If you’ve ever wanted to add a QR code to a Canva design - maybe to share your website, portfolio, contact page, or even a YouTube video - the good news is: you can do it right inside Canva!
When I first discovered this feature, I was amazed at how easy it was. I didn’t have to use any external QR code generator websites - Canva already had a built-in app for it.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to create a QR code in Canva and add it to your design in just a few simple steps.
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Why Add a QR Code in Your Canva Design?
QR codes are a great way to make your designs more interactive. You can use them in:
- Business cards – link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile
- Flyers and posters – share event details or registration links
- Restaurant menus – connect customers to your digital menu
- Ebooks and brochures – direct readers to your website or product page
- Product packaging – add QR codes that lead to tutorials or discount coupons
- Flipbooks - direct flipbook visitors to your real estate, menu card, magazines
Personally, I use QR codes often on my printable templates and ebooks to guide readers toward bonus content or video tutorials. It not only saves space but also adds a modern, professional touch to the design.
Must read: How to create a flipbook in Canva
How to Create a QR Code in Canva?
Here is a detailed guide for how you can create a QR code in Canva.
Step 1: Open Canva and Create a Design
Go to Canva.com and sign in to your account. If you are new to Canva, you will need to Sign Up first and then enter your credentials.
After successful log in, Canva will direct you to its Homepage. On the Homepage, you will see a "+" Create button that allows you to create different kinds of designs. See the screenshot below.
On clicking the plus button, another window will appear. Now you can choose a template as per your requirements - Pinterest Pin, Presentation, Instagram Post, Instagram Story, Resume, Flyer, Doc, and more.
Once you have chosen the template, Canva opens an editor with a blank surface according to your selected template.
Step 2: Open the “Apps” Section in Canva
In this step, we will find Canva’s QR Code Tool from the Apps section.
So, once you’re inside your design canvas, look at the left sidebar. Scroll down until you see the “Apps” option (it looks like three small squares).
Click on Apps - this will open Canva’s built-in apps and integrations. The search bar will also appear at the top of the window. Now, you'll need to search the term - QR code as shown in the screenshot below.
Canva will show a number of apps related to QR. Select the app - QR code as shown below.
A small panel will open. It will display a button - Open. See the screenshot below. Once you click the Open button, it will direct you to a window where you can simply add the URL/link.
In the next step, we will enter the URL that we want to link with the QR code in Canva.
Step 3: Enter the Website or Link
Type (or paste) the link you want your QR code to lead to. This could be:
- Your website or blog
- A YouTube channel
- A Google Form or event page
- Your product page
- A social media profile
In the screenshot below, you can see that I have entered the URL (https://technicalwall.com) of my site as an example for this tutorial. After entering the URL, you'll need to click on the Generate code button.
Please Note:
Above the Generated Code button, there is an option for customization. If you want to specify any color for the background or foreground of your QR, click on the Customize option. It will give you three options for “background color”, “foreground color” and an option to set Margin. In front of these two options, you will have a colored circle offering the color scheme. Click on these colors and set the color according to you.
Using the Customize option, you can set - Background color, Foreground color and also set the Margins.
Step 4: Generate and Insert the QR Code
Once you have specified all the options, click on the Generate Code button. As you click the Generate Code button, a QR code will instantly appear in your Canva design. See the screenshot below.
You can now resize, move, or place it anywhere you want in your layout. For example, you can easily adjust the size of the QR code as per your need by dragging the edges of the generated QR code. Thus, you can resize it; if it’s too small, or scale it up, considering your requirement.
Tip: Make sure to choose a prominent color scheme for the QR code. Avoid using any complex styles; going for excessive styling can cause interruption in scanning. Further, if you want to make changes or want to change the color scheme. You can delete the previous one, change your customization preference, and click on Update Code, it will again create a QR Code for you.
Step 5: Customize the QR Code (Optional)
Canva generates a black-and-white QR code by default. While you can’t change its colors directly within the QR code generator, you can still add creative effects around it:
- Place it inside a shape (like a circle or rectangle)
- Add a background color behind it
- Insert icons, text, or arrows pointing to it
- Add a call-to-action text like “Scan Me!”, “Get 10% Off”, “Scan to View Menu” or “Visit Our Website”
In the above screenshot, you can see that I have added a graphics and a text with the caption - Visit Our Website, asking users to scan the QR code to visit the website. It helps draw attention and encourages people to scan it.
👉 I would advise you to scan the above QR code and check yourself whether it takes you to our website - Technicalwall.com or not.
Step 6: Download or Share Your Design
Once your QR code looks great, you can download the design in PDF, PNG, or JPG format.
If it’s a digital design (like an ebook or social media post), you can also share it directly from Canva using the Share button.
Tips for Using QR Codes in Canva Designs
Once you have created the design format, you need to test the QR thoroughly. Here are a few quick tips I’ve learned from experience:
- Tip 1: Always test the QR code before printing. Use your phone camera to scan it and check if it opens the correct link.
- Tip 2: Scan the QR code from multiple devices, such as Android and iOS. Ensure it’s opening from all the devices and is clearly visible.
- Tip 2: Keep enough white space around the QR code for easy scanning.
- Tip 3: Don’t distort or stretch the QR code while resizing — it might stop working.
- Tip 4: Add a short call-to-action like “Scan to Learn More” or “Get Your Free Ebook” to boost engagement.
- Tip 5: If printing, use high-quality paper so the code doesn’t blur.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some solutions to common problems that you might face using the QR Code generated in Canva.
- In case the cure is not scanning at all, check contrast, size, and the colour key. Try increasing the size or switching back to simply black and white.
- If it is scanning but not directing to the actual page, then verify the URL in Canva and re-enter the full link.
- If it’s scanning slow or disrupting the scanning, it can be due to overlay logos. Ensure your text logos and QR are all visible and aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Canva have a built-in QR code generator?
Answer. Yes! Canva has a built-in QR Code Generator app that allows you to create and insert QR codes directly into your design. You can find it under the Apps section in the left sidebar of the Canva editor.
2. Is it free to create a QR code in Canva?
Answer. Absolutely. Creating QR codes in Canva is 100% free, even if you’re using the Canva Free Plan. You don’t need a Pro account to access this feature.
3. What kind of links can I use in a Canva QR code?
Answer. You can use any valid URL link, such as:
- Your website or blog
- A YouTube video or channel
- A social media profile
- An online form or survey
- A product or landing page
Just make sure your link begins with “https://” or “http://” so that it works correctly.
4. Can I change the color or design of the QR code in Canva?
Answer. By default, Canva creates a black-and-white QR code, and its color can’t be edited directly. However, you can add creative elements around it, such as shapes, frames, or backgrounds, to make it blend beautifully with your design.
5. How do I test if my QR code works?
Answer. Before you download or print your design, use your smartphone’s camera to scan the QR code. It should automatically redirect you to the linked webpage. I personally always do this final check - it ensures everything works perfectly before sharing or printing.
6. Can I use the same QR code in multiple Canva designs?
Answer. Yes! Once you create a QR code, you can copy and paste it into other Canva designs. You can even download it as a PNG and upload it again into new projects.
7. Do Canva QR codes expire or stop working?
Answer. No, Canva QR codes don’t expire as long as the original URL link remains active. So, if you link it to a webpage that’s still live, your QR code will continue to work forever.
Wrapping Up
Creating a QR code in Canva is incredibly easy - and it’s a feature you might not even realize exists! With just a few clicks, you can make your designs look more professional, interactive, and functional.
So, the next time you design a business card, flyer (check out the tutorial), or brochure, don’t forget to add a QR code that connects your audience directly to your digital world.
I hope this tutorial helped you understand how to create a QR code in Canva step by step. If you haven’t tried it yet, open Canva now and experiment - I promise, you’ll love how quick and simple it is!
