QR Code Design & Printing Rules
A QR code only works if it scans. These are the rules that determine whether it will.
QR codes include error correction — they can survive some damage or obscuring and still scan. That's not a reason to cut corners on design. If you want people to actually use your code, these guidelines aren't optional.
High contrast
The scanner looks for contrast between dark squares and the light background. Do: dark code on a light background — black on white is most reliable. Don't: inverted contrast (white on black), which fails on many older Android devices. Don't: similar colours like dark blue on dark red.
The quiet zone
The blank border around the code is called the quiet zone. It must be at least four modules (data squares) wide on all four sides. If text, graphics, or the edge of your paper run right up to the QR matrix, the code will fail to scan. Our generator applies a generous quiet zone to all downloads automatically.
Minimum print size
Standard use (business card, brochure): minimum 0.8 × 0.8 inches (2 × 2 cm). Distance scanning (poster, window): divide the scanning distance by 10 to get the minimum width. vCard codes are denser — aim for at least 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Use a lossless file format for print
PNGs are fine for digital use and small prints. For large-format printing, use vector formats (SVG or EPS) — they scale to any size without losing sharpness. A vector file can cover an entire wall without degrading.
Test before printing at scale
Scan your final proof with at least two different phones before committing to a large print run. Confirm the URL works for static URL codes. For WiFi QR codes, verify the SSID and password are correct — a static code can't be edited once it's printed.
Quick summary
- Dark code on light background — black on white if possible.
- Leave blank space (the quiet zone) around all four sides.
- Print at least 2cm wide; 4cm for dense codes like vCards.
- Scan the final proof with multiple phones before going to press.