ScanMosaic vs Canva
The short verdict
Canva is a design tool first, and its QR code element is handy: you add a code to the flyer you're already designing. Canva now offers static and dynamic codes, with colour, corner and pattern options. Its help page says codes on the Free, Pro and Education plans show a Canva logo by default, and that your own logo and scan tracking need Canva Business or Enterprise.
Most people use both: design in Canva, make the code in ScanMosaic, and drop it in as a PNG (or SVG on Pro). That gives you your own logo in the middle, scan statistics and a scan check without moving to Canva Business. If you only need a plain code inside a Canva design, Canva's built-in element is quicker.
Feature by feature
| Feature | ScanMosaic | Canva |
|---|---|---|
| Free static QR codes | Yes, unlimited | Yes, inside the Canva editor |
| Dynamic codes on the free plan | Yes, free dynamic codes with a free account | Yes, dynamic codes can be created; scan tracking needs Canva Business or Enterprise |
| Watermark or branding on free codes | None | Canva logo by default on Free, Pro and Education |
| Sign-up needed to download | No: PNG, JPG and WebP without an account | Yes, a Canva account |
| Scan test before download | Yes, a real decoder reads every change | No built-in scan check found |
| QR code types | 80 | Links (static and dynamic) |
| Templates | 127 | Huge design template library (for whole designs) |
| Barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code 128 and more) | Yes, 13 types | Through an app in the editor |
| Hosted pages (PDF, menu, business card) | Yes | Canva websites can be used as pages |
| API | Yes (Business plan) | Canva has a developer platform; no QR code API found |
| Teams | Yes (Business plan, up to 10 people) | Yes, Canva Business and Enterprise |
| Site languages | 8 | More than 100 |
| Cheapest paid plan | Pro $4.99 a month or $39 a year; Lifetime $29 once | Canva Pro, about $18 a month in the US (less if paid yearly) |
Where Canva is better
- You design the whole flyer, menu or poster and the code in one place.
- A far larger library of design templates.
- Many more languages.
Who should pick which
Pick Canva's QR element if you already design in Canva and a plain link code with Canva's styling is enough.
Pick ScanMosaic for the code itself if you want your own logo in it, scan statistics without Canva Business, payment, WiFi and contact-card types, or a code that has passed a scan test. Then place it in Canva.
How to switch to ScanMosaic
- Keep your printed codes running. Don't delete anything on the old service until every printed code has been replaced or has an end date. Dynamic codes stop when their short link stops.
- Recreate each code in ScanMosaic. Pick the same type, paste the same destination, and turn on Dynamic code for anything you might change later.
- Match the look. Set your colours, logo and frame, or start from one of 127 templates. The scan check confirms each design reads.
- Replace codes as you reprint. Swap in the new code at the next print run, then compare scans in the dashboard.
- Close the old account last. Export any scan history you want to keep before you cancel.