Choosing Between Canva and Top QR Code Generator Alternatives

QR Codes make it simple to connect digital content with real-world actions. With just a scan, users can instantly access information, visit a website, or even make a purchase. 

As the use of QR Codes continues to rise, so does the number of tools available to create them, making it tough to choose the right one. Canva, with its massive brand recognition and easy-to-use design interface, is a popular choice for many. But while Canva is great for quick, simple designs, it falls short for those who need advanced customization or native tracking.

If you’re looking for a more robust solution, Canva isn’t the only option. That’s where other top QR Code generators come in—offering enhanced analytics and design flexibility.  

Below, we’ll compare Canva with these alternatives to help you decide which is best for you. 

Canva platform overview

Launched by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams in 2013, Canva has quickly grown into one of the most successful design platforms on the market. As of 2024, it boasts over 170 million active monthly users and a valuation of $26 billion, making it a dominant force in the design world.

Canva’s success is largely due to its user-friendly interface and versatile design capabilities. It offers a wide range of tools for visual document design, photo and video editing, and printed asset creation. With an intuitive drag-and-drop feature and a vast library of templates, fonts, and graphics, it’s a popular choice for users with little to no design experience.

The platform primarily caters to small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers who want to create professional-looking designs without the expense of hiring a designer or purchasing costly software. Its main use cases include creating social media graphics, logos, branding materials, and presentations. 

However, it’s important to note that Canva is primarily a design platform that happens to include a QR Code generator rather than a tool dedicated solely to QR Code generation.

How to create QR Codes in Canva

Creating a QR Code in Canva is straightforward and can be done on either a phone or computer.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a QR Code with Canva:

1. Log in to your Canva account or create one if you don’t have one yet.
   
   
2. On the left side of the screen, select Apps.
   
   
3. In the search bar, type Hovercode. Click the Hovercode app (it should be the first item that appears).
   
   
4. In the pop-up window, choose either Use in existing design or Use in new design. 
   
   
5. Select the project you’d like to add the QR Code to, or if starting from scratch, choose the size/application for the code.
   
   
6. Choose a template and input your destination link. You can also add a logo and adjust colors.
   
   
7. Choose Add to design to insert the QR Code into your project.
   
   
8. Customize the design of your QR Code using Canva’s editing tools, such as changing colors, adding a logo, or resizing.
   
   
9. To download your completed design/QR Code, go to File > Download, and select the format—JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4, GIF, or SVG (only available with paid plans).     

Who should use Canva for QR Code generation?

Canva’s QR Code generator is best suited for users who need simple, visually appealing designs that feature a QR Code. This includes individuals or businesses looking to add a code to their promotional materials like posters, flyers, or social media graphics.

If you have an eye for design, Canva makes it easy to integrate QR Codes seamlessly into your creations. With its user-friendly interface and wide range of design tools, Canva is ideal for:

Devoted Canva supporters

If you’re a devoted Canva user, it’s tempting to stick with what you know. Canva’s in-built QR Code generator is convenient for those who prefer having all their design needs in one place. The familiarity of the platform can save time and effort compared to learning a new tool.

Individuals with simple QR Code needs

Designing with Canva can be a fun and easy way to bring your creative ideas to life, even if you’re not a professional designer. If you’re looking for a basic QR Code for personal use—like adding it to a resume or business card—Canva works just fine.

Canva’s QR Code generator supports Static QR Codes. This means you can’t edit the code once it’s created. For those who need Dynamic QR Codes, Canva does offer a workaround through a third-party tool called Hovercode. This platform lets you convert a Static QR Code into a Dynamic one, allowing you to track scans and update content.

Design minimalists

Canva’s QR Code generation offers basic customization, allowing users to tweak simple elements like color and size. For design minimalists, this level of customization may be more than enough, offering a clean and straightforward look that integrates into any design.

Anyone who isn’t worried about tracking QR Code scans

If tracking the performance of your QR Codes isn’t important, the Canva QR Code generator may be a good fit for you. The platform does not offer native analytics or data-tracking features for QR Codes, but you can get analytics from an add-on that requires a paid subscription.

Canva QR Code generator alternatives

Let’s explore some alternatives to the Canva QR Code generator that might better suit your needs, especially if you’re looking for more functionality or customization. Don’t worry if the options seem overwhelming—each one brings something unique to the table.

QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO is often recognized as one of the best QR Code generators for businesses and individuals seeking advanced features. It offers a variety of QR Code types, including Dynamic QR Codes, Video QR Codes, vCards, and more, giving you the flexibility to use codes across different applications.

Customization is a key feature, allowing you to personalize your codes with CTAs, brand colors, shapes, logos, and frames. Additionally, the platform offers password-protected codes and customizable landing pages, giving you greater control over access and user experience.

The platform also offers robust tracking and analytics, so you can monitor scan data in real time—tracking metrics like the number of scans, locations, devices used, and more. This helps you measure the ROI of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions for future efforts. 

For businesses that need to manage a large number of QR Codes, QR Generator PRO also provides bulk creation options, making it an ideal choice for high-volume campaigns. From tracking campaigns to customizing codes that stand out, this platform delivers the flexibility and insights you need to make your codes more effective.

QR Code Tiger

If you’re looking for a straightforward generator, you may consider QR Code Tiger as an alternative to Canva and QR Code Generator PRO. It allows you to easily create multiple types of QR Codes, such as URL and WiFi codes.

QR Code Tiger offers customization features that let you align the design, colors, and patterns of your codes with your brand. You can also embed logos and images for a cohesive look across your marketing materials.

A standout feature is the ability to create Dynamic QR Codes with call-to-action prompts, allowing you to redirect users to different landing pages based on their device or location. These Dynamic QR Codes are ideal for tracking scans and optimizing marketing efforts. They can be edited and updated without needing to replace the physical code, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run. Additionally, their social media integration simplifies sharing across platforms.

Although it doesn’t include built-in analytics, QR Code Tiger allows integration with Google Analytics for performance insights. 

Uniqode

Formerly Beaconstac, Uniqode offers a comprehensive solution for connecting offline interactions with online actions through QR Codes. It enables you to easily share information, gather data, and exchange contact details with a quick scan.

Uniqode stands out with its anomalous scan detection framework, ensuring unusual scan behaviors don’t distort your data. Its high-performing QR Codes are customizable to fit your brand’s unique design, and it comes with a rich library of templates to get you started.

In addition to Dynamic QR Codes, Uniqode offers NFC tags for various applications, such as marketing campaigns, product information, and events. The platform also features advanced data tracking and analytics, offering insights like demographic data, scan times, and device type.

Adobe Express

As part of the Creative Cloud suite, Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) offers a simple QR Code generator that integrates seamlessly with its other design tools. It’s an excellent choice for users who need to link landing pages, share exclusive offers, or promote new products through QR Codes.

Adobe Express’s QR Code generator allows for some customization with templates, colors, and branding options, but it’s limited to Static QR Codes. This makes it a suitable option for users who don’t need to update the content of their codes after they’re created. Advanced tracking is possible through integration with Google Analytics, which provides data on user interactions and behavior.

For those already familiar with Adobe products, this solution is straightforward and integrates easily into existing workflows.

Flowcode

Flowcode combines simplicity with powerful features, making it a versatile QR Code generator. The platform supports easy code creation, customization, and detailed analytics.

With Flowcode, you can personalize your codes using a variety of templates, colors, and logos to match your brand’s identity. In addition to Static QR Codes, Flowcode offers Dynamic QR Codes, allowing you to make updates without reprinting or replacing the physical code.

Flowcode’s integration with API analytics enables in-depth performance tracking. You visualize your data using tools like Tableau or Looker to gain deeper insights, create stunning reports, and optimize your campaigns.

Whether you’re managing a small project or a larger marketing initiative, this tool’s customizable options and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for users of all experience levels.

3 reasons to choose QR Code Generator PRO

Given the various alternative options available for QR Code generators, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your business. However, there are several reasons why QR Code Generator PRO stands out from its competitors and remains a top choice for businesses of all sizes. 

Here are three reasons to choose QR Code Generator PRO:

1. Create a variety of QR Code types

QR Code Generator PRO offers many QR Code types, including Dynamic QR Codes. These codes can be used for various purposes, such as website URLs, PDFs, vCards, and social media. 

Unlike Static QR Codes, which can only contain fixed information, Dynamic QR Codes can be edited and updated at any time. Having multiple QR Code types gives businesses a versatile and adaptable marketing strategy.

For example:

• Businesses can use QR Codes for social media marketing by placing them on their physical store’s posters or products. Customers can scan the code to be directed to the business’s social media page and follow them, increasing their online presence and engagement.
  
  
• In the manufacturing industry, QR Codes can be used for inventory management by linking them to specific products or materials. This allows for easier tracking of inventory levels and reduces human error in the process.
  
  
• URL QR Codes can be utilized for digital marketing campaigns by directing customers to specific landing pages or promotions. You can also track the source of scans, giving insight into which marketing channels are most effective.
  
  
• vCards are useful for networking events or conferences, as they can be scanned to save contact information directly to the user’s phone. The user can then easily connect with the business or individual without manually entering their information.

With QR Code Generator PRO, businesses can choose the type of code that best suits their needs and use it in various creative ways to enhance their marketing and operational strategies.

2. Enjoy robust QR Code customization capabilities

QR Code Generator PRO understands that customization is crucial to any marketing strategy. The platform lets you personalize your QR Code to align perfectly with your brand’s identity. Several customization options are available, such as adding colors, shapes, and frames to your code. 

You also have the option to add your company’s logo or an enticing CTA button to drive scans and increase customer engagement. For example, you can add a “Scan Now” button or a discount code within the QR Code, encouraging customers to scan and take immediate action. 

With QR Code Generator PRO’s customization capabilities, businesses can create visually appealing and highly engaging codes that align with their brand identity and marketing goals. QR Code Generator PRO also offers detailed customization guides and tutorials for creating custom QR Codes with colors and logos.

3. Measure the success of your QR Code campaigns

Creating Dynamic QR Codes is an essential component of any successful marketing strategy. Unlike their static counterparts, Dynamic QR Codes offer the flexibility to update the content linked to them without altering the code itself. 

This feature enables businesses to track the success of their QR Code campaigns effectively. QR Code Generator PRO offers robust tracking and analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to gather valuable insights into their campaign’s performance.

Users can track data such as the number of scans, locations of scans, operating systems used by scanners, and scan time. You can also easily measure your QR Code campaigns’ return on investment (ROI), making it easier to justify using QR Codes in your marketing strategy. 

Tracking QR Code data also provides businesses with a better understanding of their target audience. Analyzing the demographics and behavior of QR Code scanners can help businesses tailor their marketing efforts and create more targeted campaigns in the future. 

Businesses can identify which QR Codes are performing well and which ones may need improvement, allowing them to make data-driven decisions for their marketing strategies.

Create your first QR Code for free with QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO is the ultimate tool for businesses looking to elevate their marketing and operations with QR Codes. Its user-friendly interface, robust customization capabilities, and in-depth tracking analytics make it a top choice in the QR Code generator market. 

Our multiple code types, including Dynamic and Static QR Codes, offer endless possibilities for your campaigns. If you sign up for a free trial with QR Code Generator PRO, you can experience all its features and benefits without any pressure to provide payment information. 

Create your first QR Code for free today and see how it can drive customer engagement and optimize your business strategies. Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today.