Canva is a powerful design platform that allows you to create different kinds of visuals including QR Codes for URLs, PDFs, business cards, flyers, brochures, etc. And, we know that the use of QR codes has been increasing every year along with its customization approaches and creativity like color, logos, and patterns for unique branding.
With its easy-to-use interface, Canva is a common choice. However, it might not be the best option for people looking for more advanced and dynamic features. For example, in Canva, you can only create a QR code for a URL and not for any other actions.
In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities of Canva along with its limitations and alternatives to choose from, using a side-by-side comparison. Let’s dig in!
What is a Canva QR Code?
A Canva QR Code is simply a QR Code generated with Canva that can be used in any of its designs. You can create it for free and insert a URL link to it. You can customize its background color, foreground color, and margin.
What features does Canva provide for QR Codes?
As for features, Canva only allows you to customize the colors and margin of the QR Code. Plus, you can only create static QR Codes (without external app integrations) and not dynamic ones. You cannot add custom artistic design options like shapes, patterns, logos, etc.
Static QR Codes contain fixed information that cannot be altered once created, whereas dynamic QR Codes allow for destination data to be updated even after printing, offering greater flexibility and the ability to track scan analytics.
How do you create a QR Code on Canva?
Creating a static QR code on Canva is fairly easy. You can do it with the following steps:
1. Open up a new design or on your existing design, click on ‘Apps’ on the left-hand side.
2. Search for ‘QR Code’ and select the first option, called ‘QR code’. A window similar to the one below will appear on the left-hand side of your design.
3. Paste the URL you want the QR code to link to and click on ‘Generate code’.
4. Optimize your QR colors and margins using the customizations available and click on ‘Update code’.
Note: You can create dynamic QR Codes on Canva using other app integrations. However, you would require the API key for the respective app which is only provided to paid users.
What are some alternatives to create QR Codes apart from Canva?
While Canva is a great tool for creating simple QR codes, there are several other platforms that offer similar or advanced customization options. Here are some popular alternatives:
1. The QR Code Generator
The QR Code Generator is a free tool that can create QR codes linking to URLs, PDFs, contacts, multiple URLs, plain text, apps, emails, etc. It can be used by individuals, small businesses and mid-market companies.
Top features:
- Create different types of QR Codes like static and dynamic QR Codes.
- You can track your QR Codes using campaign URLs or UTMs.
- You can enable your QR Code with GPS tracking.
- Customize the design of the QR Code with different shapes, colors, patterns, logos inside for better user engagement.
- Download your QR Codes in different formats like PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.
- You get powerful QR Code analytics with scan data, user data, city, devices, country, location, and time.
Along with the free version, you also get a 14-day free trial period with all the advanced QR Code features in The QR Code Generator.
Canva vs The QR Code Generator
| Feature | Canva | The QR Code Generator |
| QR Code Types | Static (URL only) | Static & Dynamic (URL, PDF, text, email, etc.) |
| Customization | Limited (colors & margin only) | Extensive (colors, patterns, logos, shapes) |
| QR Code Tracking | Not available | Available (scan data, location, device, etc.) |
| Formats Available | PNG and JPG | PNG, SVG, PDF |
| API & Integrations | Requires paid subscription | Available with advanced plans |
| GPS Tracking | Not available | Available |
| Free Version | Yes (basic) | Yes (basic) + 14-day free trial |
| Best For | Basic QR codes for designs | Businesses, marketing, analytics |
2. Uniqode QR Code Generator
Uniqode is a powerful QR code generator designed for businesses and marketers who need advanced customization, security, and tracking features. It allows users to create various types of QR codes beyond just URLs, making it ideal for professional use.
Top features:
- Create multiple types of QR Codes, including static, dynamic, vCard, PDF, app download, SMS, and more.
- Ready-to-use templates to create your QR Code with minimal effort.
- Advanced customization options with colors, brand logos, and unique patterns.
- Real-time analytics with scan tracking, device type, location, and engagement metrics.
- Enterprise-level security with GDPR and SOC-2 compliance.
- Bulk QR code generation for businesses and marketing campaigns.
- API access for developers to integrate QR codes into their platforms.
- Editable and dynamic QR codes that can be updated without reprinting.
Uniqode QR Code Generator also offers a free trial along with premium features suited for businesses, agencies, and enterprises. Plus, if you get onboarded with the paid version, you get access to the app API that can be integrated with Canva.
Canva vs Uniqode QR Code Generator
| Feature | Canva | Uniqode QR Code Generator |
| QR Code Types | Static (URL only) | Static & Dynamic (URL, vCard, PDF, SMS, app download, etc.) |
| Customization | Limited (colors & margin) | Extensive (colors, patterns, logos, shapes) |
| QR Code Tracking | Not available | Available (real-time scan tracking, location, device type, etc.) |
| Formats Available | PNG and JPG | PNG, SVG, PDF, EPS, JPG, |
| Security & Compliance | Not available | GDPR & SOC-2 compliant for enterprise security |
| Bulk QR Code Generation | Not available | Available |
| API & Integrations | Requires paid subscription | Available for developers & businesses |
| Editable QR Codes | Not available | Available (The destination of dynamic QR codes can be updated) |
| Free Version | Yes (basic) | Free trial available |
| Best For | Simple QR codes for designs | Businesses, marketing, security, and advanced tracking |
3. QR Code Monkey
QR Code Monkey is a free online tool that enables users to generate customized QR codes for various purposes, including URLs, text, email, phone numbers, WiFi access, and more. It’s designed to be accessible for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises seeking a straightforward solution for QR Code creation.
Top features:
- Offers options to add logos, choose colors, and select different styles to make QR codes visually appealing.
- Provides high-resolution QR codes suitable for print, with downloadable formats.
- Features a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create QR codes without technical expertise.
- Allows unlimited scans and does not impose expiration dates on generated QR codes.
Canva vs QR Code Monkey
| Feature | Canva | QR Code Monkey |
| QR Code Types | Static (URL only) | Static (URL, text, email, etc.) |
| Customization | Basic (colors) | Advanced (colors, logos, styles) |
| Dynamic QR Codes | Not supported | Not supported |
| Tracking & Analytics | Not available | Not available |
| Output Formats | PNG and JPG | PNG, SVG, PDF, EPS |
| Ease of Use | Integrated within the design platform | Dedicated QR code generation tool |
4. Flowcode
Flowcode is an enterprise QR Code technology platform that also has a free QR Code Generator with different scan destinations like URLs, file, SMS, email, social accounts, and documents. You can customize and download the QR Code only after entering your email information or doing an SSO login.
Top features:
- Design QR codes with unique shapes, colors, and logos to align with your brand identity.
- Access real-time data on scans, including location, time, and device type, enabling you to measure engagement.
- Flowcode complies with GDPR and CCPA standards.
- Flowcode integrates with platforms like Google Analytics to enrich your marketing funnel and retarget audiences effectively.
Canva vs Flowcode
| Feature | Canva | Flowcode |
| QR Code Types | Static (URL only) | Dynamic (editable destinations) |
| Customization | Basic (colors) | Advanced (colors, shapes, logos) |
| Analytics | Not available | Real-time scan data |
| Integration | Limited | Extensive with marketing tools |
| Privacy Compliance | General Compliance | GDPR and CCPA-compliant |
| Best For | Simple design projects | Enterprises requiring extensive integrations |
Also read: Top Flowcode competitors
5. Adobe Express
Adobe Express provides a free online QR code generator that allows users to create customized QR codes quickly. Users can input a URL, customize the style and color to match their branding, and download the QR code in various formats such as PNG, JPG, and SVG.
Top features:
- You can customize the QR Code style for dots, marker borders and marker center.
- You can choose from only five colors in the free tool of Adobe Express
- Download the QR Code file formats: PNG, JPG, and SVG.
- You can open the QR Code in the Adobe Express app by logging into your account.
Note: You cannot download the QR Code without signing up for an Adobe Express account.
Canva vs Adobe Express
| Feature | Canva | Adobe Express |
| User Interface | Intuitive drag-and-drop interface suitable for beginners. | User-friendly interface with seamless integration into the Adobe ecosystem. |
| QR Code Templates | Over 250,000 free templates available on the paid version. | Access to over 100,000 templates, including premium options. |
| Design Elements | Access to over 100 million design elements, including photos and videos. | Access to Adobe Stock for high-quality images and assets. |
| Integration | Integrates with various third-party applications. | Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications. |
| Best For | Users seeking a straightforward, template-rich platform with strong collaboration capabilities. | Users preferring integration with Adobe’s suite of products and access to high-quality assets from Adobe Stock. |
6. QR Code Generator Pro
QR Code Generator is a comprehensive platform that enables users to create, design, manage, and track QR Codes for various applications. You have to log in to download your QR code.
Note: While QR Code Generator offers a free version with basic features, access to advanced functionalities like Dynamic QR Codes and analytics requires a subscription.
Top features:
- Offers multiple QR Code types, such as URL, vCard, Plain Text, Email, SMS, WiFi, and more.
- Allows users to personalize QR Codes by adding logos, changing colors, and selecting different frames.
- Enables the creation of Dynamic QR Codes, which can be edited even after printing.
- Offers QR Code downloads in various high-resolution formats, such as JPG, PNG, SVG, and EPS.
Canva vs QR Code Generator Pro
| Feature | Canva | QR Code Generator |
| QR Code Types | Primarily supports static QR Codes linking to URLs. | Supports various types, including URL, vCard, Text, Email, SMS, WiFi, and more. |
| Customization | Limited to basic color changes; lacks advanced customization features. | Extensive options, including colors, logos, frames, and design patterns. |
| Dynamic QR Codes | Does not support Dynamic QR Codes; content is fixed after creation. | Offers Dynamic QR Codes with editable content post-creation on the paid version. |
| Analytics and Tracking | Does not offer analytics or tracking capabilities. | Provides detailed scan analytics, including time, location, and device information. |
| Output Formats | Provides downloads in standard formats like PNG and JPG. | High-resolution downloads in JPG, SVG, and EPS formats. |
What is the easiest way to create a QR Code?
Almost any of the above tools will let you create a QR Code easily for free as long as you don’t want advanced analytics and tracking. Let’s take a tool that does not oblige you to log in to download your QR Code.
Here are the steps to create a QR Code using The QR Code Generator:
- Choose QR Code type: Select the desired type (e.g., URL, email, phone number, etc).
- Input information: Enter the relevant details for the selected QR code type.
- Customize (optional): Apply your preferred brand colors, and your brand logo, or choose a frame to personalize your QR code as per your choice.
- Download QR Code: Click ‘Download’ to save the QR code to your device as PNG, SVG, or JPG.
- Adjust file settings (optional): Rename the file, change its format, or resize it as needed before finalizing the download. 38 x 38 px for a 1cm x 1cm QR is ideal.
Final Verdict: Choosing the best QR Code generator
Although selecting a good QR Code generator may not seem as big of a deal, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure it aligns with your specific needs. For example, ensure that it suffices with what kind of QR Code you want: static or dynamic, and if the tool provides it.
Look for tools that offer design flexibility, such as color changes, logo insertion, and unique patterns, to match your branding. If monitoring scan performance is crucial, opt for generators that provide detailed analytics and tracking capabilities. Above all, a user-friendly interface rules everything.
The QR Code Generator stands out as a top choice here. With its comprehensive free features, it also provides high-resolution downloads in multiple formats, ensuring versatility across different applications.
