A beautifully designed QR code is useless if it doesn't scan. Every year, millions of QR codes fail because of basic design mistakes—wrong size, poor contrast, missing quiet zones, or improper placement. This guide covers the 10 essential best practices that ensure your QR codes work flawlessly every single time.
Quick Reference: The 10 Best Practices
1 Size it Right: The 10:1 Rule
The most common QR code failure is being too small. A QR code that's too small won't scan reliably, especially from a distance or in poor lighting. Use the 10:1 ratio rule: your QR code should be at least 1/10th of the expected scanning distance.
| Use Case | Scanning Distance | Minimum QR Size |
|---|---|---|
| Business cards | 15-30 cm | 2 cm × 2 cm |
| Product packaging | 30-50 cm | 3-5 cm × 3-5 cm |
| Table tents / menus | 30-60 cm | 4-6 cm × 4-6 cm |
| Posters (indoor) | 1-2 meters | 10-20 cm × 10-20 cm |
| Storefront signs | 2-5 meters | 20-50 cm × 20-50 cm |
| Billboards | 10+ meters | 1+ meter × 1+ meter |
2 Maximize Contrast
QR code scanners work by detecting the difference between light and dark modules. Without sufficient contrast, the scanner can't distinguish the pattern. The minimum contrast ratio should be 4:1, but higher is always better.
- Black on white (classic, always works)
- Dark blue (#003366) on white
- Dark green (#006400) on white
- Black on light yellow
- Dark purple on cream
- Navy on light gray
- Yellow on white
- Light blue on white
- Red on green (colorblind issues)
- Gray on gray
- White on light colors
- Any neon/pastel combinations
Pro Tip: The Inversion Rule
You can invert QR codes (light modules on dark background) and they'll still scan—but the foreground must always be darker than the background. A white QR code on a black background works. A light gray QR on dark gray does not.
3 Maintain the Quiet Zone
The quiet zone is the blank margin around your QR code. It's not optional decoration—it's essential for scanners to identify where the code begins and ends. Without it, scanning becomes unreliable or impossible.
Quiet Zone Requirements:
- Minimum: 4 modules (the small squares that make up the QR code)
- Recommended: 10-15% of the total QR code width on all sides
- For busy backgrounds: Increase to 6-8 modules
Correct Quiet Zone
Adequate white space on all sides allows reliable scanning
Missing Quiet Zone
Text, images, or borders touching the QR code cause scan failures
4 Choose the Right Error Correction Level
QR codes have built-in error correction that allows them to scan even when partially damaged or obscured. There are four levels, each trading data capacity for resilience:
| Level | Recovery Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% damage recovery | Clean environments, digital displays, maximum data |
| M (Medium) | ~15% damage recovery | Standard print materials, general use (recommended default) |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% damage recovery | Outdoor use, factory environments, potential wear |
| H (High) | ~30% damage recovery | Adding logos, harsh environments, maximum durability |
Recommendation
Use Level M for most applications and Level H when adding a logo to your QR code. The higher error correction compensates for the logo covering part of the code.
5 Use High-Resolution Files
A pixelated or blurry QR code won't scan reliably. Always export and use vector formats when possible, or high-resolution raster images for print.
Best Formats
- SVG - Vector, infinitely scalable
- PDF - Vector, ideal for print
- EPS - Vector, professional print
- PNG (300+ DPI) - High-res raster with transparency
Avoid
- JPEG - Compression artifacts
- Low-res PNG - Pixelation when scaled
- GIF - Limited colors, compression
- Screenshots - Always low quality
6 Add a Clear Call-to-Action
A QR code alone doesn't tell users why they should scan it. Adding a clear call-to-action (CTA) can increase scan rates by 30% or more. Tell people what they'll get.
Effective CTAs
- "Scan for 20% off your order"
- "Scan to view our menu"
- "Scan to connect on LinkedIn"
- "Scan for exclusive content"
- "Scan to download the app"
- "Scan for product details"
- "Scan to join our WiFi"
- "Scan to RSVP"
Weak CTAs
- "Scan me" (scan for what?)
- "QR Code" (obvious, not helpful)
- "Learn more" (too vague)
- "Click here" (wrong medium)
- No text at all
- Tiny, unreadable text
CTA Placement Tips
- Place CTA above or below the QR code, not covering it
- Use action verbs: Scan, Get, Discover, Access, Claim
- Include the benefit: discount, access, information
- Add a visual cue: arrow pointing to QR code, phone icon
7 Optimize for Your Surface Material
The material you print on affects scannability. Different surfaces require different considerations:
| Material | Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy paper/plastic | Glare, reflections | Matte lamination, angle placement, larger size |
| Fabric/textiles | Distortion, texture | Higher error correction, larger size, flat placement |
| Metal/glass | Reflections, transparency | Etching, opaque backing, anti-glare coating |
| Curved surfaces | Distortion | Larger QR codes, position on flattest area |
| Outdoor signage | Weather, UV damage, dirt | Level Q/H error correction, protective coating, larger size |
| Digital screens | Brightness, refresh rate | Static display, high contrast, avoid video backgrounds |
8 Position at the Right Height and Angle
Where you place your QR code matters as much as how you design it. Poor placement can make even a perfectly designed code frustrating to scan.
Optimal Placement Guidelines
- Height: 1.2-1.5 meters from ground (eye/phone level)
- Angle: Perpendicular to expected scanning direction
- Lighting: Well-lit areas, avoid direct sunlight glare
- Accessibility: Reachable without obstacles
- Visibility: Clear sightline from approach
- Context: Near related content/products
Table Tents
Angle slightly toward seated customers, 30-45° from vertical
Wall Signs
1.2-1.5m height, avoid corners or recessed areas
Product Packaging
On the facing side, not on folds or curved edges
- Floor level (people won't bend down)
- Above 2 meters (hard to reach with phone)
- Behind glass with reflections
- On moving objects or vehicles (unless very large)
- Near competing visual elements
9 Test on Multiple Devices Before Launch
Never assume a QR code works because it scans on your phone. Different devices, cameras, and apps behave differently. Test thoroughly before printing or publishing.
Devices to Test
- iPhone (recent and older models)
- Android phones (various brands)
- Tablets
- Budget/older devices
Conditions to Test
- Bright light / direct sunlight
- Low light / indoor
- Different angles
- Various distances
Apps to Test With
- Native camera apps (iOS Camera, Google Lens)
- Social media apps (Instagram, Snapchat, WeChat)
- Third-party QR scanners (at least 2-3 popular ones)
Print Proof Testing
Before a large print run, always create a single test print at actual size. Test the physical print, not just the digital file. Printing can introduce unexpected issues like color shifts, sizing errors, or resolution problems.
10 Use Dynamic QR Codes
Static QR codes encode the destination URL directly—once printed, they can never be changed. Dynamic QR codes use a redirect, allowing you to update the destination without reprinting. This is essential for serious marketing use.
- URL is permanent
- No tracking or analytics
- Simple, no ongoing service needed
- Good for: WiFi codes, vCards, text
- Change destination anytime
- Full scan analytics
- A/B test landing pages
- Fix errors without reprinting
- Track campaigns and ROI
Quick Reference Checklist
Create Perfect QR Codes with QRAnalytic
Generate scannable, trackable QR codes that follow all best practices. Our platform automatically handles error correction, sizing guidelines, and provides full analytics to measure your success.
Create Free QR CodeConclusion
Great QR code design is the foundation of successful QR marketing. By following these 10 best practices—from proper sizing and contrast to testing and using dynamic codes—you ensure that every QR code you create will scan reliably and deliver results.
Remember: a QR code that doesn't scan is worse than no QR code at all. It frustrates users and damages brand perception. Take the time to design and test properly, and your QR codes will become powerful tools for connecting physical and digital experiences.
Start with the basics (size, contrast, quiet zone), then optimize based on your specific use case and environment. Test thoroughly, use dynamic codes for flexibility, and always include a compelling reason to scan.