QR Code Design Best Practices: A Guide to Getting More Scans

You've created a compelling offer and a fantastic landing page. You've generated your QR code. But if no one scans it, all that effort goes to waste. The design of your QR code plays a critical role in its success. A well-designed code is not just about aesthetics; it's about scannability, branding, and encouraging user action.

This guide will cover the essential best practices for designing QR codes that are effective, on-brand, and optimized for a high scan rate. From size and color to adding your logo, we'll cover everything you need to know to create QR codes that work.

The Unbreakable Rules of QR Code Design

Before you get creative, there are a few fundamental rules you must follow to ensure your QR code is scannable.

1. High Contrast is Non-Negotiable

The most important factor for scannability is the contrast between the dark and light modules of your QR code. The classic black-on-white is the most reliable combination for a reason. If you use brand colors, ensure there is a significant contrast between your foreground and background colors.

• Do: Use a dark color for the QR code pattern and a light color for the background.
• Don't: Use an inverted QR code (e.g., white pattern on a black background). While some modern scanners can read them, many cannot. Also, avoid using colors that are too similar, like light gray on white or dark blue on black.

2. Respect the Quiet Zone

The quiet zone is the empty space that surrounds your QR code. This border is essential for scanning apps to distinguish the QR code from its surroundings. A good rule of thumb is to have a quiet zone that is at least four times the width of a single module (one of the small squares) in your code.

Most QR code generators, including QuickMarkr, automatically add an adequate quiet zone, but be careful not to crop it or place other design elements too close to the code.

Size and Placement: Context is Everything

A perfectly designed QR code is useless if it's too small to scan or placed in a location where no one will see it.

3. Make It Large Enough to Scan

The minimum size for a QR code is generally considered to be 2cm x 2cm (about 0.8in x 0.8in). However, the optimal size depends on the scanning distance. A simple rule to follow is the 10:1 ratio: the scanning distance should be about 10 times the width of the QR code.

• Business Card: Minimum 2cm x 2cm
• Flyer or Magazine: Minimum 3cm x 3cm
• Poster: Minimum 10cm x 10cm

4. Place It Where It Makes Sense

Think about the user's context when deciding where to place your QR code. It should be in a location where people can easily and safely scan it. Avoid placing codes on moving objects (like the side of a bus) or in areas with poor lighting or no internet connection (like a subway).

Branding and Call to Action: Encouraging the Scan

Once you've covered the technical basics, you can start thinking about how to make your QR code a more effective marketing tool.

5. Add Your Logo (Carefully)

Adding your logo to the center of your QR code is a great way to increase brand recognition and trust. However, it must be done correctly to avoid affecting scannability. The logo should not cover more than 30% of the QR code's surface area. This is possible thanks to the error correction built into QR codes. [Related: Understanding QR Code Error Correction]

6. Always Include a Call to Action (CTA)

Don't assume people will know what to do when they see your QR code. Always include a clear and concise call to action that tells them why they should scan it. A simple frame around the code with text like "Scan for 20% Off," "View the Menu," or "Watch the Video" can dramatically increase your scan rate.

The Final Step: Always Test Your QR Code

Before you send your design to the printer, you must test it thoroughly. Scan it with multiple devices (iPhone, Android) and multiple QR code scanning apps. Test it in the lighting conditions where it will be displayed. A few minutes of testing can save you from the costly mistake of printing thousands of unscannable QR codes.