How to Create a QR Code in Canva: 4 Easy Steps

QR codes, standing for Quick Response code, are a fast, efficient way to share information of all sorts. Their use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce physical contact with things like restaurant menus and business cards. For this reason, creating QR codes is now easier than ever.

Alongside the popularity of QR codes, Canva is a popular platform for content design for social media, advertising and marketing materials. Once you learn to use Canva, you can manage a great deal of marketing content right in the platform. Happily, Canva now has a built-in app that allows you to generate a QR code and incorporate it into your designs.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a QR code in Canva and ensure it points users to the content you want them to see.

What Can You Link to a QR Code?

You can link QR codes to a wide range of information and media types, from music to coupons to business cards (Vcards). This versatility makes them ideal tools for countless people, organizations and purposes.

The items that QR codes can link to include but aren’t limited to:

Audio files and pictures
Custom URLs
Apps and social media profiles
Restaurant menus
Links and Vcards
Coupons
PDFs and directories
Maps and directions
Email addresses
Slide decks

Can You Create QR Codes in Canva?

Yes, you can! As a graphic design app, Canva is useful for creating presentations, posters and much more. Now, Canva allows you to add QR codes to your designs for free with a built-in generator. Other generators may be more advanced, but are likely to come with a price tag.

To find the QR code generator in a project, go to “Apps” the left-hand sidebar and search for the QR app. If you can’t find that, click on the three-lined “hamburger” menu at the top left corner. Be aware that third-party generators may also be listed as options.

If you’re managing branding for yourself or a client, it’s super handy to, for example, create videos in Canva and then quickly generate a QR code that points to the video ads you’ve made.

How to Create a QR Code for a Link in Canva

You can easily create a static QR code to insert into your Canva designs in just four steps. Simply select “Add an Element” from the top menu and then search “QR code.” Or you can follow the steps below.

1. Open Canva and Create Your Design

Get your design organized before adding the QR code. Generally, you don’t want it to be a central focus of a design, though it should be easy to find and large enough for users to easily capture with their phones.

2. Click on Canva Apps and Choose QR Code

Find the “Apps” tab in the left-hand navigation bar and type in QR to find the generator. Some third-party QR generator apps will also be listed, if you prefer to use one of those.

3. Enter the URL for Your Code

Have the URL for your code’s destination copied to your clipboard, and paste it into the bar provided. At this point, you can customize the background and foreground colors and margins.

4. Generate Your Code

When your code is all set, click “Generate Code” and watch for a static QR code to appear in the “Uploads” menu. Simply click on it to move it into your design.

Does Canva Allow Dynamic QR Codes

While static QR codes are the most straightforward, Canva does allow you to create dynamic QR codes for your designs, but only with third-party apps.

The main difference between static and dynamic QR codes is that static ones contain fixed data and dynamic ones can be changed. Static QR codes are ideal for sharing URLs, stickers and other permanent data. Dynamic QR codes are ideal for seasonal menus, revolving marketing campaigns and tracking inventory.

The free, built-in QR code generator in Canva only creates static QR codes, which can be problematic if you want to make edits to the link. Think carefully about whether or not your data will change before creating your specific code.

Will a Canva QR Code Ever Expire?

The QR code itself will never expire, which is convenient for data you want people to easily find for a long time to come. Examples of this are websites, addresses and business cards.

However, if the content the QR code links to changes, the code might not work as you want anymore. For example, if it links to a seasonal campaign for the winter holidays, you probably don’t want it floating around in February.

If you’re using Canva QR codes, it’s important that you frequently check them to make sure they’re still taking people to relevant content.

Enhance Your Designs With QR Codes In Canva

QR codes are everywhere and are a primary way to quickly share a wide range of information with the public, customers and team members. Canva’s built-in free QR code generator allows you to create static codes for just about any design you can imagine.

The most important thing about putting out QR codes is that you ensure they continue to point to the correct places. Check your static and dynamic QR codes on a regular basis to be certain they’re sending viewers where you want them to go.

Skillshare is here to help you make the most of the Canva platform for personal and professional projects. Check out tutorials on:

You’ll be amazed at what you can create as a beginner or veteran user. Happy designing and sharing!

Written By

Katie Mitchell

Katie lives in Michigan with her husband, kids and pets. She enjoys cooking, travel and live music.