Design
- High contrast — dark code on a light background; avoid low-contrast or inverted codes
- Keep the quiet zone — the white margin is part of the code; don't crop it
- Logo in the center is fine — but keep it small and use higher error correction
- Vector (SVG) for print so it stays crisp at any size
Placement & context
- Add a short call-to-action — “Scan for the menu,” “Scan to pay” — so people know what they'll get
- Put it where phones can reach it — eye level, not the floor or a moving vehicle
- Size it for the scanning distance (see our size guide)
Before you print
- Test it on more than one phone
- For anything you can't reprint, use a dynamic code so you can fix a broken link
- Make sure the destination page is mobile-friendly
Frequently asked questions
What makes a QR code fail to scan?
Low contrast, a missing quiet zone (cropped margin), too small a size for the distance, glare on glossy prints, or a busy background behind the code.
Should I add a call-to-action?
Yes — codes with a short prompt like “Scan for the menu” get far more scans than a bare code, because people know what they'll get.
Can I put my logo on a QR code?
Yes, in the center and kept small. Raise the error-correction level so the code still scans with part of it covered.
Related generators
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QR Code Size Guide
How big to print a QR code so it scans every time.
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How to Make a QR Code
How to make a QR code for free in three steps: pick what it links to, generate it, and download SVG or PNG.
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Trackable QR Code
Create a trackable QR code that counts scans and lets you change the destination anytime without reprinting.