QR Code Size and Print Guide: Make Every Phone Scan It

A QR code that does not scan is worse than no code at all. Most failures come from a handful of avoidable print mistakes.

Minimum sizes

These are practical minimums. Larger is always easier to scan, particularly for dense codes.

Contrast and colour

• Use a dark code on a light background.
• Avoid light-on-dark (inverted) codes. Some scanners cannot read them.
• Brand colours are fine if the contrast stays strong. Dark blue, black, deep green and burgundy work well.
• With gradients, keep both ends dark enough against the background.

Margin

Leave a clear margin around the code, roughly the width of four small squares of the pattern. Do not place text, borders or images against the code.

Logos and shapes

A logo in the centre is safe at about a fifth of the code width because of built-in error correction. Large logos and heavily shaped codes reduce reliability, so test them.

Keep the content short

The more data a code holds, the denser it becomes. For a long link, use a dynamic QR code, which encodes a short redirect instead.

File formats

• SVG for print and large formats. It stays sharp at any size.
• PNG for documents, email and social media. Export at 1024 px or more.

Surfaces to avoid

• Glossy or reflective materials that cause glare.
• Curved or folded surfaces.
• Stickers placed over seams and edges.

Test before you print

1. Print one at actual size.
2. Scan with at least two phones, an iPhone and an Android.
3. Scan from the distance real users will stand at.
4. Test in the same lighting as the final location.