QR Code Best Practices & Tips

Create QR codes that scan perfectly every time with these expert guidelines

📏 Optimal Size and Resolution

Print Guidelines

  • Minimum: 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches)
  • Recommended: 3x3 cm (1.2x1.2 inches)
  • Business cards: 1.5x1.5 cm minimum
  • Posters/signage: Scale proportionally

Digital Guidelines

  • Minimum: 200x200 pixels
  • Web display: 300x300 pixels
  • High-DPI screens: 600x600+ pixels
  • Vector format: SVG for scalability
Pro Tip: The viewing distance should be roughly 10 times the QR code width for optimal scanning.

🎨 Color Contrast Recommendations

✅ Good Practices

  • • Dark QR code on light background
  • • Black on white (highest contrast)
  • • Dark blue on white
  • • Dark green on light yellow
  • • Minimum 3:1 contrast ratio

❌ Avoid These

  • • Light colors on dark backgrounds
  • • Similar color tones (low contrast)
  • • Red and green combinations
  • • Neon or fluorescent colors
  • • Colors that invert when printed
Warning: Always test color combinations with actual scanning devices before finalizing.

🏷️ Logo Placement Tips

Size Guidelines

  • • Maximum 20% of QR code area
  • • Center placement works best
  • • Square or circular logos preferred
  • • Maintain logo's aspect ratio

Error Correction

  • • Use High (30%) error correction
  • • Medium (15%) for small logos
  • • Test scannability after adding logo
  • • Consider logo background color
Remember: QR codes with logos may require closer scanning distance.

🛡️ Error Correction Level Guide

LevelRecoveryBest ForData Capacity
Low (L)~7%Perfect conditions, digital displayHighest
Medium (M)~15%General use, clean printingHigh
Quartile (Q)~25%Industrial use, potential damageMedium
High (H)~30%Logos, outdoor use, wear expectedLower

🔍 Testing Your QR Codes

Testing Checklist

  • • Test on multiple devices (iOS, Android)
  • • Try different scanning apps
  • • Test various lighting conditions
  • • Check different viewing angles
  • • Verify from typical scanning distance

Common Issues

  • • Too small for scanning distance
  • • Insufficient color contrast
  • • Damaged or dirty surface
  • • Poor lighting conditions
  • • Curved or distorted surface
Success Tip: If your QR code scans easily in poor conditions, it will work great everywhere!

💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Placement Strategy

  • • Eye-level placement when possible
  • • Avoid curved or reflective surfaces
  • • Ensure adequate lighting
  • • Provide clear scanning instructions

Content Optimization

  • • Keep URLs short and simple
  • • Use URL shorteners for long links
  • • Test destination works on mobile
  • • Consider mobile-optimized landing pages

Print Quality

  • • Use vector formats (SVG, EPS) for print
  • • 300+ DPI for professional printing
  • • Test print quality before mass production
  • • Consider paper type and texture

User Experience

  • • Add call-to-action text
  • • Provide alternative access method
  • • Consider user privacy and security
  • • Monitor and track usage analytics

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