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QR Code Best Practices: Design, Size & Placement (2026)
Creating a QR code is easy. Creating one that people actually scan? That requires strategy. This guide covers everything you need to know to maximize QR code scan rates.
The Golden Rules of QR Code Design
✅ Always DO These
- Use high contrast - Dark foreground, light background
- Include quiet zone - White border around QR code
- Add clear CTA - "Scan for menu" beats "Scan me"
- Test before printing - Try multiple scanner apps
- Size appropriately - Viewing distance ÷ 10 = minimum size
- Use vector/high-res - 1000px+ for print
- Add your logo - Branded codes get 30-40% more scans
❌ Never DO These
- Use low contrast - Light yellow on white doesn't scan
- Crop too tight - QR codes need breathing room
- Make them tiny - Minimum 0.8 inches for reliable scanning
- Use JPG for print - Compression = scan failures
- Skip testing - Print 1000 before testing = expensive mistake
- Invert colors carelessly - Not all scanners read light codes
Color Best Practices
What Works
- Black on white - Universal, 100% compatibility
- Dark blue on white - Professional, scans reliably
- Dark purple on cream - Branded, good contrast
- Dark green on white - Eco-brands, scans well
What Doesn't Work
- Light colors on light backgrounds - Poor contrast
- Red on white - Some scanners struggle
- Gradients - Inconsistent scanning
- Multiple colors - Confuses scanners
💡 Pro Tip: Stick to dark foreground (black, dark blue, dark purple) on light background (white, cream, light gray) for 99% scan success rate.
Size and Placement Best Practices
Minimum Sizes by Use Case
- Business cards: 0.8 inch / 400px minimum
- Table tents: 2 inches / 800px minimum
- Posters: 3 inches / 1200px minimum
- Billboards: 4+ feet / 2000px (maximum quality)
Where to Place QR Codes
High-conversion locations:
- Eye level on walls and windows
- Next to cash registers
- On product packaging (visible spot)
- Bottom of receipts
- Business card front (not back!)
- Table tents at eye level when seated
Low-conversion locations (avoid):
- Moving vehicles (can't scan while moving)
- Behind obstacles or in corners
- Too high or too low to scan comfortably
- In direct sunlight (glare issues)
Call-to-Action Examples
Generic (Weak)
- "Scan me"
- "QR code"
- No text at all
Specific (Strong)
- "Scan for menu"
- "Get 20% off - scan now"
- "Watch demo video"
- "Join our WiFi"
- "See product reviews"
- "Book appointment"
💡 Rule of thumb: People need to know what they'll get BEFORE scanning. Specific CTAs convert 3x better than generic ones.
Testing Checklist
Before going live, test:
- ✅ iPhone camera app (most common)
- ✅ Android camera app
- ✅ Third-party QR apps (QR Reader, etc.)
- ✅ Different lighting conditions
- ✅ Expected viewing distance
- ✅ Printed version if printing
Advanced Optimization Techniques
1. Use URL Shorteners
Long URLs create complex QR codes. Use bit.ly or a custom short domain to create simpler codes that scan faster.
2. Error Correction Levels
- L (7%): Use for clean, controlled environments
- M (15%): Standard for most uses
- Q (25%): Good for codes with logos
- H (30%): Best for outdoor or dirty environments
3. Quiet Zone Optimization
The white border (quiet zone) should be at least 4 modules wide. Most generators include this automatically.
4. Format Selection
- PNG: Best for digital and print (lossless)
- SVG: Best for scaling (vector)
- JPG: Avoid (compression artifacts)
- PDF: Good for print-ready files
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High error correction, perfect sizing, logo support
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Industry-Specific Tips
Restaurants
- Place at exact eye level when seated
- Use "Scan for menu" not "QR code"
- Make codes 2-3 inches minimum
- Include in multiple languages if needed
Retail
- Product tags: 1 inch minimum
- Window displays: 6+ inches
- Link to reviews, not just product pages
- Use branded codes matching packaging
Events
- Tickets: 0.75-1 inch
- Banners: 8-12 inches
- Test in venue lighting conditions
- Have backup manual entry system
Measuring Success
Key Metrics to Track
- Scan rate: Scans ÷ impressions
- Conversion rate: Actions ÷ scans
- Location performance: Which placements work best
- Time of day: When do people scan most
Optimization Cycle
- Launch QR code campaign
- Track scans for 2 weeks
- Identify low-performing placements
- Test variations (size, CTA, placement)
- Implement winners, cut losers
- Repeat monthly
Common Questions
What's the ideal QR code size?
Viewing distance ÷ 10 = minimum size. Add 30% safety margin. Example: 3 feet viewing distance = 4.3 inch QR code minimum.
Should I use color QR codes?
Yes, if high contrast is maintained. Branded colors increase recognition and scans by 30-40%.
Do QR codes need a white border?
Yes, the "quiet zone" helps scanners identify the QR code boundaries. Minimum 4 modules wide.
Can I put a QR code on any color background?
As long as there's enough contrast between QR code and background. Test thoroughly.
Create Professional QR Codes
Follow all best practices automatically - high contrast, proper sizing, logo support
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Conclusion
QR code success comes down to three things: design (high contrast, branded), sizing (appropriate for viewing distance), and placement (eye level, high-traffic areas).
Follow these best practices and you'll see scan rates 3-5x higher than poorly implemented QR codes.
Last updated: February 2026 | Eazy QR Codes