QR code business card designs: 8 layouts that look good and scan
Our business card guide covers what to link and how big to print. This one is about looks: eight layouts that put a QR code on a card without making it feel like a parking ticket.
1. The quiet back
Front: name, title and logo. Back: the code alone, centred, 2 to 2.5 cm wide, with a one-line caption such as 'Save my contact'. It's the safest layout and the one printers get right first time.
2. Corner code on a single-sided card
For one-sided cards, put the code bottom right at 1.8 to 2 cm, aligned to the same margin as your text. Give it 3 mm of clear space so it doesn't crowd the phone number.
3. Brand colour modules
Print the modules in your darkest brand colour on white or cream stock. Navy, forest green, burgundy and charcoal all scan well. Keep the background light; a light code on a dark card is the most common reason card codes fail.
4. Logo in the middle
A small logo or monogram in the centre ties the code to the card. Keep it to about a fifth of the code's width and use error correction H. Our generator does both when you add a logo.
5. Rounded modules for a softer card
Dots and rounded squares suit florists, cafés, therapists and anyone whose brand is gentle. Keep the three corner squares solid enough to stand out; the scan check warns you if they don't.
6. Framed code with a call to action
A thin frame with 'Scan to connect' or 'Book a call' turns the code into a button. It works well on the back of a card with a lot of white space.
7. Full-bleed colour back with a white panel
If the back of your card is a strong colour, put the code inside a white rounded panel. You keep the bold back and the scanner still sees dark on light.
8. Vertical card
On a portrait card, stack name, title and code in one column, with the code at the bottom. It reads top to bottom and leaves room for a short caption under the code.
Rules every layout follows
- At least 1.8 cm wide for a short link, 2.5 cm for a full vCard.
- Dark modules on a light background, with contrast you can see from arm's length.
- A blank margin around the code; no text or lines touching it.
- No foil, spot UV or embossing over the code. Matte stock scans best.
- A digital business card page keeps the pattern small and lets you update details after printing.
- Pick a layout from the list. Quiet back and corner code suit most people.
- Make the code in your brand colours. Start from a template or set colours, logo and frame yourself.
- Place it in your card design. Use SVG or PDF if your designer asks for vectors.
- Print one proof and scan it. Try an iPhone and an Android phone under normal office light.