How do I add a QR code in Canva?

Designing a poster, menu, or social post in Canva and need a QR code that actually fits the design instead of sitting in an awkward white box? You don’t need a plugin or a paid tool for that. You can generate the code on qrkodi.is and drag it into Canva in a few seconds.

Why a transparent background matters

If you download a code with a solid white square around it and drop it onto a colored background or photo in Canva, you get an ugly white block sitting on top of your design. The fix is to download the code with a transparent background (a PNG file) so only the code itself - nothing else - sits on your design.

Step by step

1. Go to qrkodi.is and enter what the code should point to - a website, a menu page, a social profile, whatever fits your design.
2. Pick colors that match your design. The code just needs enough contrast against the background to remain scannable.
3. Under “Download”, tick “Transparent background” and choose PNG.
4. Download the file - it lands in your downloads folder with a transparent background already baked in.
5. Open your Canva design and drag the PNG straight from your downloads folder onto the canvas. Canva adds it as an image automatically - no upload dialog, no plugin needed.
6. Resize and reposition it by dragging the corners, exactly like any other image element.

Use SVG for large-format prints

If the design is heading to a large print - a poster, a banner, a shop window decal - use an SVG file instead of PNG. SVG is a vector format, so the code stays crisp at any size: just as sharp at 2 centimeters wide as it is at 2 meters wide. Canva accepts SVG files the same way, by dragging them straight onto the canvas.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Making the code too small. Below roughly 2x2 cm in print, phone cameras can struggle to focus on it.
• Not enough contrast underneath. Even with a transparent PNG, there still needs to be enough contrast between the code and whatever sits beneath it in your Canva layout.
• A logo that’s too large. If you add a logo to the center of the code on qrkodi.is, scan the result yourself before sending it to print, especially if the logo is large.

Once the code is in Canva, save your design and send it to print, or export and share it digitally - the code is now just part of the artwork.

Create your own QR code with a transparent background and see how simple it is.