How to print QR codes: sizes, file formats and materials
Most QR codes that fail do so because of how they were printed, not how they were made. Size, contrast, margins and material all matter. Here is what printers and packaging designers check.
The distance rule
A reliable rule of thumb is that a code should be about one tenth as wide as the distance it's scanned from. A poster read from 2 meters away needs a code about 20 cm wide. A business card held at 25 cm needs about 2.5 cm.
| Where it's used | Typical distance | Minimum width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, label, packaging | 15 to 30 cm | 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) |
| Table tent, flyer, menu | 30 to 50 cm | 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) |
| Poster, window sign | 1 to 2 m | 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) |
| Banner, billboard, screen at an event | 5 m or more | 50 cm and up |
Codes that hold more data, like a full contact card, have more and smaller modules, so print them larger than the table suggests. A dynamic code keeps the pattern small however long your destination is.
Leave the quiet zone
Scanners need a blank margin around the code to find it. The standard is four modules (the small squares) on every side. Don't let text, borders or photos touch the code. Our generator adds the quiet zone for you, and you can adjust it under Advanced.
Contrast and colors
- Use a dark code on a light background. Light codes on dark backgrounds don't scan on some phones.
- Aim for strong contrast. Pastel codes, gold foil and low-contrast brand colors are common causes of failure.
- Avoid placing codes over busy photos. Put a white panel behind the code if the design needs it.
- Check our live scan result: it warns you when contrast is too low.
Choose the right file
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Professional print, signage, packaging | Vector: sharp at any size. Ask your printer if unsure. |
| PDF or EPS | Print shops and older design tools | Vector formats for prepress workflows. |
| PNG 4096 px | Large prints when vector isn't possible | High resolution, transparent background available. |
| PNG, JPG, WebP | Screens, documents, social media | Fine for print up to about 10 cm at 300 dpi. |
SVG, PDF, EPS and 4096 px PNG are included with Pro. For screens and small prints, the free PNG is enough.
Materials and finishes
- Glossy laminate can reflect lights and hide the code. Matte finishes scan better.
- On curved surfaces like bottles and cups, keep the code small relative to the curve, or place it on a flat label area.
- For outdoor signs, choose UV-resistant inks. Faded codes stop scanning.
- Engraving and embroidery work, but need extra size and contrast. Test a sample first.
Test before the print run
- Print a proof at the real size. Screen tests don't show the effect of paper, ink spread and size.
- Scan it with several phones. Try an older Android phone and an iPhone, in normal indoor light.
- Scan from the real distance. Stand where people will stand, not just close up.
- Check where it goes. Make sure the page loads quickly on mobile data and looks right on a small screen.