Introducing Link by Layout: Smarter QR Codes and Short Links for Modern Brands

If your business uses QR codes, short links, print materials, packaging, or social campaigns, you already know how messy link management can get. Static QR codes break when destinations change, random link shorteners look unprofessional, and tracking what is actually working usually ends up scattered across too many tools.

That is exactly why we built Link by Layout.

Link by Layout is a cleaner way to create dynamic QR codes, shorten links, update destinations anytime, and track performance from one simple dashboard. It is built for modern brands, local businesses, agencies, and teams that want their links to look better, work smarter, and stay easy to manage as they grow.

What Link by Layout does

Link by Layout gives you one system to manage both short links and QR codes without the usual clutter. You can create clean short links, generate QR codes for real-world use, update where they go later, and track scans and taps in real time.

That means one QR code can live on menus, packaging, signs, table cards, mailers, and more without becoming useless the second something changes. Instead of reprinting materials or replacing assets, you can simply update the destination inside Link.

The same idea applies to short links. Rather than sending people to long, ugly URLs, you can create cleaner links that are easier to share, easier to trust, and easier to organize.

Built for real-world use

A lot of link tools feel like they were made only for online marketers. Link was built for both physical and digital use.

You can use it for things like:

• restaurant menus

• app download links

• review requests

• product packaging

• event signage

• counter cards

• social bio links

• flyers and posters

• marketing campaigns

The goal is simple. Every touchpoint should lead somewhere measurable, flexible, and easy to update.

Why dynamic QR codes matter

Traditional QR codes are often static, which means once they are printed, they are locked in. If the destination changes, the code is basically dead.

Link fixes that by using dynamic QR codes. You can change the destination later without needing to reprint the code. That makes QR codes much more practical for businesses that are constantly updating menus, links, offers, app pages, landing pages, or promotions.

For example, a coffee shop could print one QR code on table displays and update the destination seasonally. An agency could place the same QR on packaging and change the linked campaign as needed. A business could use the same code for app downloads while redirecting users to the right experience over time.

That flexibility saves time, reduces waste, and keeps printed assets useful much longer.

Cleaner short links, better organization

Short links should not feel like an afterthought. They should look clean, be easy to manage, and fit your brand better.

With Link by Layout, you can:

• create short links

• use custom paths

• edit destinations anytime

• organize links by campaign, company, placement, or purpose

• track redirect activity and engagement

This makes Link useful not just for sharing links, but for building a cleaner system around how your brand routes traffic.

Analytics that are actually useful

Knowing a QR code was scanned is helpful. Knowing when it was scanned, what device was used, and how a campaign is performing over time is what actually helps you make decisions.

Link by Layout gives you real-time tracking so you can see scans, taps, devices, timing, and performance trends in one place. Whether you are running physical signage, product packaging, or digital campaigns, you can stop guessing and start seeing what is actually getting engagement.

That is especially useful for brands running multiple campaigns or placements at once. Instead of treating every QR code or short link like a one-off asset, Link helps you manage everything as part of a real system.

Included with Layout for eligible plans

One of the best parts of Link is that it fits directly into the Layout ecosystem.

If you are on a paid Layout plan, Link can be automatically included depending on your subscription. Link by Layout is included with Layout Pro and Layout Plus, and it can also be purchased separately in the database for businesses that want it on its own.

There is also a free plan available for everyone, which makes it easy to get started with light usage before upgrading.

If you already use Layout, signing in with your Layout account makes the process even easier.

Pricing

Link is designed to stay simple.

Link Starter

Free

Best for solo use or lighter needs.

Includes:

• 5 QR codes

• 10 short links

• 50 scans per QR code per month

• 100 taps per link per month

• editable destinations

• PNG downloads

Link Pro

$9/month or $87/year

Built for higher volume use.

Includes everything in Starter, plus:

• 100 QR codes

• 10,000 total scans per month

• 25,000 total taps per month

• advanced analytics

Add-Ons

Custom Domains

$10/month

For branded routing and cleaner sharing.

Includes:

• custom domain routing

• branded short links like link.yoursite.com

• automatic SSL setup

• DNS connection support

• cleaner shareable URLs

Who Link is for

Link by Layout is a great fit for:

• local businesses

• coffee shops and restaurants

• agencies and freelancers

• product brands

• event teams

• startups

• creators

• service businesses

• brands that want better control over QR and link infrastructure

It is especially useful for businesses that care about both presentation and performance. A clean link looks better, but being able to edit it later and track activity is what makes it truly useful.

A better system for links

The internet does not need more messy URLs, broken QR codes, and scattered analytics. Businesses need a simple system that works across print and digital, keeps assets flexible, and makes engagement easier to track.

That is what Link by Layout is built to do.

It gives you a cleaner way to shorten links, generate QR codes, organize destinations, and track performance without turning something simple into a mess.

Get started with Link by Layout

Whether you need a few QR codes for a local campaign or a full system for branded short links and dynamic routing, Link by Layout gives you a clean place to manage it all.

If you are already on Layout Pro or Layout Plus, you may already have access built in. If not, you can start with the free plan or purchase Link separately.

Smart QR codes and short links, built for modern brands.