QR Code Generator PRO vs. Adobe: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Thanks to QR Codes, inviting customers to engage with your brand has never been more convenient. These two-dimensional codes have quickly gained popularity for connecting users to digital content like promotions and product information with a quick scan.

With so many QR Code generators available, finding the right tool can feel overwhelming. Two popular options are QR Code Generator PRO and Adobe, which offer advanced features and customization options for creating stunning QR Codes.

In this head-to-head comparison, we will examine the key differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision.

Features and functionality

Choosing the right QR Code generator starts with understanding the features that matter most to your business. Are you looking for advanced customization and analytics tracking for marketing? Or do you need batch generation and bulk editing for manufacturing or events? Each business will have different priorities.

Both QR Code Generator PRO and Adobe offer a variety of features catering to various use cases, so take a moment to list your must-haves before diving in.

Platform ease of use

A QR Code generator should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why choosing a platform with an intuitive, user-friendly interface should be a priority. The goal is to streamline creating, customizing, and managing QR Codes.

A clunky interface or confusing navigation can lead to frustration. Limited customization options can also slow you down. Always test the platform before committing to ensure it offers a smooth experience that fits your needs without adding complexity. 

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO boasts a user-friendly platform that simplifies creating and managing QR Codes. Its dashboard is easy to navigate, making it simple for users of all experience levels to create professional QR Codes. You can also create QR Codes in bulk, allowing you to quickly generate multiple QR Codes at once. 

Signing up for an account is quick, and users can start generating codes right away with the help of guides and tutorial videos. QRCG is also relatively easy to get started with, even for people with no experience. It makes creating QR Codes a breeze with a clear step-by-step process directly within the generator.

Adobe

Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, also offers a platform that’s easy for users to navigate. A standout feature is Adobe’s library of customizable templates, which can be tailored for marketing campaigns, event promotions, and more with just a few clicks. 

The platform also includes step-by-step guides on how to create a QR Code. However, Adobe Express is easy to use if you have experience with Adobe products, as you need an Adobe account to use it. 

QR Code types

The best QR Code generators offer multiple types of codes, each serving a specific purpose. Whether you’re driving traffic to a webpage with a URL code or sharing contact information with a vCard code, having the flexibility to choose the right type is important.

When comparing Static and Dynamic QR Codes, Dynamic codes stand out for enabling real-time tracking and editing. This feature allows you to gather insights like location, device type, and more, all while giving you the ability to update the information behind the code without needing to regenerate it.

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO offers various code types for various business needs. They have Static and Dynamic QR Codes, which can be customized with different colors, patterns, and logos to match your brand.

Static QR Codes are free, non-trackable, non-editable codes, and they include the following:

  • URL codes for directing users to specific web pages

  • vCard codes for sharing business cards

  • Wi-Fi codes for easy access to Wi-Fi networks

  • Email codes for sending pre-populated emails

  • SMS codes for quick, preset text messaging

  • Twitter codes for promoting social media profiles

  • Bitcoin codes for easy cryptocurrency transactions

  • EPC QR Code for receiving payments and transfers if your country is on the SEPA (Single Euro  Payment Area) list

  • Plain text QR Code displays simple text with words, special characters, and numbers

Dynamic QR Codes are trackable and editable, and they include:

  • Event codes for sharing details such as date, time, and location

  • vCard plus codes that can store more information than regular vCard codes

  • PDF codes for easy access to documents or forms

  • App Store codes for promoting mobile apps and tracking downloads

  • Social media codes for directing users to social media profiles

  • Coupon codes for marketing promotions and tracking redemption rates

  • Video codes for directing users to specific videos

  • MP3 codes for playing audio files

  • 2D barcode for condensing unique product information   

With these options, businesses can tailor their QR Codes to specific business needs while also tracking performance. QRCG’s versatility in code types highlights its ability to cater to various industries.   

Adobe

Adobe Express only supports Static URL QR Codes. While these cannot be edited once they’re generated, they are ideal in situations where the destination URL or design is unlikely to change. For example, a code that directs to a product instruction manual via URL, or one that links to an event venue’s schedules or ticketing information website.    

QR Code customization

A well-designed, eye-catching QR Code can increase user engagement and brand recognition. Research shows that consistent branding across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%. This highlights the importance of creating a memorable brand identity. 

When evaluating QR Code generators, businesses should look for tools that offer customization options, such as:

  • Different QR Code shapes, like circles or squares, create a unique look that stands out from traditional black-and-white codes.

  • Colors and frames to enhance visual appeal and ensure codes align with brand aesthetics.   

  • A logo or image to add an extra layer of brand recall. 

You can also look for unique QR Code design ideas to make your codes more impactful.

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to create unique, visually appealing codes. Available options include: 

  • Shapes and edges: Change the shape of your QR Code and its corners to add visual interest.

  • Colors: Match your brand’s style or use vibrant colors to make codes stand out.

  • Frames: Add a customizable CTA to encourage engagement.

  • Logos or images: Insert your logo or an image to distinguish the code and reinforce your branding. 

  • Short URL: Can change back halves, and some plans can have custom domains.

These customization options ensure that your QR Codes are not only functional but also aligned with your overall brand identity, boosting engagement and recognition.

Adobe

Adobe Express offers some customization options, such as personalizing the QR Code’s style and switching up the color. You can use the free images, a frame, or a callout to highlight your QR Code.

Data and analytics

Understanding how to track QR Code scans is essential for gaining insights into how your audience interacts with your QR Code campaigns. With robust analytics, you can monitor how often your codes are scanned, where those scans are happening, and which devices are being used. 

These insights provide a clearer picture of your campaign’s reach and effectiveness, helping you identify patterns and trends. By leveraging this data, you can make data-driven decisions to refine your strategies, optimize user engagement, and improve overall campaign performance.

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO offers comprehensive data and analytics capabilities, providing insights into various metrics, including: 

  • Total scans: The total number of times the code has been scanned.

  • Unique scans: The number of unique devices that have scanned the code.

  • Operating system: The type of device used to scan the code (iOS or Android).

  • Location: Where the code was scanned (city, state, country).

  • Time of scan: When the code was scanned.

Using these data points, businesses can better understand their target audience and optimize their marketing efforts.

Adobe

Adobe’s QR Code solution does not give insights into audience engagement, scans, or other vital data points. However, users can create unique URLs for their QR Codes and use third-party tools like Google Analytics to track scans and user behavior. 

This is how you can track a QR Code using Google Analytics:

  1. Decorate your link with UTM parameters: You can use Google’s Campaign URL Builder to add parameters like campaign source, medium, and campaign.

  2. Shorten the URL with a URL shortener: Use tools like Bitly to create a shortened version of your link.

  3. Generate the QR Code using Adobe Express: Paste the shortened URL into the QR Code generator.

  4. Test and use the QR Code in your marketing campaigns.

  5. Create reports in Google Analytics to track scans, user behavior, and other relevant data points. 

The process may be time-consuming, but it provides essential insights into your QR Code campaigns. 

Product focus

QR Codes have evolved from a niche tool to a vital asset for marketing, business operations, and customer engagement. When choosing a QR Code generator, it’s essential to go with a provider that prioritizes innovation and quality.

A dedicated provider ensures that their solutions remain at the forefront of technology, continuously updating features to meet industry demands.

By focusing exclusively on QR Codes, these providers can offer a deeper understanding of the tool’s potential, delivering advanced customization, security, and performance enhancements tailored to various business needs.

Partnering with a provider that is fully invested in QR Code technology means your business can rely on cutting-edge features, seamless functionality, and expert support—ensuring long-term success in leveraging QR Codes effectively across multiple touchpoints.

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO focuses on providing best-in-class QR Code solutions across industries and use cases. The platform also offers advanced customization options, robust analytics and tracking capabilities, security features, and reliable performance. From retail and hospitality to education and healthcare, its solutions are versatile and can be adapted to fit nearly any marketing or operational need.   

Adobe

Adobe is primarily a design-focused platform, offering various tools for graphic design and digital media creation. While their QR Code feature will be useful for businesses already using Adobe products, it is not its central offering. 

This may be limiting for those looking for more advanced, QR Code-specific functionality that a dedicated QR Code generator can provide.

Plans and pricing

When it comes to QR Code generators, pricing can vary significantly based on the provider and available features. While some providers may offer lower prices, they might lack the necessary customization and functionality for long-term business needs. It’s crucial to evaluate the costs alongside the features each plan provides before making a decision. 

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO keeps things simple—straightforward plans with no hidden costs, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for. The transparent pricing structure makes it easy for businesses to select the plan that suits their needs. With standard 12-month plans, businesses can easily budget and plan ahead. And the 14-day free trial with all the features after signing up makes it worthwhile!

  • The Starter Plan: $9.99/month (billed annually), ideal for small businesses or those just starting with QR Codes. It provides two Dynamic QR Codes, analytics tracking for up to 10,000 scans, and one user.

  • The Advanced Plan: $15.99/month (billed annually), perfect for growing businesses that need more Dynamic QR Codes, scans, and multiple users. It offers 50 Dynamic QR Codes, unlimited scans, 3,000 API Requests, 100 bulk creations, and up to two users.

  • The Professional Plan: $46.99/monthly (billed annually), designed for larger businesses with high QR Code usage. It provides 250 Dynamic QR Codes, unlimited scans, 10,000 API Requests, 500 bulk creations, premium support, and up to five users.

  • Enterprise Plan: Custom-priced solution for organizations looking for more QR Codes, white labeling, API, premium support, and other add-ons.

Nonprofit organizations benefit from discounted rates, with the Advanced Plan priced at the Starter Plan rate, and the Professional Plan at the Advanced rate.

For more information on pricing plans, contact the sales team directly and select a plan that best suits your enterprise.

Adobe

While you can create QR codes within Adobe Express for free, they do offer an upgraded pricing structure for anyone needing advanced features:

  • Free: $0.00, with limited QR Code customization features: Three style choices (dots, marker borders, and marker centers), five solid color choices (black, blue, orange, red, and green), and three file format options (JPG, PNG, SVG).

  • Individuals: $9.99 per month. Includes the same QR Code customization features as the free plan, but gives access to other features that support your QR Code’s design: royalty-free Adobe Stock photos, Adobe Fonts, one-click design resize, and brand kits for design consistency.

  • Teams: $4.99 per month per license for teams. Includes the same QR Code customization features as the free and Individuals plans, but also provides: Everything in the Individuals plan, 24/7 technical support.

Sign up for a free trial of QR Code Generator PRO to decide for yourself

Adobe and QR Code Generator PRO offer different features, pricing options, and plans. While both tools have advantages, the versatility, flexibility, and customization options offered by QR Code Generator PRO make it ideal for businesses looking to leverage QR Codes effectively.

QR Code Generator PRO offers a free trial, allowing businesses to test its features before committing to a paid plan. With the easy-to-use interface and advanced analytics, you can create and track Dynamic QR Codes that elevate your marketing efforts and boost ROI.

Still unsure? Start your free trial today and discover firsthand why QR Code Generator PRO is a leading choice for businesses seeking a reliable and comprehensive QR Code solution.

Author
Trupti Desai

Trupti Desai is Bitly’s Senior Director of Growth Marketing. She has over 10 years of experience working in B2B and B2C marketing roles spanning the UK and the US. A key part of the marketing strategy at Bitly, Trupti elevates global teams with her expertise and insights and was notably a speaker at the Digital Marketing World Forum. You can connect with Trupti on LinkedIn.

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