A static QR code directly encodes the final destination URL in its pattern. Once generated, the encoded data cannot be changed; modifying the destination requires creating a new QR code. Static QR codes are simpler to create and do not depend on any intermediary service, but they lack the flexibility and analytics capabilities of dynamic QR codes.
Static QR codes are appropriate when the destination URL is permanent and unlikely to change, such as a company's homepage, a Wikipedia article, or a government resource. They are also suitable when independence from third-party services is a priority, since static QR codes work as long as the destination server is available. QR code design books on Amazon compare static and dynamic approaches.
The main disadvantage of static QR codes is that longer URLs produce more complex codes with more modules. A URL with 100 characters generates a significantly denser QR code than a 20-character short URL, making it harder to scan at small sizes or from a distance.
When choosing between static and dynamic QR codes, consider the use case: static for permanent, unchanging destinations; dynamic for campaigns, promotions, and any context where flexibility and tracking are valuable. Print marketing books on Amazon discuss selection criteria.