QR codes are a powerful way to connect print materials to digital content. Whether you're creating business cards, flyers, posters, or product packaging, Canva's built-in QR code generator makes it easy to add scannable codes to your designs. This guide shows you how to create, customize, and download QR codes in Canva for free.
1Create a QR Code (Step-by-Step)
Canva includes a free QR code generator app that works with any account type. Here's how to use it.
Desktop/Web Steps
- 1Go to Canva.com and sign in to your account (or create a free account).
- 2Click Create a design and choose your design type (e.g., Poster, Business Card, Flyer), or open an existing design.
- 3In the left sidebar, click Apps.
- 4Search for "QR Code" and select the QR Code app (by Canva).
- 5Enter the URL you want the QR code to link to (e.g., https://yourwebsite.com).
- 6Click Generate QR code.
- 7The QR code is added to your canvas. Drag, resize, and position it as needed.
Pro Tip: You can also access the QR code generator directly by going to canva.com/qr-code-generator and starting from there.
2Customize Your QR Code
Before generating, you can customize the appearance of your QR code to match your design.
Customization Options
- 1After entering your URL, click the Customize dropdown.
- 2Foreground color: Change the color of the QR code squares (default is black).
- 3Background color: Change the background behind the QR code (default is white).
- 4Margin: Adjust the white space (quiet zone) around the QR code.
- 5Click Generate QR code to apply your customizations.
Important: Always maintain high contrast between foreground and background colors. Dark on light works best. Low contrast can make the QR code unscannable.
3QR Code Best Practices
Follow these guidelines to ensure your QR codes scan reliably every time.
Do
- Use high contrast colors (dark on light)
- Keep a quiet zone (margin) around the code
- Print at minimum 2cm x 2cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches)
- Test the QR code before printing
- Export at high resolution (PNG or PDF)
Don't
- Use low contrast colors (yellow on white)
- Make the QR code too small to scan
- Place elements over the QR code
- Stretch or distort the QR code
- Use inverted colors (light on dark) without testing
4Download Your QR Code
Once your design is complete, download it in the right format for your use case.
| Format | Best For | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Digital use, websites, emails | High (with transparent background option) |
| PDF Print | Professional printing, large formats | Highest (vector) |
| JPG | Web use, smaller file size needed | Good (compressed) |
| SVG | Scalable vector (Pro only) | Perfect at any size |
Pro Tip: For print materials like business cards and flyers, use PDF Print for the highest quality. For digital sharing, PNG works well.
5Create QR Code on Mobile
You can create QR codes using the Canva mobile app on iPhone or Android.
Mobile App Steps
- 1Open the Canva app and sign in.
- 2Tap + to create a new design or open an existing one.
- 3Tap the + button at the bottom to add elements.
- 4Go to Apps (or scroll to find it) and search for "QR Code".
- 5Enter your URL, customize if desired, and tap Generate.
- 6Position the QR code on your design and save/download.
6Advanced Options (Logos, Dynamic QR Codes)
Canva's built-in QR code generator creates static codes without logos. For more advanced features, use third-party apps integrated with Canva.
| Feature | Canva Built-in | Third-Party Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Custom colors | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Add logo in center | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Dynamic (editable link) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Scan tracking/analytics | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Custom patterns/shapes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Price | Free | Free tier / Paid plans |
Popular Third-Party QR Apps in Canva
- Hovercode: Dynamic QR codes with logos, brand colors, and analytics
- Scanova: Custom patterns, logos, and decorative frames
- QR TIGER: Dynamic codes with advanced customization
To use these apps, search for them in the Apps tab just like the built-in QR Code app.
7Popular Use Cases
Here are common ways to use QR codes in your Canva designs:
Business Cards
Link to your website, LinkedIn profile, or digital vCard
Event Flyers
Link to registration forms, event details, or ticket pages
Product Packaging
Link to product info, instructions, or customer support
Restaurant Menus
Link to digital menus, ordering pages, or reviews
Marketing Materials
Link to landing pages, promotions, or social media
Feedback Collection
Link to survey forms, feedback pages, or reviews
8Troubleshooting
QR code won't generate
Make sure your URL is valid and starts with http:// or https://. Invalid URLs will not generate a QR code.
Printed QR code won't scan
Ensure high contrast between foreground and background. Print at a larger size (minimum 2cm x 2cm). Leave adequate white space around the code. Export as high-resolution PNG or PDF Print.
QR code looks blurry or pixelated
Download your design in a higher resolution format. Use PDF Print for the best quality, or PNG at the highest resolution setting available.
Can't find the QR Code app
Click on Apps in the left sidebar and search for "QR Code." Make sure you're searching in the Apps section, not Elements. The official Canva QR Code app should appear first.