Print Guidelines for QR Codes
Size, contrast, and placement tips to ensure your printed QR codes always scan.
Minimum size
- Handheld materials (business cards, product labels): minimum 2 cm × 2 cm.
- Tabletop materials (menus, brochures): minimum 3 cm × 3 cm.
- Point-of-sale displays: 5–8 cm × 5–8 cm.
- Large-format prints visible from a distance: scale up proportionally.
Contrast and color
- Always use dark modules on a light background — never the reverse.
- Avoid printing on busy patterns or photos.
- If using a colored background, ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4:1.
Quiet zone
Every QR code requires a 'quiet zone' — blank white margin around all four edges, at least 4 modules (squares) wide. Most scanners refuse to read codes without this margin. Always leave adequate whitespace.
Test before printing
- Test-scan with at least three different devices.
- Try scanning at an angle and under poor lighting.
- Print a small test batch before committing to a large run.
Tip: Always use SVG format when exporting for print. It scales to any size without pixelation and produces the sharpest result at the printer.