QRmkr vs TinyURL
TinyURL is a link shortener that also draws a QR code. That distinction explains everything below.
TinyURL is one of the oldest names in link shortening, and like most shorteners it now renders a QR code for any link you create. If you already shorten links there, generating a code is one more click and costs nothing extra. The trade is that the code is an output of a link tool rather than the thing being designed: styling is limited, and print concerns like SVG export and scannability under logo overlay are not what the product is built around.
QRmkr vs TinyURL at a glance
| Feature | QRmkr | TinyURL |
|---|---|---|
| Free static QR codes | Free forever, never expire | QR image from a shortened link |
| Editable destination | Yes - edit destination after printing | Link editing on paid plans |
| Scan / click analytics | Real-time scans: time, device, location | Click stats on paid plans |
| Design control on the code | Logo & branded codes included on Pro | Limited |
| SVG export for print | Every plan | Limited |
| Link shortening as a product | Redirect only, not a shortener | Core product |
| Branded short domain | Not offered | On paid plans |
QRmkr details match our pricing page. Comparison reflects general product positioning and may change; check each provider's site for current details.
Make a QR code right here, free
No sign-up, no email, no watermark. Pick a type, paste your link, and download it as a PNG or SVG - the code never expires.
Design & brandingcolors · logo · frames
Center logos use 30% error correction so the code still scans.
Want to edit or track this?
This makes a static code (permanent). Create a free account for dynamic codes you can edit after printing, with scan analytics.
Make it dynamic →Free forever · No watermark · Never expires
Or make it art. Same code, still scans.
Animated
When TinyURL is the better pick
People whose real job is shortening and managing links, where the QR image is a convenience on top of a link they were making anyway.
When QRmkr is the better pick
People whose real job is the printed code: a menu, a sign, a label. You need vector export, styling that stays scannable, and per-scan data rather than click counts.
Why teams pick QRmkr
Vector export on every plan
SVG is what a printer wants. It stays sharp at any size, which a PNG from a link tool will not.
Styling that knows when to stop
Logo, colour and pattern with a live scannability preview, so branding does not quietly cost you scans.
Scan data, not just clicks
Time, device and rough location per scan, framed around placements rather than campaigns.
Looking for a TinyURL alternative?
QRmkr is a focused TinyURL alternative for businesses that print: create a free code, upgrade to a dynamic one you can edit after printing, and watch every scan roll in. Use TinyURL if link management is the job and the code is a bonus. Use QRmkr if the code is the job.
FAQ
Is a TinyURL QR code good enough for print?
For a flyer at small scale, often yes. For anything scaled up or laminated, you want an SVG and a scannability check, which is where a dedicated generator earns its place.
Can I use both?
Yes, and some people do. Shorten in TinyURL if that is your workflow, then generate the printable code here pointing at whatever destination you like.
Can I change where the QR code points after printing?
Yes - with a dynamic QR code. It encodes a short redirect link, so you can update the destination anytime from your dashboard and every printed copy instantly points to the new URL. Static codes encode the destination directly and can't be changed.
Do these QR codes expire?
No. Static QR codes are free forever and never expire - they encode your destination directly and don't depend on our servers. Dynamic codes keep working as long as your account is active, and you can pause or re-point them whenever you like.
Can I track how many people scan it?
Yes. Dynamic QR codes come with real-time scan analytics: total scans plus device, location, and time-of-day breakdowns, so you can see exactly which placement is working. Scan tracking is part of the Pro plan.
Is there a watermark on the QR code?
No. Every QR code you create - free or paid - is watermark-free and downloadable as a crisp PNG or scalable SVG, ready for print at any size.
Do I need an app to scan the code?
No. Every modern iPhone and Android camera scans QR codes natively - just point the camera at the code and tap the link that appears. No special app required.
What's the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?
A static code encodes your destination directly into the pattern, so it works forever without any server but can never be changed. A dynamic code encodes a short redirect we host, so the printed pattern stays the same while you edit where it goes - and every scan gets logged.
How small can I print a QR code?
As a rule of thumb a code scans from about ten times its own width, so a 2 x 2 cm code reads comfortably at arm's length. Keep dark modules on a light background, leave a clear white margin around the code, and test-scan the final print before you order a run.
Can I put my logo in the middle of the code?
Yes, on Pro. QR codes carry enough error correction to survive a logo in the centre, and the design studio previews scannability as you go so you can see when a logo is getting too large.
What happens to my codes if I stop paying?
Your static codes are unaffected - they never depended on our servers in the first place. Dynamic codes rely on the redirect layer, so plan printed campaigns with that in mind.
Is it really free to start?
Yes. Unlimited static QR codes cost nothing, need no card, and carry no watermark. One dynamic code is included free so you can try editing a destination before deciding whether Pro is worth it.
Before you print it
If the code you are about to print may ever need to point somewhere else, create it as a dynamic QR code you can edit after printing. The printed pattern never changes; only the destination behind it does.
Try QRmkr free - no card required
Create a code in seconds. Make it dynamic to edit anytime and track every scan.
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