How to Make a QR Code in Canva (and Why You Might Want a Better Option)

Canva has a built-in QR code generator that makes it easy to add QR codes to your designs — flyers, business cards, posters, social media graphics, and more. It's free, fast, and works directly in the Canva editor.

In this guide, we'll show you how to create QR codes in Canva step by step, and explain when you might want a dedicated QR code tool instead.

Open an existing design in Canva or create a new one. QR codes work in any design type — social posts, presentations, flyers, business cards, etc.

1. 1Click Apps in the left sidebar
2. 2Search for QR Code
3. 3Click the QR Code app (built-in to Canva)

1. 1Paste the URL you want the QR code to link to
2. 2Click Generate QR Code
3. 3The QR code appears on your canvas

Canva lets you adjust:

• Color — change the foreground color of the QR code
• Background — change or remove the background color
• Size — resize by dragging the corners
• Position — move it anywhere on your design

Export your design in your preferred format (PNG, JPG, PDF). The QR code is embedded in the exported file.

QR codes need strong contrast between the foreground and background to scan reliably. Dark codes on light backgrounds work best. Avoid:

• Light gray on white
• Similar colors for foreground and background
• Busy background images behind the QR code

QR codes need blank space (a "quiet zone") around them to scan properly. Don't place design elements right up against the edges of the code.

Always test your QR code by scanning it with your phone before sending it to print. Different phones and scanning apps can behave differently.

For printed materials, make your QR code at least 2cm × 2cm (about 0.8 × 0.8 inches). Smaller codes may not scan reliably, especially from a distance. See our print marketing QR code guide for detailed sizing recommendations.

Canva's QR code tool is convenient for simple use cases, but it has significant limitations:

Canva generates a static QR code that points directly to your URL. You can't see how many times it's been scanned, when, or from where. For marketing campaigns, this is a major blind spot.

Once you generate and print a Canva QR code, the destination URL is fixed. If you need to change where the code points — updating a menu, fixing a typo, or redirecting to a new campaign page — you'd need to reprint everything.

You get zero data about your QR code scans:

• No scan count
• No geographic data
• No device breakdown
• No time-of-day patterns

Canva's QR codes are basic black-and-white squares. You can change colors, but you can't:

• Add a logo in the center
• Use custom shapes or patterns
• Adjust error correction levels
• Choose between different QR code styles

You can't add retargeting pixels to Canva QR codes. With a dedicated tool, scanned users can be added to your ad audiences for remarketing.

For any QR code used in marketing — print ads, packaging, event materials, direct mail — you want tracking and the ability to update the destination.

Here's the workflow:

1. 1Create a trackable short link in Linkly pointing to your destination URL
2. 2Generate a QR code for that short link — Linkly creates one automatically
3. 3Use the QR code in Canva — download the QR code image and place it in your Canva design
4. 4Track scans in Linkly's dashboard — see scan count, location, device, and timing

This gives you the best of both worlds: Canva's design tools plus real analytics.

• Track scans — see how many people scan your code and where they're located
• Update the destination — change where the QR code points without reprinting
• Add retargeting pixels — build audiences from QR code scanners
• Use a custom domain — your QR code resolves through your branded short domain
• A/B test — rotate between different landing pages to optimize conversion

Canva's QR code generator is fine for:

• Personal use — sharing a WiFi password, personal website, or contact info
• Internal use — linking to internal documents where tracking doesn't matter
• Quick prototypes — creating mockups before finalizing with a tracked QR code

Use a dedicated tool like Linkly when:

• Marketing campaigns — any QR code in advertising, direct mail, or print media
• Product packaging — linking to product pages, manuals, or registration
• Events — conference badges, booth signage, or event programs
• Retail — in-store displays, menus, or promotional materials
• Any time you need data — if knowing scan volume and demographics matters

Canva makes it easy to add QR codes to any design, and for simple use cases, it's perfectly adequate. But for marketing, where tracking scans and updating destinations matters, pair Canva's design tools with a dedicated QR code solution.

Need trackable QR codes? Get started with Linkly and create dynamic QR codes with scan analytics, custom domains, and retargeting — then drop them into your Canva designs.