QR codes that actually scan: a practical print guide

A beautiful QR code that does not scan is worse than none. Most failures come from small, avoidable design decisions.

Contrast first

Use a dark foreground on a light background. Inverted codes (light on dark) are not supported by some scanner apps. We warn you automatically when contrast is low.

Size and distance

• Rule of thumb: code width ≈ scanning distance ÷ 10. For one metre, aim for about 10 cm.
• Keep an empty margin (quiet zone) of at least four modules around the code.
• Use SVG for print to keep edges crisp at any size.

Error correction and logos

High error correction (H) lets a code survive partial coverage, so we enforce it whenever you add a logo. Higher correction also makes the code denser, so keep logos small.

Point it at an editable short link

Never encode the destination directly. Encode a short link: you can change the destination after printing, measure scans, and pause the link if needed.

Test the printed proof with at least two different phones before the final run.