The Bitly API supports two approaches to QR Code generation: a full-featured endpoint for customizable, trackable QR Codes, and a high-volume static endpoint for generating large quantities of simple codes at scale. Both require a POST request — which endpoint you use depends on whether you need analytics, dynamic redirect, and customization, or just volume.
Links and QR Codes created via the API count towards your monthly limits.
In this article:
- Make a QR Code for an existing link
- Make a QR Code without a link
- Use the updated QR Code endpoint
-
Create static QR Codes at high volume
Make a QR Code for an existing link
If you're making a QR Code for an existing link, include that link in the destination field. For example:
"destination": {
"bitlink_id": "bit.ly/abc123"
},
Make a QR Code without a link
If there isn't an existing link for the QR Code's destination URL, put the long URL in the destination field instead:
"destination": {
"long_url": "https://example.com/123"
},
Note: Making a QR Code without an existing link requires using the updated version of the QR Code endpoint.
Use the updated QR Code endpoint
Bitly released a new version of our QR Code endpoint. This new endpoint has more functionality, allowing you to create QR Codes without associated links, create GS1-compliant 2D Barcodes, and more.
Visit v4/qr-codes on our dev site for information specific to the requests you can make to this new endpoint. Note that for a POST request, most of these fields are optional. To view an example of a simple request, select Minimal in the dropdown menu on the sample request on the right side of the page.
Create static QR Codes at high volume
If your team needs to generate QR Codes at scale — for product labeling, retail packaging, or compliance workflows — Bitly's high-volume static QR Code endpoint is available as an add-on for Enterprise accounts. To add this to your account, contact your account team.
Once enabled, the endpoint lets you generate up to 500,000 static QR Codes per hour via API.
What this endpoint supports:
- Static QR Code generation at high volume.
- Output in SVG or PNG format.
- Single-color customization.
What this endpoint does not include:
- Scan tracking or analytics.
- Dynamic redirect — codes cannot be updated after generation.
- Logo overlays, gradients, or multi-color designs.
- A dashboard or UI — access is API-only.
- Bitly link creation or link management.
For full static QR Code documentation, visit v4/qr-codes/static on the Bitly dev site.