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What is RecodeQR? Static vs dynamic QR codes Create your first QR code How to scan a QR code

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Manage your QR codes Track QR code scans Set up a custom domain Receive webhooks API Documentation Create QR codes in Canva Create QR codes in bulk

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FAQs Support

Set up a custom domain

RecodeQR can serve your dynamic QR codes from a subdomain of your own domain, like qr.yourdomain.com, instead of our shared one.

The domain is fixed when you create a code, so set it up before you print. Existing codes can't be moved to it.

Table of Contents

Why use a custom domain?

  • Branding: People see your domain when they scan, not ours.
  • Independence: Your domain's reputation depends only on your own codes, not on how other people use the shared domain.
  • Control: You own the URLs printed on your codes. With custom slugs, you can later point the domain at another service or your own setup.

Choose before you print

Every dynamic QR code holds a link that points to us, on our shared domain or your custom domain. We then redirect people to your destination. You can change that destination at any time, but not the link printed in the code.

1. QR code
    │
    │  qr.yourdomain.com/menu
    │  (printed in the code, fixed forever)
    ▼
2. RecodeQR
    │
    │  redirect & analytics
    │  (change destination at any time)
    ▼
3. your-restaurant.com/seasonal-menu

So you can't move a code from the shared domain to a custom domain later, or the other way round. Pick the right domain before you print or share a code.

Add your domain

Custom domains work with dynamic QR codes only.

  1. Go to Dashboard > Custom Domains.
  2. Click Add custom domain.
  3. Enter a subdomain, like qr.yourdomain.com. Root domains like yourdomain.com aren't supported.
  4. Create the CNAME record shown at your DNS provider. If your domain uses Cloudflare, click Open Cloudflare DNS to open your Cloudflare dashboard, then pick the domain and go to DNS > Records. Someone else manages your DNS? Click Copy instructions and send them the record.
  5. Wait for DNS to propagate. This usually takes minutes but can take up to 24 hours. The setup page checks for the record while it's open, tells you if something looks wrong, and moves on once your domain is live. You can leave and come back to it with Finish setup.

When you create a new dynamic QR code, you can now pick your domain.

Use a custom slug

With a custom domain, you can give a code a readable link like qr.yourdomain.com/menu instead of a generated one like qr.yourdomain.com/c/abc123.

  1. When creating a dynamic QR code, open Naming & link and pick your custom domain.
  2. Enter a slug in the Custom slug field. Use 2 to 48 characters: lowercase letters, digits and hyphens.
  3. Leave the field blank to get a generated link instead.

Good to know:

  • Like the domain, the slug can't be changed after you create the code.
  • A slug must be unique on its domain. Different domains can use the same slug.

What happens when you delete

If you delete a QR code, a custom domain, a workspace or your account, every printed code that depends on it stops working. Scanning it shows a "QR code deactivated" or "QR code not found" notice.

Custom slugs can be reused. If you still control the domain's DNS, you can add the domain again and create a new code with the same slug. Printed codes with that link then go to the new destination.

Generated /c/<id> links can't be reused. Each ID stays reserved forever, so no other code can take it over by accident. If you think you may need to rebuild a link later, use a custom slug.

Troubleshooting

  • Domain isn't live after 24 hours: Check that the CNAME record at your DNS provider matches the one in your dashboard exactly, with no typos or extra dots.
  • Using Cloudflare: Set the CNAME record to DNS only (grey cloud), not proxied. We handle SSL for you.

Need help? Contact support.

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