- Static or dynamic QR codes: which do you need?
- What should you look for in a QR code generator?
- QR code generators compared
- The best QR code generators for business
- 1. QR Code Generator
- 2. QRCode Monkey
- 3. Bitly
- 4. Flowcode
- 5. QR Tiger
- 6. Uniqode
- 7. Canva
- 8. Scanova
- How do you make a QR code people will scan?
- Frequently asked questions
The best QR code generator for business depends on whether you need tracking. QRCode Monkey and Canva suit simple static codes with design control, while QR Code Generator, QR Tiger, Uniqode, Scanova, Flowcode and Bitly suit businesses that want editable dynamic codes and scan analytics.
QR codes went from a joke to a normal part of business. They're on menus, packaging, business cards, shop windows, invoices and event badges. Creating one takes seconds. Creating one that still works in a year, looks right in print and tells you something useful is a different matter.
The key decision is static versus dynamic, and most people don't know the difference until a printed code breaks. This guide explains it, then covers eight established generators and what each is known for.
Static or dynamic QR codes: which do you need?
A static QR code has the destination baked into the pattern. It can't be changed after you print it, but it doesn't depend on anyone's service to keep working. A dynamic QR code points to a short link managed by the provider. That lets you change the destination later and see scan data, but the code depends on that provider's service staying active.
That last point matters. If you print a dynamic code on thousands of leaflets and then stop using the service, the code may stop working. Always check what happens to your dynamic codes if you cancel, and use static codes for anything permanent, such as a code engraved on a sign.
What should you look for in a QR code generator?
- Static and dynamic options, clearly labelled.
- Analytics, such as scans by time, device and location, if you want to measure campaigns.
- Design control, including colours, logo and shape, without making the code unreadable.
- Export formats. Vector files such as SVG or PDF stay sharp at any print size.
- Code types. URL, vCard, Wi-Fi, PDF, menu and app store links.
- Team features, if several people manage codes.
QR code generators compared
| Tool | Best for | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code Generator | Businesses that want dynamic codes with tracking | Dynamic codes and scan statistics |
| QRCode Monkey | Static codes with design control | Custom colours and logos with high-resolution export |
| Bitly | Teams already using short links | Link management with QR codes |
| Flowcode | Marketing-led, designed codes | Branded codes with analytics |
| QR Tiger | Businesses wanting many code types | Dynamic codes and a wide range of formats |
| Uniqode | Larger teams managing many codes | QR code management for business, formerly Beaconstac |
| Canva | Designers already in Canva | QR codes inside design projects |
| Scanova | Dynamic campaigns and tracking | Editable codes and scan reports |
Plans, limits and what happens when a subscription ends differ by provider, so read the current terms.
The best QR code generators for business
1. QR Code Generator
QR Code Generator is a long-running tool for creating both static and dynamic QR codes, with scan tracking available for dynamic codes.
Who it suits: small businesses that want a straightforward way to create trackable codes.
What stands out: its focus on dynamic codes and scan statistics, which help you see whether a printed campaign worked.
Watch out for: check what happens to your dynamic codes if you stop paying.
2. QRCode Monkey
QRCode Monkey is known as a design-friendly option for static codes. You can adjust colours, shapes and add a logo, then export in print-ready formats.
Who it suits: anyone who needs a branded static code for packaging, signs or print.
What stands out: customisation and export options, including vector formats that stay sharp at any size.
Watch out for: static codes can't be edited or tracked, so it's not for campaigns where you want scan data.
3. Bitly
Bitly is known for link shortening and link management, and it also generates QR codes connected to your links and analytics.
Who it suits: teams already managing short links who want codes and click data together.
What stands out: the link management side. You can track and update links from one dashboard.
Watch out for: as with any dynamic code, your printed codes depend on the account staying active.
4. Flowcode
Flowcode focuses on branded, designed QR codes with analytics aimed at marketers, making scan data part of campaign reporting.
Who it suits: marketing teams who care about how the code looks and what it delivers.
What stands out: its marketing orientation, with design and analytics treated as the main event.
Watch out for: check export formats and long-term code ownership before you print at scale.
5. QR Tiger
QR Tiger offers dynamic and static codes across many types, including URLs, vCards, menus, files and social links, with tracking.
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Who it suits: businesses that want one tool for lots of different QR use cases.
What stands out: range. It covers many content types beyond a simple website link.
Watch out for: with a long feature list, test the editor and exports before you choose.
6. Uniqode
Uniqode, formerly Beaconstac, is a QR code management platform for businesses, with team features, analytics and bulk creation.
Who it suits: larger teams and multi-location businesses that need to manage many codes.
What stands out: management at scale. Folders, permissions and reporting suit organisations with lots of codes.
Watch out for: it's more platform than a one-off code needs, so match it to your volume.
7. Canva
Canva includes a QR code feature inside its design tool, so you can add a code directly to a flyer, poster or business card as you design.
Who it suits: small businesses and creators who already build their marketing materials in Canva.
What stands out: convenience. The code is created where the design lives, so there's no export and re-import.
Watch out for: for tracking and editable destinations, a dedicated QR platform gives you more control.
8. Scanova
Scanova is a QR code platform for dynamic campaigns, with editable destinations, scan reports and design options.
Who it suits: marketers who want to change where a code points and measure results.
What stands out: editable dynamic codes with reporting.
Watch out for: as always with dynamic codes, confirm what happens if your subscription lapses.
How do you make a QR code people will scan?
- Make it big enough. A tiny code on a busy leaflet fails. Test at the real print size.
- Keep high contrast. Dark code on a light background scans best. Fancy colours can break it.
- Tell people what they'll get. A short line such as "scan for the menu" beats a mystery square.
- Send them somewhere mobile-friendly. If the page is slow or awkward on a phone, the scan is wasted.
- Test on more than one phone before you print anything in bulk.
If your code is going on a business card, see how to generate a QR code for a digital business card and my roundup of the best digital business cards. For link-in-bio pages, the best link-in-bio tools are a natural companion.
Building a tool in this space? Here's how tools get considered for my roundups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best QR code generator for business?
It depends on whether you need tracking. Static generators such as QRCode Monkey suit permanent print, while QR Code Generator, QR Tiger, Uniqode, Scanova, Flowcode and Bitly offer dynamic codes with analytics.
What's the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static code contains the destination itself and can't be changed. A dynamic code points to a managed link, so you can change the destination and track scans, but it depends on the provider's service.
Do QR codes expire?
Static codes don't expire. Dynamic codes can stop working if the provider's service or your subscription ends, so check the terms before you print.
Can I put a logo in a QR code?
Yes, many generators let you add a logo and colours. Keep enough contrast and test the code on several phones to make sure it still scans.