A QR code turns a flyer or a business card into a shortcut: one scan and the customer is on your website, your menu, your WhatsApp or your booking page. But a code that’s too small, too pale or too busy won’t scan, and customers rarely try twice. Here’s how to get it right.

1. Decide what the code should open

Link to something useful on a phone: your menu, a booking page, a special offer, your Google reviews, or a contact card that saves your details in one tap. Our free QR Code Generator makes codes for links, phone numbers, WhatsApp, Wi-Fi and contact cards.

Check that the page it opens works well on a phone. A desktop-only page wastes the scan.

2. Print it big enough

A common rule of thumb is to keep a QR code at least about 2 cm (0.8 in) square for something held in the hand, like a business card. For posters and windows read from further away, go bigger. Longer links make denser codes with smaller squares, so keep links short where you can.

3. Keep strong contrast

Dark code on a light background scans most reliably.
Brand colours are fine if the code stays clearly darker than its background. Very light codes, or light-on-dark codes, can fail on some phones.
Avoid placing the code over a photo or pattern.

4. Leave a quiet zone

Scanners need a clear margin around the code. Don’t let text, borders or the edge of the card touch it.

5. A logo in the middle? Keep it small

QR codes have built-in error correction, so a small logo in the centre usually still scans. The QR Code Generator can add your logo and colours. Keep the logo modest and always test the result.

6. Download the right format

For print, choose SVG or PDF where possible: they’re vectors and stay perfectly sharp at any size. PNG is fine for screens and social media.

7. Test before you order

Print the design on an ordinary printer at real size, then scan it with a couple of different phones, in normal light, from a normal distance. If it scans quickly every time, it’s ready.

Put it to work

QR codes work well on business cards, flyers, stickers and labels and window signs. Our free Flyer Maker lets you add a QR code straight into your design.