10 QR Code Printing Tips So Every Code Scans: Size, Colour and Logo
Published · 3 min read
What size should a printed QR code be? Which colours scan best? How big can the logo be? Ten tips for QR codes on flyers, packaging and posters.
A beautiful QR code that nobody can scan is worthless, and you usually find out after printing thousands of copies. Here are ten practical tips that keep your codes readable on every phone, from tiny business cards to outdoor banners.
1. Choose the right size
An easy rule: scanning distance divided by 10 equals the code's width. If people stand 1 m away, the code should be at least 10 cm wide.
| Placement | Scanning distance | Minimum size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, product label | 10–20 cm | 2 × 2 cm |
| Flyer, table menu | 20–30 cm | 3 × 3 cm |
| A3 poster on a wall | 1 m | 10 × 10 cm |
| Banner, shop sign | 3–5 m | 30–50 cm |
2. Keep the content short
The longer the content, the more and smaller the modules, and the harder the code is to scan when printed small. Use a short link, or a dynamic QR code, which always contains a very short link and stays clean.
3. Dark code on a light background
Cameras read QR codes by contrast. Black, dark blue or dark brown on white, cream or pale yellow is the safest choice. Avoid:
- Similar colours for code and background (grey on grey, red on orange).
- Inverted codes (light code on dark background): many cameras and older apps cannot read them.
- Gradients that fade from dark to light inside the code.
4. Leave a white margin
A QR code needs a quiet zone at least four modules wide on all sides. Do not let text, images or the paper edge touch the code. Our generator has a quiet zone slider to adjust it.
5. Add your logo the right way
- Use error correction level H (30%) with a logo. Our tool switches to H automatically when you upload one.
- Keep the logo to about 20–25% of the code area at most, centred.
- Never cover the three large squares in the corners.
6. Add a call to action
A short line such as "Scan for the menu", "Scan to join WiFi" or "Scan to pay" noticeably increases scans. Use the Frame feature to put the text right next to the code.
7. Export vector files for print
Download SVG for your printer: it stays sharp at any size. PNG is fine for the web, social media and small prints; if you print a PNG, choose 2000 px.
8. Mind the material and surface
- Glossy surfaces cause glare: prefer matte paper or matte lamination.
- Curved surfaces such as bottles and cups: make the code smaller or place it vertically along the bottle.
- Outdoors: use waterproof, fade-resistant materials and error correction Q or H.
9. Place it where people can scan
At eye level, in good light, with room to stand. Avoid motorway billboards, underground trains with no signal, or screens that change too quickly.
10. Always test before printing in bulk
Print one copy at the real size and scan it with at least one iPhone and one Android phone, at the real distance and in real lighting. Testing on a computer screen is not enough.
Ready to design? Open the QR code generator, pick a template, customise colours, frame and logo, then download.