Dynamic Barcode Generator
Create CODE128 or CODE39 barcodes that encode a redirect URL. When scanned with a smartphone, they open a browser and redirect to your destination — which you can update anytime without reprinting.
Same barcode label, destination changeable anytime.
How to Create a Dynamic Barcode
Quick Summary
A dynamic barcode encodes a short redirect URL into a standard linear format (CODE128, EAN-13, etc.). When scanned, it routes through QR Master — logging the scan and forwarding to your chosen destination, which you can update anytime from the dashboard.
When to use this?
- Event badges, access passes, or conference materials scanned by smartphone cameras
- Product packaging inserts or cards where visitors scan with their phone to reach a web page
- Digital signage or screens displaying a barcode for smartphone users to scan
- Internal asset tracking where staff use smartphones (not laser scanners) to open web forms
Comparison
How it works
- 1Create a QR Master account and open the Create dashboard
- 2Select "Barcode" as the content type, pick a format, and enter your destination URL
- 3Download the barcode as SVG or PNG and apply it to your label or packaging
- 4Update the redirect URL anytime from your dashboard — no reprint required
Dynamic barcode questions
What is a dynamic barcode?▼
How is a dynamic barcode different from a static one?▼
Which barcode formats does QR Master support for dynamic barcodes?▼
Can I track who scanned my barcode?▼
How many dynamic barcodes can I create?▼
Can I change a barcode destination after printing?▼
Do I need to reprint if the linked page changes?▼
What is the difference between a dynamic barcode and a dynamic QR code?▼
Dynamic vs static barcodes
Dynamic barcodes are the better fit when the linked page, document, or destination changes after labels are already in circulation.
Static Barcode
Dynamic Barcode
What dynamic barcodes give you
The same redirect-and-track infrastructure that powers QR Master's dynamic QR codes — now available for standard linear barcode formats.
Update destination after print
Keep the same barcode on badges, packaging inserts, or digital displays while changing the URL behind it at any time from your dashboard.
Track every smartphone scan
See device type, time, country, and referrer for every scan — in the same dashboard as your QR codes.
CODE128 and CODE39 supported
Dynamic barcodes use URL-capable formats only. CODE128 is the recommended choice for broad scanner compatibility.
Manage codes in one place
Pause, redirect, or delete any barcode from your dashboard without touching the printed label.
Download SVG or PNG
Export print-ready barcode assets directly. Use them on labels, event badges, or digital displays.
Scale by plan
The Free plan includes 3 active dynamic barcodes. Pro includes 50, and Business includes 500.
Where dynamic barcodes fit best
Use dynamic barcodes wherever a label, package, or badge must stay useful even as the page behind it changes.
Event badges & access passes
Print CODE128 barcodes on event badges that link to personalized schedules, session recordings, or attendee portals. Update the destination as content changes.
Example: Conference badges with a dynamic barcode redirect to an attendee agenda page — updated in real time as the schedule changes. Scanned with smartphone cameras at check-in kiosks.
Packaging inserts & product cards
Link physical inserts inside product boxes to setup guides, how-to videos, or support pages. Update the destination when content moves — no reprint needed.
Example: A hardware brand updates the setup guide URL six months post-launch to a new video format — without reprinting a single insert.
Digital signage & screens
Display a CODE128 barcode on screens or monitors. Visitors scan with their smartphone and land on a current URL — updated from the dashboard without changing the display.
Example: A trade-show monitor shows a barcode linking to the current product demo page — redirected to a post-show recording after the event.
Internal asset tracking (browser-based)
Use CODE128 barcodes on internal assets where staff scan with smartphones to open web-based inventory or maintenance forms. URLs update as systems change.
Example: IT tags company laptops with dynamic barcodes. Staff scan to open the current helpdesk form — URL updated when the ticketing system moves.
The Business Case for Updatable Barcodes
Static barcodes are a liability when the page or document behind them changes. Dynamic barcodes eliminate that risk — and add scan intelligence to every label.
of small businesses report wasted budget from printing and direct-mail errors. Dynamic barcodes eliminate the need to reprint when URLs or pages change.
Customer retention rate for companies with strong omnichannel tracking (offline scan → online analytics) vs. companies without it.
Source: Aberdeen Group
By Timo Knuth, QR Master · Last updated: April 2026
Which barcode format works dynamically?
Dynamic barcodes must encode a URL — so only formats that support full ASCII strings work. Numeric-only formats like EAN-13, UPC, and ITF-14 cannot embed a redirect URL and are available as static barcodes only.
Dynamic-capable formats
High-density alphanumeric. Can encode any URL. Best general-purpose choice for event badges, inserts, and digital signage.
Supports uppercase letters and digits. Can encode short URLs. Common in automotive and defense environments.
Static only — numeric formats
13-digit retail standard. Used by POS laser scanners. Cannot encode a URL.
12-digit North American retail format. Numeric only.
Shipping carton format. 14 digits, numeric only.
Pharmaceutical standard. Single integer only.
All numeric formats are available as static barcodes via the free barcode generator.
See where dynamic barcodes fit your stack
Dynamic barcodes work best alongside QR codes, bulk generation, and unified analytics — all available in the same QR Master dashboard.
The same redirect-and-track approach for 2D QR codes — ideal for consumer-facing print materials scanned by smartphones.
Upload a CSV and generate hundreds of dynamic barcodes or QR codes in one batch — with tracking for every code.
See device, country, time, and UTM data for every scan across all your barcodes and QR codes in one unified view.
How brands use dynamic codes on product packaging to keep printed materials useful after URLs, campaigns, or pages change.
Calculate how much static label reprints cost vs. one active dynamic barcode that never needs replacing.
Need a one-time barcode with no redirect? Use the free static barcode generator — no account required.