QR Code Maker vs Canva: Which QR Code Generator Should You Use?

Compare QR Code Maker and Canva for QR code generation. Feature comparison, use cases, and when each tool makes sense for your needs.

QR Code Maker is a dedicated QR code platform with multiple code types, analytics, and dynamic updates. Canva is a design platform with a basic QR code generator built in. The right choice depends on whether you need QR codes as a feature within designs, or QR codes as a core business tool.

This comparison covers when each tool makes sense and where they excel.

Quick Comparison

Feature	QR Code Maker	Canva
Primary purpose	QR code generation	Graphic design
QR code types	7+ (URL, WiFi, vCard, email, phone, text, PDF)	URL only
Scan analytics	Yes	No
Dynamic codes	Yes (update destination anytime)	No (static only)
Logo in QR code	Yes	No (manual workaround only)
Custom dot styles	Yes	No
Frames with CTA	Yes	No
Design integration	Download and import	Native (built-in)
Bulk generation	Yes	No
Free tier	Unlimited static + 1 dynamic	Unlimited basic QR

Why QR Code Maker is the Better Choice

1. Multiple QR Code Types

Canva only creates URL QR codes. QR Code Maker supports:

QR Type	Use Case
WiFi	Guest network access, restaurants
vCard	Business cards, contact sharing
Email	Pre-filled email composition
Phone	Click-to-call buttons
Text	Plain text messages
PDF	Document links, menus

If you need anything beyond a basic URL, Canva won't work.

2. Scan Analytics

QR Code Maker tracks:

Number of scans
Scan timing (when people scan)
Device types (iOS, Android)
Location data
Scan trends over time

Canva provides zero analytics. You'll never know if your QR code was scanned once or a thousand times.

For measuring QR code performance, analytics are essential.

3. Dynamic QR Codes

With QR Code Maker's dynamic codes:

Change the destination URL anytime
Fix broken links without reprinting
Run A/B tests with different destinations
Update seasonal campaigns

Canva QR codes are static—the URL is baked into the pattern. If you need to change where it points, you need a new QR code and reprinted materials.

4. Professional Customization

Customization	QR Code Maker	Canva
Foreground color	Yes	Yes
Background color	Yes	Yes
Logo placement	Yes (centered, properly sized)	No
Dot styles	Square, rounded, dots, etc.	Square only
Frames	Multiple templates with CTA	No
Error correction	Adjustable	Fixed

Adding a logo to a Canva QR code requires manually placing an image over the code—which risks breaking scannability. QR Code Maker handles logo placement with proper error correction built in.

5. Bulk Generation

Need QR codes for 100 products, event badges, or packaging variants? QR Code Maker supports CSV import for bulk generation. Canva requires creating each code one at a time.

When to Use QR Code Maker

You need WiFi, vCard, or other non-URL types
You want to track performance
You might need to update the destination later
You're creating codes for business cards, menus, or printed materials
You need professional customization (logos, frames)
You're generating multiple codes

Example: Creating QR codes for product packaging that need tracking and might require URL updates.

Using QR Code Maker with Canva

Yes. A practical approach:

Create QR code in QR Code Maker (for tracking and features)
Download as PNG or SVG
Import into Canva for design work

This gives you the best of both worlds—QR Code Maker's features with Canva's design environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a logo to QR codes in Canva?

Not through Canva's QR code generator. You'd need to manually place an image over the QR code center, which can break scannability if not done carefully. QR Code Maker has built-in logo placement with proper error correction to ensure the code remains scannable.

Do Canva QR codes expire?

No, Canva QR codes don't expire—they work as long as the destination URL is active. However, you cannot change where they point. If the URL changes, you need a new QR code. QR Code Maker's dynamic codes let you update the destination anytime.

Can I track Canva QR code scans?

No. Canva generates static QR codes with no tracking capability. To track scans, you'd need to use a link shortener with analytics (like bit.ly) as your QR destination, or use QR Code Maker's built-in analytics.

Is Canva's QR code generator free?

Yes, Canva's QR code generator is free for all accounts. However, it only creates basic URL QR codes. QR Code Maker also has a free tier with unlimited static codes plus one trackable dynamic code.

Can I create WiFi QR codes in Canva?

No. Canva only supports URL QR codes. WiFi QR codes encode network credentials directly and require a dedicated QR code generator like QR Code Maker.

Which is better for business cards?

QR Code Maker. Business cards benefit from vCard QR codes (which Canva can't create), logo integration, and the ability to update your contact info without reprinting. See our business card QR code guide.

Summary

Canva is a design tool with basic QR capability—URL codes only, no tracking, no updates. For anything beyond the most basic use cases, QR Code Maker is purpose-built for the job: multiple QR types, scan analytics, dynamic codes you can update, professional customization with logos and frames, and bulk generation.

Ready to try QR Code Maker? Create your first QR code free—unlimited static codes, full customization, no credit card required.