/qr-codes/[publicId]) for scans and settings - Pause / Resume availability
- Open Design to restyle and save artwork
- Copy scan URL, Download PNG, Download SVG, or open the scan URL
- Delete a code you no longer need (frees quota for active slots; the old token is not reused)
Design and download
- Click the palette (Design) action on a row.
- Adjust design options in the designer sheet.
- Save (failed saves keep your draft on screen).
- Download PNG or SVG from the row menu for print or digital placements.
Link-backed codes default to a store mark; page-style destinations can use an avatar. Logo policy may lock some centre marks depending on destination kind.
Tips
- Print link-backed codes whenever you care about attribution and mobile app opens.
- Archive or pause unused posters so they stop counting against the active quota.
- Prefer a QR pack or add-on when you need many codes—cheaper per code than repeated pay-as-you-go.
- Never expect to “reissue” a token after print; change the destination instead.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade / FeatureGate on the page | Plan lacks qr_codes | Billing → unlock QR Codes |
| Create blocked with amber notice | Active quota exhausted | Consent to PAYG, buy a pack/add-on, or archive a code |
| “Dynamic QR codes are not included…” | Limit 0 / unpriced | Use static QR from a link, or upgrade |
| External URL lacks commissions | By design | Point the QR at a Pointerly link instead |
| Artwork looks stale after design save | Cached preview | Re-open design or re-download; preview keys off design hash |