QR code API documentation: generate static and dynamic QR codes, bulk creation, updating destinations, and scan analytics. Includes endpoints and examples.
Quick Answer
A QR code API allows your software to request a QR code image by sending data (URL, color) to an endpoint. The API returns the image (PNG/SVG) for you to display or print automatically. This is essential for platforms that need to generate unique codes for every user or order.
Step-by-Step Guide
Obtain an API Key from your QR provider.
Send a POST request with the 'destination' URL and 'type' (static/dynamic).
Store the returned 'qr_id' and image URL in your database.
For dynamic codes, use the PATCH endpoint to update the destination later.
Use GET endpoints to retrieve scan analytics programmatically.
Note: QRMaster API Coming Soon
The QRMaster API is currently in development. The documentation below explains standard QR code API concepts and workflows to help you plan your integrations. Stay tuned for our official release!
QR Code API Documentation: Generate, Manage, and Track QR Codes
A QR code API allows you to generate and manage QR codes programmatically - ideal for SaaS platforms, ticketing systems, CRMs, packaging workflows, and bulk marketing campaigns. According to REST API Best Practices documentation, a well-designed API is essential for seamless integration. Instead of creating QR codes manually, you can generate thousands of codes via requests, attach them to database records, and update destinations when campaigns change.
This "docs light" page is designed to explain the API concepts: clear use cases, standard endpoints, and example flows.
Who needs a QR code API?
A QR code API is useful if you:
create QR codes for customers (multi-tenant SaaS)
generate unique QR codes per order, ticket, or user
run bulk offline campaigns (many placements, many codes)
need dynamic QR codes (update destination later)
want analytics (scan counts, time series, device insights)
QR code platforms commonly offer API access for dynamic QR generation and management, and there are also simpler public APIs for basic QR creation.
API concepts (keep it simple)
Static vs Dynamic (API perspective)
Static QR: encodes the final destination directly (cannot be changed)
Dynamic QR: encodes a short redirect ID you can update later
Internal link: Dynamic vs Static.
Authentication
Most QR APIs use:
API keys (simple)
Bearer tokens (more flexible)
OAuth (enterprise)
Rate limits
For bulk usage, rate limits matter. Typical patterns:
requests per minute
daily cap per plan
burst handling
That's why API is often tied to business plans.
Endpoint structure (example)
Below is a clean, "expected" REST layout. Adjust names to match your product.
1) Create a QR code
Create either a static or dynamic QR code.
POST /v1/qr
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json
{
"type": "dynamic",
"destination": "https://yourdomain.com/offer?utm_source=poster",
"name": "Poster_Cafe_Jan2026",
"format": "png",
"size": 1024
}
Response:
{
"id": "qr_12345",
"short_url": "https://yourbrand.com/r/abc123",
"image_url": "https://api.yourbrand.com/v1/qr/qr_12345/image.png"
}
2) Update a dynamic QR destination
This is the #1 reason businesses choose dynamic codes.
PATCH /v1/qr/{id}
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json
{
"destination": "https://yourdomain.com/new-dest"
}
Dynamic QR APIs explicitly highlight the ability to create and update dynamic QR codes programmatically.
3) Bulk create QR codes
Bulk endpoints are important for:
spreadsheet imports
ticket batches
product SKUs
POST /v1/qr/bulk
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json
{
"type": "dynamic",
"items": [
{"name": "BoothBanner", "destination": "https://...utm_content=banner"},
{"name": "Flyer", "destination": "https://...utm_content=flyer"}
]
}
Internal link: Bulk Generation Guide.
4) Fetch scan analytics
If you offer tracking, analytics endpoints are a major B2B selling point.
GET /v1/qr/{id}/analytics?from=2026-01-01&to=2026-01-31
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Response example:
{
"total_scans": 1842,
"daily_scans": [ {"date": "2026-01-10", "scans": 120} ],
"devices": {"iOS": 58, "Android": 42}
}
Common workflows (copy-ready explanations)
Workflow A: SaaS onboarding QR
User signs up
Your backend calls POST /v1/qr to create a dynamic QR
Store qr_id in your database
Render QR in the user dashboard
If user changes destination, call PATCH /v1/qr/{id}
Workflow B: Event ticketing
Generate one QR per ticket (unique payload)
Attach QR to PDF ticket
Validate ticket via check-in app (your system)
Use tracking analytics to monitor entries and peak times
Workflow C: Packaging / SKUs
Generate a QR per product variant
Print QR on packaging
Route to a dynamic landing page that can change by region/time
Use analytics to learn which products drive engagement
Pricing and access
Keep this section commercial and simple:
API included in Business plan
Higher limits for Enterprise
Bulk endpoints included
Analytics included
Wrap-up
A QR code API turns QR creation into infrastructure: scalable, trackable, and editable. If your users need bulk creation, dynamic updates, or analytics, API is one of the strongest "commercial intent" pages on your site.
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