Guides 10 min read

The Developer's Guide to QR Code APIs: Build, Route, and Track at Scale

A technical guide for developers integrating QR code generation, dynamic routing, and scan analytics into their applications via REST API.

Most QR code services are built for marketers — point-and-click dashboards with no API. If you're a developer building QR functionality into a product, you need an API-first platform.

Why API-First Matters

  • Automate everything — Generate, update, and delete QR codes programmatically
  • Embed in your product — Let your users create QR codes from your app
  • Scale operations — Handle thousands of codes without manual work
  • Custom workflows — Integrate with CI/CD, CMS, or e-commerce platforms

Authentication

curl -H "x-api-key: qr_live_abc123" https://api.scanstack.dev/v2/qr

Keys are scoped to your account. Create multiple keys for different environments.

Core Endpoints

MethodEndpointDescription
POST/v2/qrCreate a QR code
POST/v2/bulkBulk create (up to 100)
POST/v2/qr/:id/rulesConditional redirect rule
POST/v2/qr/:id/ab-testA/B test
POST/v2/qr/:id/automationsScan automation
POST/v2/webhooksWebhook
GET/v2/qr/:id/scansScan analytics

Error Handling

{ "error": "QR code not found" }  // 404
{ "error": "Rate limit exceeded" } // 429
{ "error": "target_url is required" } // 400

Rate Limits

  • Starter — 5,000 requests/day
  • Pro — 50,000 requests/day
  • Business — Unlimited

Scans (redirects) are always unlimited on all plans. See the full reference in our API documentation.