Last checked November 1, 2026
Unitag alternatives for codes that get scanned a lot
Unitag is known for design: logos, colors and shapes that make a code look like part of the brand [1]. Searches like "unitag qr designer" and "unitag qr code free" reflect that. The free generator has one rule that changes how you should use it: its codes stop working after being scanned a hundred times [1]. This page explains the rule and compares five alternatives, including QRay, which we make.
Facts checked on November 1, 2026. Prices and terms change, so follow the numbered sources before you buy.
The problem: a beautiful code with a short run
Say a bookshop designs a striking QR code in Unitag's free generator for an author event poster, with the shop logo in the middle. The poster goes in the window and on a few café noticeboards.
Unitag's FAQ says free generator codes stop working after 100 scans [1]. A well-placed poster can pass that within the event's run. After that, the code doesn't open the event page.
Unitag offers clear ways around it. Paid HD codes are valid forever, no matter how many times they're scanned [1], and codes under a subscription have no scan limit [1]. Editing a destination needs a dynamic URL code on a Live subscription [1]. We couldn't confirm current subscription prices from the plans page, so check it before you decide.
The free download is also small: a PNG at 300 pixels [1]. That's fine for a screen or a small card, but Unitag itself advises against printing codes smaller than about 3 cm [1], and a large poster needs a sharper file. Vector formats come from the Silver plan [1]. For a poster job, budget for either an HD code or a different tool.
Unitag does well where design is the point: logos, colors and shapes that still scan, plus advice on contrast and placement in its FAQ [1]. If you love a Unitag design, it may be simpler to buy an HD code than to recreate it elsewhere. If the link may change, you'll want a Live subscription or another tool with editable codes.
Three things to check before you choose
1. Scan limits on free codes
Look for caps per code or per account. A capped code is a risk on anything public, because success is what uses it up. Scan caps on free codes are worst on public posters, where you can't control how many people scan.
2. File quality for print
Check the free download size and whether vector files are included. Posters and packaging need more than a small PNG. Unitag advises a minimum print size of about 3 cm [1]; a sharper file helps at any size.
3. Whether you'll need to edit
Design-first tools may keep editing on paid plans. If the link may change, factor that in. Design tools often treat editing as a paid feature, so check before you print.
Comparison table
| Unitag | QRay | QRCode Monkey | Canva | Hovercode | QR TIGER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edit destination after printing | Dynamic URL codes on a Live subscription [1] | Yes | No, codes are static [2] | Yes, by the code's creator [3] | Yes [4] | Yes [5] |
| Free option | Free generator, PNG at 300 px [1] | Free to try, no card | Free generator, no scan limits [2] | Free [3] | Free plan: 3 dynamic codes in total [4] | Free plan: 3 dynamic codes [5] |
| When a trial or plan ends | Free generator codes stop working after 100 scans [1] | Codes made with a free account have no trial end date | Not applicable, static codes don't expire [2] | Canva says codes are valid forever; may be deactivated if linked content breaks its guidelines [3] | Free-plan codes don't expire; extra paid codes expire if you cancel [4] | Free dynamic codes have a 500-scan cap each and a logo popup [5] |
| Paid plans from | Not stated in our check | Free to start | Not stated | Not stated for the generator | $12/mo [4] | US$7/mo [5] |
| Scan counts | On paid accounts [1] | Yes, per code | No [2] | Not stated [3] | Basic analytics, 3 months of history on free [4] | Basic analytics on free [5] |
| Use from AI tools | Not stated | Claude and Cursor (MCP), command line; ChatGPT planned next | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Pros and cons of each
Unitag
Pros
- Strong design customization: logo, colors and shape [1]
- Paid HD codes are valid forever, with no scan limit [1]
- Vector downloads (PDF, SVG) from the Silver plan [1]
- Paid subscription codes have no scan limit [1]
Cons
- Free generator codes stop working after 100 scans [1]
- Editing a code's destination needs a Live subscription [1]
- We couldn't confirm current subscription prices from the plans page, so check it before buying [1]
QRay
We make QRay, so read this section with that in mind.
Pros
- You can change where a printed code goes, and the pattern stays the same
- Free to try without a card, and codes made with a free account have no trial end date
- Scan counts per code
- You can create and edit codes from Claude or Cursor through MCP, or from the command line
Cons
- A young product with fewer features than the large tools: fewer code types, no landing-page builder and no bulk CSV upload
- Fewer design options than design-first tools
- Team accounts and custom domains aren't available
- ChatGPT support is planned next, not available yet
QRCode Monkey
Pros
- Free, with no scan limits, and its static codes don't expire [2]
- Logo, color and design options, with PNG, SVG, PDF and EPS downloads [2]
- No account needed, which suits a one-off job where the link will never change [2]
Cons
- Codes are static, so a typo or a moved page can't be fixed after printing [2]
- No scan statistics in the free generator; it points you to QR Code Generator PRO for that [2]
- If you later want scan counts or edits, you'll need a different code and a reprint
Canva
Pros
- Free, including dynamic codes, and Canva says its codes won't expire [3]
- Editing a dynamic code updates every design that uses it [3]
- Handy if your menus and flyers are already designed in Canva
Cons
- On Free, Pro and Education plans the code carries a Canva logo by default [3]
- Only the person who created a dynamic code can edit it [3]
- The generator page doesn't say whether you get scan counts [3]
- A dynamic code may be deactivated if the linked content doesn't meet Canva's platform guidelines [3]
Hovercode
Pros
- A free plan that isn't a trial: the first 3 dynamic codes don't expire [4]
- Custom domains, GPS tracking and team features on paid plans [4]
- GS1 Digital Link codes [4]
- The free plan's rules are written plainly on the pricing page, which makes planning easy [4]
Cons
- The 3 free dynamic codes are a total, not per month [4]
- Codes beyond the first 3 expire if you cancel a paid plan [4]
- Custom domains and GPS tracking are paid features [4]
QR TIGER
Pros
- Free plan with dynamic codes and basic analytics, plus unlimited static codes [5]
- Paid plans from US$7/month, with bulk generation and geofencing on higher tiers [5]
- A wide range of code types, from links to files and social pages [5]
- Free static codes are unlimited, which covers permanent links at no cost [5]
Cons
- Free dynamic codes are capped at 500 scans each [5]
- Free codes show a QR TIGER logo popup [5]
- Packaging or a busy flyer can reach the free scan cap, so plan to upgrade if a code gets popular
Which one fits your situation
A design-led poster with a fixed link. QRCode Monkey makes free static codes with logo and color options and vector downloads [2], with no scan limit.
A designed code you'll need to edit. Canva makes free dynamic codes inside its editor, with a Canva logo on Free plans [3].
A code that may get many scans. Avoid capped free codes. Hovercode's first 3 codes don't expire [4]; QRay is free to try. QR TIGER's free cap is 500 per code [5].
A brand set on Unitag's designs. Buy an HD code, which Unitag says is valid forever [1], or a Live subscription for edits [1].
A one-time internal use. For a code only a few people will scan, like an office sign-up sheet, Unitag's free generator works well within its 100-scan limit [1].
Someone who works in Claude or Cursor. QRay lets you create and edit codes from the chat or editor through MCP, or from the command line.
FAQ
Is the Unitag QR code generator free?
Yes, with free instant downloads [1]. Free generator codes stop working after 100 scans [1].
Do Unitag QR codes expire?
Free generator codes stop after 100 scans; HD codes are valid forever [1].
Can I edit a Unitag QR code?
Editing needs a dynamic URL code on a Live subscription [1].
What size does the free Unitag download come in?
PNG at 300 pixels [1].
How much is Unitag?
We couldn't confirm current prices from the plans page; check it directly [1].
How small can I print a QR code?
Unitag advises not going below about 3 cm (1.2 inches) square [1].
Is there a free designer QR code with no scan limit?
QRCode Monkey's static codes have no scan limits [2], and Canva says its codes are valid forever [3].
What's the difference between Unitag HD and Live codes?
HD codes are valid forever regardless of scans [1]; Live subscriptions add dynamic URL codes you can edit and track [1].