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QR Code Guide

QR Code Tracking:
How to Track Scans and Clicks

Most QR codes are static and untraceable. You print them, you distribute them, and you have no idea how many times they've been scanned. Here's how to create QR codes that tell you everything.

Create a trackable QR code free →

Why standard QR codes give you no data

A basic QR code is just a visual encoding of a URL. When someone scans it, their camera app opens the URL directly — no tracking, no analytics, no way to know how many times the code was scanned or where those people came from.

The problem gets worse for print materials: once a flyer, poster, or product label is printed, the QR code is permanent. If you want to change the destination URL, you'd need to reprint.

Trackable QR codes solve both problems by pointing to a short link instead of the destination URL directly. The short link captures the scan, and you can update the destination without reprinting.

How trackable QR codes work

Instead of encoding your destination URL directly into the QR code, you encode a short tracked link. When someone scans the QR code, the redirect captures the scan before sending them to the destination.

1

Shorten your URL

Create a tracked short link in Brevly for your destination URL.

2

Generate the QR code

Brevly automatically generates a QR code for every short link you create.

3

Track every scan

Every QR scan hits the short link first — recording device, geo, and time.

QR code use cases with tracking

Event materials

Print QR codes on name badges, event programs, or signage. See how many attendees scanned them and from which locations within the venue.

Print advertising

Add QR codes to magazine ads, direct mail, or billboards. Finally get real engagement data from print campaigns — the industry's biggest blind spot.

Product packaging

QR codes on packaging drive users to setup guides, video tutorials, or loyalty programs. Track which product SKUs are generating the most engagement.

Restaurant menus

Contactless menus via QR code are now expected. Track how many tables are scanning your menu and when peak usage occurs.

Business cards

A QR code on a business card linking to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile shows you exactly how many people followed up after a meeting.

Retail in-store displays

QR codes on shelf talkers or product displays link to online reviews, videos, or promotions. Track which displays are driving the most engagement.

What you can track from a QR code scan

Total scans — See the cumulative scan count over the lifetime of the QR code.
Unique scans — Distinguish between one person scanning multiple times and multiple unique people scanning once.
Scan location (country & city) — See where in the world your QR codes are being scanned. Useful for regional campaigns or multi-location businesses.
Device type — QR codes are scanned on mobile almost exclusively, but device data helps you confirm this and optimize your landing page.
Scan time — Hourly and daily scan patterns. Know when your materials are getting the most engagement.
Destination flexibility — Update the destination URL at any time without reprinting the QR code. The QR code stays the same; only the destination changes.

Create your first trackable QR code

Every Brevly short link comes with a QR code. Free to start, no design tools needed.

Generate a trackable QR code →

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