QR Code Design Best Practices

A well-designed QR code reinforces your brand while remaining easily scannable.

Color Guidelines

Do: Maintain High Contrast

Use dark colors for the QR pattern and light colors for the background. A contrast ratio of at least 4:1 ensures reliable scanning.

Don't: Use Light Foreground Colors

Yellow, light pink, or pale colors as the QR pattern will fail to scan. The pattern must be darker than the background.

Don't: Invert Colors

White QR pattern on a dark background may not scan on all devices. Stick to dark-on-light.

Logo Integration

Logo Size

Keep your logo to maximum 30% of the QR code area.

Logo Position

Always center your logo. The center has the most error correction redundancy.

Simple Logos Work Best

Use simplified versions of your logo. Complex logos may not be visible at small sizes.

Error Correction Level

When adding a logo, use High (H) error correction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using gradients in the QR pattern

Solution: Use solid colors only.

Making QR codes too small

Solution: Minimum 2cm x 2cm for close scanning.

Placing on complex backgrounds

Solution: Always use solid, contrasting backgrounds.

Stretching or skewing the QR code

Solution: Always maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio.

Printing at low resolution

Solution: Export as SVG for print or use 300+ DPI PNG.

Create a branded QR code now

Apply these best practices with Quality QR's design tools.