QR codes are everywhere nowadays and used for a variety of different reasons. You can use them on stickers for people to find your website. They’re used as a way to replace handheld menus in restaurants. They can even be used for a public transportation information website.
Have you ever wondered how to make one of your own, though? Canva is the one-stop shop for QR code generators—whether you’re looking to create a simple one or one with more options for future modifications.
Keep reading to learn how to create both a static and dynamic QR code on Canva.
Static QR Codes and Dynamic QR Codes: What’s the Difference?
You may think that all QR codes are the same, but they aren’t. However, what kind of QR code you’ll create will depend fully on what you’re planning for in the long run.
Static QR Codes
Static QR codes contain fixed information, meaning once you create the code, you cannot change the data within it. These types of QR codes are great for website URLs with information that you don’t plan on changing in the future.
An excellent use for a static QR code is placing it on a sticker or a business card and handing it out to people as a marketing opportunity.
Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR codes contain information that can be modified and analyzed. If you know that you’re going to be changing the information that the QR code goes to, using a dynamic style is more advantageous for you in the long run.
Frequently, you’ll find dynamic QR codes at a restaurant because it’s always changing its menu as seasonal foods and drinks come and go.
You’ll want to use a dynamic QR code if you find yourself holding different promotions, tracking inventory, or wanting to market a new product frequently. In the end, though, you’ll know what kind of QR code will work best for you.
How to Find QR Code Apps on Canva
On Canva, QR codes are created with the help of apps that the company has integrated into its platform, most of the time through third-party vendors.
To find the variety of QR code apps, start on Canva’s main page and click onAppson the left-hand side of the screen. If you cannot see the main menu, click on thethree-line iconat the top left-hand corner and the menu will appear.
Screenshot by Sam Wolfe; no attribution
In the search bar on the Apps page, typeQR codes, andyou’ll see several options appear.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use three of the apps—QR Code by Canva, Dynamic QR Codes by Hovercode, and QR Code Generator by QR TIGER. However, there are a few other apps that offer QR codes, so feel free to experiment based on your needs.
How to Create a Static QR Code Within Canva
Canva’s developed QR Code app creates static QR codes, so as you can imagine, it’s fairly easy to use.
From the QR code app selection, click onQR Code. If you’re starting from scratch, selectUse in New Designand either type in a product to create or select custom dimensions. If you already have a project open that needs a QR code, selectUse in Existing Design.
https://www.canva.com/your-apps/qr-code?q=QR+Code
In this example, a QR code is going to be added to a sticker.Using Canva to create and print a stickeris just one of the many ways touse Canva’s printing services.
The Editor page will open with the QR code app ready to use. Simply copy and paste the URL into theEnter URLbar, customize the color and margin, then clickGenerate QR Code. Your QR code will show up on the canvas.
If you find that your QR code is hidden behind any other elements you’ve added to the canvas,adjust the layers in your designto bring the QR code forward.
How to Create Hovercode’s Dynamic QR Codes Within Canva
From the QR code app selection, click onDynamic QR Codes—the icon has a blue ball on it. Follow the same instructions as above when selecting how to begin using the app.
https://www.canva.com/your-apps/AAFPSH_pOmY-dynamic-qr-codes?q=QR+Code
For this example, a QR code is going to be added to a flyer for a coffee shop.Canva makes creating flyers for events easyas well.
Select one of Hovercode’s templates to use in your design. Input the URL link and choose your QR code color and background color.
The app may not give you many colors to choose from—however, if there isn’t a color you want to use available, simply find the Hex color code and place it in the color search bar.HTML Color Codesis one website that you may use to find your color.
Next, upload a logo if you have one and select a pattern for the QR code. After you have the QR code looking exactly how you want it, checkmark the box next toDynamic.
After you’ve created or added your account, selectAdd to Designand your new dynamic QR code will appear in your design. To check out information on the QR code, like how many people have scanned the QR code, sign into your Hovercode account.
How to Create QR TIGER’s Dynamic QR Codes Within Canva
From the QR code app selection, click onQR Code Generator—the icon is orange with a tiger’s face in the middle. Follow the same instructions as above when selecting how to begin using the app.
https://www.canva.com/your-apps/AAD7LSrxDLg-qr-code-generator?q=QR+Code
For this example, a portrait-style business card is going to be created.
Right away,QR TIGERwill ask you to connect an account. When you clickConnect, it will ask for an API key. To get the API, you’ll need to create an account with QR TIGER. Click on theQR TIGERlink and follow the instructions to create an account.
Unlike the other QR code apps, you have to create your QR code in QR TIGER. To do that, select+ Create QR Code, add the URL, selectDynamicand then click onGenerate QR code.
From here, customize your QR code to your liking with different patterns, logos, colors, and more. SelectDownloadwhen you’re done.
Once you’ve created your QR code, go toMy Account>Settings>Planto find your API. Copy and paste it in the empty API box on Canva and selectAuthenticate.
Your new QR code should appear in the box to the left, and you can drag and drop it to the canvas. From there, continue creating your design.
Put Your Business Out There With a Canva-Created QR Code
Using a QR code can help market your business or simply allow others to quickly find what you are offering to the world. However, it is up to you what kind of QR code you think works best: a static or a dynamic code.
Next time you’re in need of a QR code, look through Canva’s app to see which one will best enhance your next design.
