QR Code Printing Guide: Size, Format & Scannability Tips
There is nothing worse than printing 5,000 brochures only to realize the QR code is unreadable. Follow this checklist to bulletproof your design.
1. Contrast is King
Do: Dark foreground (Code) on Light background.
Don't: Invert colors (White code on black) unless you test thoroughly. Many older phone cameras struggle with inversion.
2. Size & Ratio
The scanning distance matters. Use the 10:1 Ratio Rule.
"If the user is 10 inches (25cm) away, the code should be at least 1 inch (2.5cm) wide."
Minimum safe size: 2cm x 2cm (0.8 inches). Never go smaller than this.
3. The Quiet Zone
The white margin around the code is called the "Quiet Zone". It helps the scanner define the edges.
Do NOT push text, logos, or borders right up against the pixels. Leave a clear buffer.
4. File Formats
- SVG / EPS Use vector files for large prints (billboards, posters). They scale infinitely without blurring.
- PNG Great for web, email signatures, and small flyers. Ensure high DPI (300+) for print.
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