QR Code Best Practices: Design, Size, and Placement

Creating effective QR codes requires attention to design, sizing, and placement. A well-designed QR code gets scanned reliably while maintaining your brand aesthetics.

Minimum Size

The minimum recommended size for a printed QR code is 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches). For scanning from a distance, increase the size. A general rule is that the QR code should be at least one-tenth the scanning distance. For a billboard viewed from 10 meters away, the code should be at least 1 meter wide.

Quiet Zone

Every QR code needs a quiet zone, which is the blank margin around the code. This margin should be at least 4 modules (individual squares) wide. Without adequate quiet zone, scanners may have difficulty detecting the code boundaries.

Color and Contrast

The foreground (dark) color must have sufficient contrast against the background (light) color. While black on white provides the best contrast, you can use other color combinations as long as the contrast ratio is at least 4:1. Always keep the foreground darker than the background since scanners rely on this relationship.

Custom Design Tips

You can customize QR codes while maintaining scannability. Do not modify the finder patterns (corner squares) or the alignment patterns. Use error correction level H (30%) when adding logos or designs to the center. Test every customized QR code with multiple devices before printing.

Placement Guidelines

Place QR codes where users have time and space to scan them. Good locations include product packaging, business cards, posters at eye level, and table tents. Avoid placing codes on moving vehicles, very high surfaces, or areas with poor lighting.

Testing

Always test your QR code before publishing. Test with at least three different phone models and multiple QR scanning apps. Test at the actual scanning distance and lighting conditions where the code will be used.