Dynamic QR Code Generator

Included Files

• index.html
• Code.gs
• api.php
• db.json
• go.php

For those who would like to customise the interface

I am happy to edit the template and provide you with an updated index.html. Please send me an email along with the colours to change. An additional charge of £10.00 is applicable.

QR codes are everywhere, but most people are still relying on static tools that lock them into a single destination URL. That creates a problem. Once printed or distributed, you cannot change where the code points without replacing it entirely.

This project solves that.

I’ve built a lightweight, fully deployable dynamic QR code generator that gives you full control over your codes. It allows you to generate high-resolution QR codes, update their destination at any time, and automatically log usage data to Google Sheets.

This is not just a generator. It is a simple, scalable system.

What you’ll need before you start

• A web hosting account with PHP support
• Your hosting FTP or SFTP login details (hostname, username, password, port)
• FileZilla – free FTP software available at filezilla-project.org (or similar file transfer app)
• Visual Studio Code – free code editor at code.visualstudio.com (or similar code editor)
• A Google account (for Google Sheets and Apps Script)
• The project files from the qr-generator-universal folder

What This QR Code Generator Does

At its core, the tool separates the QR code from the destination URL.

Instead of encoding a final URL directly into the QR code, it encodes a unique ID. That ID is then resolved dynamically through a lookup table stored in Google Sheets. This means you can change the destination at any time without touching the QR code itself.

The system includes:

• Generation of 1000 × 1000 px QR codes suitable for print and digital use
• Dynamic URL routing via a unique identifier
• Editable destination links through Google Sheets
• Automatic logging of scans and activity
• Customisable QR code colours
• A simple browser-based interface built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Why This Approach Matters

Most ‘free’ QR code tools are either static or tied to subscription platforms. That introduces risk, cost, and a lack of control.

By contrast, this setup is:

• Platform-independent: Runs on any standard web hosting account
• Low-cost: No ongoing subscription required
• Flexible: Update URLs instantly without regenerating codes
• Trackable: Every interaction can be logged and analysed
• Scalable: Suitable for small projects through to operational use cases

For anyone working in marketing, operations, events, or public services, this level of control is essential.

Built for Control, Not Dependency

One of the main goals behind this project was to remove reliance on third-party QR platforms. This is particularly relevant for organisations handling public-facing assets, where control and accountability matter.

You retain:

• Full ownership of your data
• Full control over routing logic
• The ability to extend or customise the system
• Transparency over how scans are tracked and stored

Dynamic QR codes are not new, but accessible, self-hosted implementations are surprisingly rare. This project bridges that gap. It gives you a practical, deployable solution without unnecessary complexity or vendor lock-in. If you regularly use QR codes in your work, it’s worth moving beyond static tools. The flexibility alone will save time, reduce cost, and improve how you manage digital touchpoints.