What’s the minimum size for a QR code?

For handheld scanning, aim for at least 3 cm / 1.2 in wide. For posters, use the distance rule: code width ≈ viewing distance ÷ 10.

Can I use brand colors or invert the code?

Yes, but keep high contrast with a dark foreground on a light background. If inverted or stylized, print larger and test under different lighting.

How big can the logo be?

Keep logos under 15–20% of the code area, use error correction level Q or H, and never cover the finder patterns.

What’s the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

Static encodes the final URL permanently. Dynamic uses a short link or redirect you can change later and often makes tracking easier.

QR Codes that People Actually Scan: Size, Color, Logo

Quick start: high-scan QR in 60 seconds

Use a short URL. Shorter data = less dense code = faster scans. (Host your own short path if possible.)
Dark code on a light background. Avoid low contrast or gradients; keep it simple.
Add a quiet zone. Leave a clear margin around the code (at least 4 modules).
Pick the right size for distance. See the cheat sheet below.
Test with multiple phones under different lighting before printing a batch.

What makes a QR code scannable

Contrast & color

Use a dark foreground (black/navy) on a light background (white/light gray).
Avoid inverted (light-on-dark) or low-contrast pastel combos.
Keep backgrounds plain—busy patterns confuse camera focus.

Quiet zone (margin)

Leave a border of at least 4 modules (4 little squares) around the code on all sides. If your design is busy, increase to 6–8 modules.

Data density

Long URLs make codes dense (more modules), which are harder to scan at small sizes or distance. Use a short URL or a neat path on your own domain to keep modules larger.

Surface & lighting

Glossy surfaces cause glare; matte is safer.
Curved surfaces distort—print larger to compensate.

Print sizing cheat sheet (distance → size)

A simple rule of thumb: QR width ≈ viewing distance ÷ 10.

Indoor posters

0.5 m (20 in) → 5 cm (2 in)
1 m (3.3 ft) → 10 cm (4 in)
2 m (6.5 ft) → 20 cm (8 in)

Packaging & labels

Handheld, ~30 cm (12 in) → 3 cm (1.2 in)
Curved bottle? add 25–50% size

Tip: If you add a logo or invert colors, size up one step.

Logos & error correction

Keep the logo under 15–20% of the code area. Don’t cover finder corners.
Use a higher error-correction level (Q or H) when adding a logo so the code remains readable.
Ensure the quiet zone remains intact after placing the logo or a label.

Useful QR content types (that convert)

URL

Link to a mobile-friendly landing page. Use short paths and UTM tags if you track campaigns.

Wi-Fi

Share SSID & password; pick the correct security type (WPA2 vs WPA3).

vCard

Instantly add your contact. Keep fields short to reduce density.

SMS / Email

Pre-fill a message (feedback, support). Great for offline posters.

Generate all of these with the QR Code Generator.

PNG vs SVG (and when to use each)

SVG (vector) — best for print, signage, and resizing without blur.
PNG — great for web and documents; export at 1024–2048 px for crisp results.
Avoid heavy effects (shadows, gradients) that reduce contrast.

Testing checklist

Scan with multiple phones (iOS/Android, older + newer models).
Test in bright light and low light; check glare on glossy paper.
Test from the intended distance and angle (e.g., standing at a poster).
Confirm the landing page is mobile-friendly and loads fast.

Troubleshooting

Won’t scan unless very close: code is too dense or too small → shorten the URL and re-export larger.

Scans on some phones only: increase contrast and quiet zone; avoid light foreground colors.

Logo breaks the code: shrink the logo and raise error correction to Q/H; keep finder corners clear.

Works on screen but not in print: print quality too low or glare—use matte stock and higher resolution.