QR Code Design Best Practices: How to Create Codes That Actually Get Scanned

A QR code that doesn't scan is worthless—no matter how beautiful it looks. The challenge is creating QR codes that are both on-brand and reliably functional across all devices and conditions.

This guide covers the essential design principles that ensure your QR codes perform as intended while reinforcing your visual identity.

The Golden Rule: Contrast is Everything

The single most important factor in QR code scannability is contrast between the code and its background. QR code scanners work by detecting the difference between dark and light areas.

Key contrast principles:

• Dark code on light background works best — this is how QR codes were designed to function
• Minimum 40% contrast difference between code and background colors
• Avoid medium tones — grays and pastels reduce contrast and hurt scannability
• Black on white remains the most reliable combination for all scanners

Color Selection Guidelines

Yes, you can use colors other than black. Here's how to do it safely:

Safe Color Choices for QR Codes

• Dark blues (navy, royal blue) — excellent contrast on white
• Dark greens (forest, hunter green) — reliable performance
• Dark purples — works well for luxury brands
• Dark reds (burgundy, maroon) — good contrast, avoid bright reds
• Brown and charcoal — subtle alternatives to pure black

Colors to Avoid

• Yellow on white — insufficient contrast
• Light pastels — too low contrast for reliable scanning
• Neon/fluorescent colors — can confuse some scanners
• Gradient fills on the code itself — creates uneven contrast
• Red and green together — accessibility issue for colorblind users

Size Matters: QR Code Sizing Guidelines

QR code size directly affects how far away and how reliably it can be scanned. The relationship between size and scanning distance follows a roughly 10:1 ratio.

Minimum Size Recommendations

• Business cards: Minimum 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8" × 0.8")
• Flyers and brochures: 3-4 cm recommended
• Posters: 10+ cm for wall-mounted viewing
• Billboards: Calculate based on viewing distance
• Digital screens: At least 150 × 150 pixels, larger preferred

The 10:1 Rule

The maximum comfortable scanning distance is approximately 10 times the QR code's width. A 3 cm QR code scans comfortably from about 30 cm (1 foot) away. For a poster meant to be scanned from 2 meters away, the QR code should be at least 20 cm.

Adding Logos: Do It Right

QR codes have built-in error correction that allows portions of the code to be obscured while remaining scannable. This makes logo embedding possible—but there are limits.

Logo Size Guidelines

• Safe zone: Keep logos under 30% of the QR code area
• Recommended: 10-20% for optimal scannability
• Position: Center placement works best
• Shape: Square or circular logos work better than wide rectangles

Logo Design Tips

• Use a simplified version of your logo if your full logo is complex
• Ensure the logo has clear edges and doesn't blend into the QR pattern
• Add a small white or contrasting border around the logo
• Avoid transparent logos that let the QR pattern show through

The Quiet Zone: Essential White Space

The quiet zone is the margin of empty space around your QR code. This border helps scanners identify where the code begins and ends.

Quiet zone requirements:

• Minimum: 4 modules (the small squares that make up the QR code) on all sides
• Recommended: Approximately 10% of QR code width as margin
• Never let other design elements touch the code directly

Crowding a QR code against other elements or cutting off its edges is a common mistake that causes scanning failures.

Print vs. Digital Considerations

For Print Materials

• Resolution: Export at 300 DPI minimum for print
• Format: Vector formats (SVG, PDF) scale without quality loss
• Paper: Avoid glossy paper that creates glare; matte finishes scan better
• Placement: Avoid folds, seams, or curved surfaces

For Digital Use

• Resolution: Minimum 150 × 150 pixels, larger is better
• Format: PNG with transparency for flexibility
• Compression: Avoid heavy JPEG compression that blurs edges
• Screen brightness: QR codes on screens scan better at higher brightness

Testing: The Non-Negotiable Step

Never deploy a QR code without testing it first. Even small design changes can affect scannability.

Testing checklist:

• Scan with multiple phone models (iPhone and Android)
• Test with native camera apps and third-party QR readers
• Try different lighting conditions (bright, dim, artificial light)
• Test at the actual size it will be displayed
• If printed, test on the actual print material
• Verify the destination URL or content works correctly

Quick Reference: Design Checklist

• ✓ High contrast between code and background
• ✓ Dark code on light background preferred
• ✓ Minimum 2 cm size for business cards, larger for distance viewing
• ✓ Logo size under 30% of QR code area
• ✓ Clear quiet zone (margin) around the code
• ✓ 300 DPI for print, 150+ pixels for digital
• ✓ Tested on multiple devices
• ✓ Destination URL verified and mobile-friendly