How to Generate QR Codes in Canva

If, like many businesses, you want to take advantage of the benefits QR codes offer but don’t know how to generate them, I recommend Canva.

You’ll need to use one of Canva’s integrated apps to generate your QR code. These apps are available in the “Apps” tab, accessible from the sidebar on Canva’s homepage and in the side panel of any design page you’re editing.

The choice of which app to use depends on whether you want to generate a static or dynamic QR code. Static QR codes are permanent and cannot be edited once created. They’re ideal for fixed information like contact details or social media profile links. In contrast, dynamic QR codes are flexible — they allow you to update the information later without changing the code itself. They also enable you to track scan analytics. Dynamic QR codes are perfect for marketing campaigns or restaurant menus, for example.

You’ll also need to consider the type of QR code you want to generate. Is it a URL QR code, vCard, Email, Wi-Fi, phone call, multimedia, or something else?

So, which applications in Canva allow you to generate QR codes?

These apps offer basic features for creating simple static QR codes. They are easy to use, with some personalisation options.

Some apps in this category are:

The QR Code app created by Canva allows you to enter or paste a URL into the input field to generate a static QR code in seconds. You can also customise the QR code by changing the background and foreground colours and adjusting the margin. The code can be generated on a blank page and downloaded as an image, or added directly to an existing design.

Pros:

• Free and simple to use
• No subscription required
• Basic customisation options available

Limitations :

• ICannot generate dynamic QR codes
• Only supports one type of QR code (URL QR code)

Another app available in Canva for generating static QR codes for free is Gen QR. Compared to Canva’s own QR app, Gen QR offers more personalisation options. For instance, you can add your logo to the QR code, change the colours, adjust the pattern and corner shapes, and then either add the code to your design or export it in the format of your choice (PNG, SVG, JPEG, or WEBP).

Pros:

• Free and easy to use
• No subscription required
• Many personalisation options for a more original static QR code
• Download available in various formats

Limitations :

• Only generates static QR codes
• Only supports one type of QR code (URL QR code)

Contact QR allows you to generate static vCard QR codes for free to share your contact information. You fill in details like your name, position, company, email, phone number, website, and social media links. Once generated, the code appears in your Uploads tab, ready to be added to your designs.

Pros:

• Free and no subscription needed
• Basic customisation (foreground/background colours)

Limitations :

• Limited to static vCard QR codes

This app requires you to create or already have a Bitly account. You can generate up to 2 free static QR codes per month and 10 Bitly links. Paid plans start at $8/month.

Pros:

• Integration with Bitly for short links
• Option to access scan analytics

Limitations :

• Limited to 2 static QR codes for free per month
• Subscription required for advanced features

These apps are ideal if you need to generate many QR codes at once.

Some apps in this category include:

Read, Bulk QR allows you to generate multiple types of static QR codes simultaneously (links, text, email, SMS, Wi-Fi, MeCard). You can also customise colours and backgrounds.

Pros:

• Generate multiple static QR code types at once
• Basic customisation options

Limitations :

• Cannot generate dynamic QR codes

QR Batch allows you to generate a batch of up to 200 static QR codes for free. Just enter or paste multiple links into the input field to generate the codes. You can also customise colours, add your logo, and adjust margins.

Pros:

• Free, no subscription needed
• Generate multiple QR codes instantly
• Personalisation options

Limitations :

• Only generates static QR codes

These apps allow you to create dynamic QR codes , codes whose content can be updated later and which offer scan tracking.

Apps in this category include:

You’ll need to create a Hovercode account or log in if you already have one. You can generate up to 10 dynamic QR codes for free. Beyond that, you’ll need a $12/month subscription. You can also delete older, unused QR codes to stay within the free quota.

Hovercode also allows you to generate an unlimited number of static QR codes for free and offers 15 templates to choose from (unlike Canva’s built-in app, which only has one). You can also customise your QR code (add a logo in the centre, change colours, etc.).

Pros:

• Unlimited static QR codes for free
• Up to 10 dynamic QR codes free
• Personalisation options available

Limitations :

• Subscription needed beyond 10 dynamic codes
• Only URL QR code creation available within Canva (for other types like PDFs, Wi-Fi, App Store, vCard, Email, SMS, Phone, etc., use the Hovercode website).

QrDy allows you to generate various types of dynamic QR codes (URL, app store, Wi-Fi, phone call). However, the free dynamic URL QR code first redirects through QrDy’s site before reaching the final destination. You’re allowed 2 free dynamic codes; after that, you must pay for a subscription: $15/year, $8/3 months, or $3/month.

The Pro Plan also gives you access to scan analytics, removes watermarks, and increases scan speed.

Pros:

• Free dynamic QR codes without account creation
• Supports several types of dynamic QR codes

Limitations :

• Only 2 free dynamic QR codes
• Free URL codes redirect via QrDy’s site
• Paid subscription required for direct redirection and advanced features

FlowQR requires you to create an account. It allows the creation of customisable dynamic QR codes (colours, patterns, logo). Tracking and editing are done via their website.

Their plans:

• Free: 2 dynamic QR codes, up to 500 scans
• $5/month: 10 QR codes, up to 2,000 scans
• $25/month: 50 QR codes, up to 6,000 scans
• Custom plan: For 150+ QR codes and 10,000+ scans

Pros:

• Customisable dynamic QR codes
• Access to analytics and content editing

Limitations :

• Account and subscription required for advanced features
• Analytics only accessible via Flowcode’s website

These apps provide advanced options for creating artistic QR codes or ones that include multimedia, like video and audio, including AI-generated visuals.

Apps in this category include:

This app lets you create basic static QR codes with customisation (shapes, colours, margins) and also AI-generated artistic QR codes.

You’ll need to create an account and use credits to generate artistic codes. You get 25 free credits on signup for non-commercial use. These QR codes include watermarks. The annual subscription is $84, which includes 1,000 credits/month for commercial, watermark-free QR codes.

Pros:

• Customisation options
• AI-generated artistic QR codes
• 25 free starter credits

Limitations :

• Account and credits needed for artistic QR codes
• $84/year for watermark-free, commercial usage

Mojo AI lets you create AI-generated artistic QR codes for URLs and vCards. Upon signing up, you get 75 free credits. Additional credits must be purchased:

• $1.99 = 75 credits
• $6.29 = 300 credits
• $12.99 = 675 credits
• $49.99 = 3,000 credits
• $99.99 = 8,000 credits

Pros:

• Artistic QR codes generated by AI
• 75 free credits initially

Limitations :

• Account required
• Only supports URL and vCard QR codes

This app generates AI-powered artistic QR codes, mostly for URLs. No account is needed. You get 4 free credits per day. A subscription of $4.99/month gives you extra credits.

Pros:

• AI-generated QR codes
• No account required

Limitations :

• Limited to URL QR codes
• Free credits are limited without a subscription

Ecardify allows you to record and share video or audio messages via QR codes. You can also use it to collect testimonials by video or audio directly in your email inbox.

Pros:

• Record and share audio/video messages
• Collect testimonials by email

Limitations :

• Requires an ecardify account
• Limited for use outside video/audio QR codes

These require using an external platform to generate QR codes, which can then be imported into your Canva designs.

Apps in this category include:

Requires a ME-QR account. You can create several types of QR codes (links, images, restaurant menus, email, vCard, etc.) on their site and then use them in Canva. You cannot generate the codes directly inside Canva.

Pros:

• Multiple QR code types

Limitations :

• Must use ME-QR’s website

Uniqode allows you to create static and dynamic QR codes for various uses. The QR codes are generated on their website and can be integrated into Canva after logging in. Uniqode allows you to create QR codes that redirect users to a website, a mobile bio page, a PDF file, a restaurant menu, or a form to collect responses. It is also possible to create QR codes for mobile applications, Google Maps locations, promo codes, images, MP3 audio files, emails, phone calls, text messages, and even to display a Facebook page or business details.

Pros:

• Generation of various types of QR codes
• 14-day free trial
• Advanced features available with a subscription

Limitations :

• Requires an account and access through their website
• Advanced features require a paid subscription

You must generate codes on their website before using them in Canva. QR Tiger lets you create unlimited static QR codes for free. Dynamic codes are available with paid plans. You can create QR codes for:
URL, vCard, files, link-in-bio, menus, landing pages, Google Forms, multi-URL, App Store, Wi-Fi, MP3, emails, text messages, SMS, events, locations, and more.

Pros:

• Unlimited static QR codes (free)
• Many types available

Limitations :

• Account required
• Dynamic codes are part of paid plans

Integrating QR codes into your marketing strategy helps create a direct link between your audience and your digital resources. Canva, with its wide range of apps, makes it easy to share information and customise your designs. Choose the tool that best suits your needs — keeping user experience in mind. When used effectively, QR codes can be a true asset to your digital communication strategy.