Quality

QR code best practices

Reliable QR codes need readable contrast, enough free space around the code, suitable size and real tests in the final context.

A QR code can look polished and still fail if it is too small, too low-contrast, cropped by a layout or placed on a material that reflects light. The safest workflow is to design conservatively and test the exact version that will be published.

Contrast rules

Use a clear difference between dark modules and the background. Black on white is the safest baseline; brand colors should be tested, not assumed.

Avoid pale foreground colors, busy photo backgrounds and transparent exports on unknown backgrounds.
Keep the finder squares clearly visible; heavy styling can make them harder to detect.
If the background is not white, test the final placed code after export.

Quiet zone

The quiet zone is the empty margin around the QR code. It helps scanners separate the code from text, borders, images and page edges.

Keep at least four modules of clear space around the code.
Do not place frames, icons, lines or text inside that margin unless the QR code renderer explicitly accounts for it.
Check that layout software does not crop the margin during export.

Minimum sizes for screen and print

Size depends on scan distance, data density and print quality. Treat these values as practical starting points, then test.

Medium	Starting size	Notes
Phone screen or website	120-160 px	Use more if the code contains long URLs or is shown briefly.
Business card	18-25 mm	Keep the target URL short and test with several phones.
Flyer or menu	25-35 mm	Use strong contrast and enough surrounding space.
Poster or window sign	80 mm or larger	Test from the expected viewing distance.

Typical scan errors

Most failures come from a small set of avoidable problems.

The code is too small for the scan distance.
The quiet zone is missing or covered by design elements.
The foreground and background have weak contrast.
JPG compression creates soft edges around modules.
The printed surface is glossy, curved, wrinkled or poorly lit.

Logos and error correction

A logo can work when the QR code has enough error correction and the logo does not cover important finder patterns.

Keep logos centered and modest in size.
Use higher error correction when adding a logo or styling modules.
Never assume a logo is safe without a scan test of the final export.

Test checklist before publishing

Test the final file in the environment where it will be used.

Scan with at least two different smartphones.
Test the final printed size or final on-screen size.
Check from the expected distance and angle.
Verify the target page, WiFi data, contact data or text content.
Confirm that the exported file has not been cropped, compressed or recolored by another tool.

Examples by material

Different materials need different margins and test conditions.

Use	Recommended approach	Common mistake
Flyer	PNG or SVG, 25-35 mm, clear call to action	Placed too close to body text
Menu	Durable URL, high contrast, wipeable print test	Glossy lamination causes glare
Business card	Short URL or vCard, 18-25 mm, generous margin	Too much data in a tiny code
Poster	Large code, SVG layout, test from distance	Designed on screen but never tested at poster distance