How to print QR codes that scan first time.
Most QR codes that fail aren't broken. They're too small, too pale, too glossy or crowded by the design around them. Here's how to avoid all four.
1. Size: the distance rule
A simple rule of thumb: make the code about one tenth of the distance people will scan it from, and never smaller than 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide.
| Where it's used | Scanned from about | Code width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, label, packaging | 15–25 cm | 2.5 cm |
| Table card or menu | 30 cm | 3–4 cm |
| Hotel room card, counter sign | 50 cm | 5 cm |
| A4 poster on a wall | 1–1.5 m | 10–15 cm |
| Window or banner | 3 m | 30 cm |
Short links make simpler codes that scan more easily when small. Dynamic codes from QR Code Spot always hold a short link (qrcodespot.com/r/ and six letters), however long your real web address is.
2. Contrast: dark code, light background
- Print the code darker than its background. Black on white is the most reliable.
- Brand colours are fine if they're dark enough: navy, dark green or deep red work; yellow, light grey and pastels often don't. The code page warns you if a colour may be too light.
- Don't invert it (a light code on a dark background). Many phone cameras won't read it.
- Don't place the code over a photo or pattern.
3. Keep the quiet zone
The plain white border around a QR code is part of it. Phones use it to find the code. Keep a clear margin of at least four "squares" of the code on every side, and don't let text, frames or other graphics touch it. Downloads from QR Code Spot include this border.
4. File type: SVG for print
Download SVG for anything printed. It's a vector file, so it stays perfectly sharp at any size, and printers and design tools such as Canva, Illustrator and InDesign accept it. Use PNG for screens, slides and messages.
5. Material and finish
- Matte beats gloss. Glossy paper and lamination reflect light, and the glare can hide part of the code. Use matte lamination on tables and outdoors.
- Keep it flat. Codes on curved bottles, folded menus or creased stickers can distort. Place them on a flat area.
- Think about light. Dim restaurants and bars need a larger code and strong contrast.
- Outdoors, use weatherproof vinyl or laminate so the code doesn't fade or peel.
6. Test before you print a batch
- Print one copy at the real size on the real material.
- Scan it with two or three different phones, including an older one, from the distance people will use.
- Try it in the actual light: a dim corner, bright sun, behind glass.
- Check it opens the right page. With a dynamic code you can still fix the destination after printing, but not the size or colour.
7. Tell people what they'll get
A few words next to the code make more people scan it: "Scan for the menu", "Scan to call a waiter", "Scan for fresh towels". For button codes, add the place name, like "Table 6", so staff can find the code that was scanned.
Printable cards from your codes
Signed in, open any code and choose Print a card to get table cards, room cards or stickers sized for A4 paper, with the code at a scannable size, your heading and the white border already right.
Questions
What's the smallest size a QR code can be printed?
As a rule of thumb, at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide for scanning from close up, like on a business card or table. For scanning from further away, make it about a tenth of the scanning distance.
Can I print my QR code in colour?
Yes, as long as the code is clearly darker than the background. Avoid light colours like yellow or pale grey for the code itself, and don't print a light code on a dark background.
Should I download PNG or SVG?
SVG for print. It stays sharp at any size. Use PNG for screens, slides and messages.
Why does my printed QR code not scan?
The usual causes are low contrast, a missing white border, printing too small, glare from glossy lamination, or a curved or creased surface. Test a printed copy with two or three different phones before a large run.
Ready to print?
Make a dynamic code, then print it as a table card, room card or sticker sheet.