A QR code that doesn't scan is worse than no QR code at all — it frustrates the user and reflects poorly on your brand. These best practices cover everything from minimum size to color contrast to where to place codes for maximum scan rates.
The 7 rules of reliable QR codes
Minimum size: 2cm x 2cm for print
This is the absolute minimum for reliable scanning at normal reading distance (25-30cm). For anything that will be viewed from further away, scale up proportionally — distance-to-scan should be 10x the code size.
High contrast: dark on light, always
The standard is black on white. You can use dark colors on light backgrounds, but avoid low-contrast combinations (dark gray on medium gray) and never use light modules on a dark background without extensive testing.
Quiet zone: 4 modules of white space
Every QR code needs a "quiet zone" — a border of empty white space around the outside. Without it, scanners can't find the edges of the code. Our generator includes this automatically.
No distortion: keep it square
Never stretch or compress a QR code. Even slight distortion breaks the scan. If you need to resize, maintain the aspect ratio and scale proportionally.
Use SVG for print, PNG for screen
SVG scales to any size without pixelation — essential for print. PNG is fine for digital use. Never use a low-resolution PNG for print; it produces blurry codes that may not scan.
Test on multiple devices before printing
Test on at least one iPhone and one Android device. Test in good light and dim light. Test with the default camera app, not a QR scanning app — most users will use their camera.
Add a call to action
"Scan to see the menu", "Scan to connect to WiFi", "Scan to save contact" — a short label removes any ambiguity. Without it, some users will ignore the code.
QR code size guide by use case
| Use case | Minimum size | Recommended | Scanning distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business card | 2cm x 2cm | 2.5cm x 2.5cm | 15-25cm |
| Flyer / brochure | 2.5cm x 2.5cm | 3.5cm x 3.5cm | 25-40cm |
| Restaurant table card | 3cm x 3cm | 4cm x 4cm | 30-50cm |
| Poster (A4/Letter) | 4cm x 4cm | 6cm x 6cm | 50-80cm |
| Storefront window | 8cm x 8cm | 12cm x 12cm | 1-2 meters |
| Billboard / signage | 20cm x 20cm | 30cm x 30cm | 3-5 meters |
Color QR codes: proceed with caution
Colored QR codes can align with brand guidelines and look more polished than plain black and white. The rules:
- The modules (dark squares) must be darker than the background — a contrast ratio of at least 4:1
- Avoid red modules — many QR scanners have difficulty reading red due to how camera sensors process color
- Keep the three corner squares (finder patterns) dark — they're what scanners use to locate the code
- Test extensively before printing in color
Generate a high-quality QR code — PNG up to 1024px or SVG for perfect print quality.
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