How QR codes work on urlf.ly
The QR code holds the short link, not the long destination. That has a useful side effect: you can change where the link goes later, and every code you already printed sends people to the new page. Nothing needs to be reprinted.
You will find the code in the QR code panel on each link’s stats page, with Download PNG and Download SVG buttons. PNG suits screens and documents; SVG scales to any size for print. Below the code you can pick the size (128, 256, 512 or 1024 pixels), the foreground and background colours, the margin, and the error correction level (L, M, Q or H).
Logo and PDF export
You can upload a PNG or JPG logo of up to 200 KB. It is placed in the centre of the code, and error correction is raised to H so the code still scans. Adding a logo is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
A Download PDF button gives you the code as a PDF, handy for print work. PDF export is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
Counting QR scans
Each scan of the code is counted as a click on the link and also marked as a QR scan. The stats page shows a QR scans figure with its share of all clicks, and where click detail is available, each visit is labelled QR or Link. That tells you how many people came from print.
To do this, the code contains the short link with ?q=1 added. urlf.ly reads that marker and removes it, so it never reaches your destination page.
How to get a QR code for a link
- Sign in and create a short link, or pick one you already have.
- Open the link’s stats page from your dashboard.
- Scroll to the QR code panel and adjust the options if you need to.
- Press Download PNG or Download SVG.
Before printing many copies, scan a test print with a couple of phones.
Good uses for QR code short links
- Posters and flyers. Point to an event page and update it as plans change.
- Restaurant menus and tables. Keep the printed code and swap the menu link each season.
- Packaging and manuals. Link to setup guides or support pages that may move later.
- Business cards. Send people to your current profile or booking page.
Limits to know
Because the code points to the short link, it stops working if the link expires, is disabled, or is deleted. Dark codes on a light background scan most reliably; very light colours or low contrast can make a code hard to read.
Getting a QR code for your links is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the destination after printing the QR code?
Yes. The code holds the short link, so editing the link’s destination changes where every printed code leads.
Which file formats can I download?
PNG and SVG for every code. A PDF download is also available. PDF export is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
Can I see how many people scanned the code?
Yes. Scans are counted as clicks and also shown separately as QR scans on the link’s stats page.
Can I add my logo to the QR code?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG of up to 200 KB in the QR code panel and it is centred in the code. Adding a logo is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
Do QR codes expire?
The code itself does not. It keeps working as long as the short link it contains is active.