Beyond Black and White
Modern QR codes aren't limited to monochrome squares. With proper design principles, you can create codes that are both functional and beautiful, seamlessly integrating with your brand while maintaining 100% scannability.
🎯 Key Rule: Form follows function - beauty should never compromise scannability
Color Theory & Contrast
Contrast Requirements
✅ High Contrast
Minimum 3:1 contrast ratio between foreground and background
❌ Poor Contrast
Insufficient contrast leads to scanning failures
Color Combinations
Recommended Palettes
Logo Integration & Branding
Logo Placement Guidelines
Center Placement
Most common and visually balanced option
Corner Placement
Subtle branding without affecting center data
Brand Bar
Horizontal branding element below code
Logo Size Guidelines
- • Maximum 20% of QR code area
- • Use High (H) error correction level
- • Test thoroughly before production
- • Vector logos work best for scaling
- • Maintain logo aspect ratio
- • Consider monochrome versions
✅ Logo Best Practices
- • Use simple, recognizable logos
- • Ensure sufficient contrast with background
- • Test across different sizes and distances
- • Consider monochrome versions for better integration
- • Maintain clear space around logo edges
- • Use vector formats for crisp scaling
❌ Common Logo Mistakes
- • Logos larger than 20% of code area
- • Complex logos with fine details
- • Poor contrast between logo and code
- • Covering critical positioning markers
- • Using low-resolution raster images
- • Ignoring error correction requirements
Shape & Style Customization
Data Pattern Styles
Square
Standard, reliable
Circular
Modern, friendly
Diamond
Elegant, unique
Rounded
Soft, approachable
Style Guidelines
When customizing shapes, maintain adequate spacing between modules and ensure the style doesn't interfere with scanner edge detection algorithms. Test extensively across different devices and lighting conditions.
Corner & Finder Pattern Design
Traditional Square
Maximum compatibility
Rounded Corners
Modern aesthetic
Circle Pattern
Distinctive design
Size & Placement Guidelines
Minimum Size Requirements
Print Applications
- • Business cards: 1cm × 1cm minimum
- • Flyers/posters: 2cm × 2cm minimum
- • Billboards: Scale to viewing distance
- • Product packaging: 1.5cm × 1.5cm
Digital Applications
- • Website: 150×150 pixels minimum
- • Email signature: 100×100 pixels
- • Social media: 200×200 pixels
- • Mobile apps: 44×44 points (iOS)
Scanning Distance Formula
Distance Ratio
A 2cm QR code can be scanned reliably from 20cm away
Placement Considerations
- • Eye-level placement preferred
- • Avoid reflective surfaces
- • Ensure adequate lighting
- • Consider user context and urgency
Testing & Validation
Comprehensive Testing Checklist
Device Testing
Smartphone Variety
Test on iOS, Android, different ages
Scanner Apps
Test native camera apps and third-party scanners
Print Quality
Test actual printed versions, not just screen previews
Environmental Testing
Lighting Conditions
Bright sunlight, indoor lighting, low light
Angles & Distance
Test from various angles and distances
Surface Materials
Matte, glossy, textured, curved surfaces
Design Your Perfect QR Code
Apply these design principles with our advanced customization tools and professional templates.