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Can one QR code have 2 links? (3-minute Read)

A single QR code can indeed contain two or more links, but this capability is only supported by dynamic QR codes. Most common QR code generators can create LinkTree-type QR codes, which include multiple links within a single QR code.

Can a Single QR Code Contain Multiple Links?

Standard QR codes (Quick Response Codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that can store a large amount of information, such as URLs, text, contact information, and more. They are designed for quick reading and efficient data storage. In practical applications, standard QR codes usually only represent one type of information (e.g., text QR codes, link QR codes, contact information QR codes, etc.) due to the following reasons:

Information Storage Structure Limitations

The design of standard QR codes makes their information storage structure simple and straightforward. QR codes use a combination of black and white squares to represent data, with each square's position and color encoding specific binary data. Although QR codes can store multiple types of information, when scanned, the reading device typically processes and displays only one type of data, such as a URL link. This is because the decoding software in reading devices is usually set up to parse the QR code content according to a predetermined format.

User Experience Considerations

When using standard QR codes, the user is immediately directed to the link or information contained within the QR code upon scanning. If a QR code contains multiple links, users might face difficulties choosing or need to take extra steps to select a link, which can negatively impact the user experience. Therefore, to ensure a simple and intuitive user experience, standard QR codes usually contain only one link.

Technical Implementation Complexity

While it's technically possible to embed multiple links in a QR code, it requires a more complex encoding and decoding process. This involves using specific symbols or formats to separate different links and necessitates that reading devices recognize and parse these separators. Most standard QR code generators and readers do not support such complex encoding and decoding processes, which is why standard QR codes typically contain only one link.

Due to these reasons—information storage structure, user experience, and technical implementation—standard QR codes usually contain only one link. To achieve a QR code with multiple links, more advanced types of QR codes, such as dynamic QR codes or DeepQR's All in One QR codes, are typically required.

Solution: All in One QR Codes

DeepQR's All in One QR code is essentially an advanced dynamic QR code that allows users to add various components within a single QR code, arranging them as desired. For instance, you can add multiple Link components in one QR code, and upon scanning, users can see a page with multiple link cards that direct them to respective websites or links when clicked.

Not just links, DeepQR's QR code editor allows adding various types of components such as text, images, links, locations, audio, and video. This enables creating a rich, fully customizable QR code.

Add Link Component

Add Link Component

On the DeepQR homepage, click the "Add Components" button and select the Link component. In the dialog box, enter the URLs, Facebook Page addresses, YouTube links, etc. After entering the information, click the "Done" button. The system will fetch the page title and logo of the respective links. Click the "Save" button to save the links, and you will see the real scanning effect in the preview area.

Multiple Links QR Code

Repeat the same steps to add the second Link component. Free users can add up to three Link components, while Advanced subscription users can add up to 15 different components. Once the Link components are added, you can drag the components up and down to adjust the display order on the page. The preview area will show the real-time scanning effect as you drag.

Preview and Generate QR Code

In the preview area, you can see the actual scanning effect. Below the preview area, there are buttons to switch between "Combined Mode" and "Solo Mode." In multi-component status, only "Combined Mode" can be used. When you have only one Link component, this button will be activated, allowing you to choose "Solo Mode," where the user will be directly redirected to the corresponding URL upon scanning.

In the multi-link component status, users will see multiple link cards when they scan the QR code. The cards display the respective link page titles, and clicking on a card will redirect them to the page. After ensuring the preview is correct, click the "Generate QR Code" button to create the QR code.

Practical Applications and Case Studies

In corporate marketing, multi-link QR codes can significantly enhance user engagement and conversion rates.

Case Study: An Electronics Company

An electronics company used multi-link QR codes at a new product launch. Users could scan the QR code to choose between watching a product introduction video, downloading the product manual, participating in a giveaway, or directly purchasing the product. This approach successfully attracted a large number of users, significantly increasing product exposure and sales.

Advantages

  • Diverse Content Display: Offers product information, purchase links, promotional activities, and more.
  • User Data Analysis: Tracks user behavior through dynamic QR codes to optimize marketing strategies.

In education and training, multi-link QR codes can provide students with a wealth of learning resources and interactive experiences.

Case Study: An Online Education Platform

An online education platform embedded multi-link QR codes in their course materials. Students could scan the QR code to watch instructional videos, download course materials, take online quizzes, or join study groups. This method not only made it easier for students to access various learning resources but also promoted interaction and collaboration among students.

Advantages

  • Centralized Resource Management: Integrates multiple learning resources into one QR code, simplifying access.
  • Enhanced Learning Interaction: Provides various interactive methods to improve learning outcomes.

In personal business cards, multi-link QR codes can offer more convenience for displaying personal information and social interactions.

Case Study: A Freelancer

A freelancer used a multi-link QR code on their business card. Scanning the QR code allowed contacts to choose to visit their personal website, view their portfolio, connect on social media, or send an email directly. This approach not only enhanced their personal image but also increased the chances of acquiring potential clients.

Advantages

  • Comprehensive Information Display: Centralizes personal information, portfolio, and social media, enhancing the personal brand.
  • Convenient Contact and Interaction: Provides multiple contact options, increasing interaction opportunities.
The Global Shift from Barcodes to 2D QR Codes
In the realm of global supply chain management, traditional barcodes have been widely used for many years. However, as information technology advances and demands increase, 2D QR codes are gradually replacing traditional barcodes and becoming the new standard. These QR codes not only store more information but also significantly enhance the operational efficiency and transparency of supply chains. The GS1 Standards Week 2024 further propelled this transition by announcing a comprehensive shift to 2D QR codes by 2027, ensuring all retail POS scanners will be compatible with QR codes. This transformation is expected to greatly improve data management and tracking capabilities, leading to more efficient and sustainable global supply chains.
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What is the difference between static and dynamic qr codes？
1. Static QR codes cannot be modified once generated, while dynamic QR codes can be updated at any time. 2. Static QR codes are free and permanently valid, but dynamic QR codes incur usage fees due to server costs. 3. Static QR codes do not require internet connectivity, whereas dynamic QR codes must be scanned online. 4. Static QR codes can only store text-based information such as text, WiFi details, or contact information. Dynamic QR codes can store any type of content. 5. Static QR codes cannot track scan statistics, while dynamic QR codes can provide scan tracking and analytics.
Is a qr code a link?
a static QR code can be a link or a string, depending on the type of static QR code; however, a dynamic QR code itself is always a link.