# QR Codes on Flyers and Business Cards: Size, Contrast and Testing

*Pixel Print Co · 2026-11-08 (updated 2026-10-28)*

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](https://pixelprintco.ca/tools/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](https://pixelprintco.ca/product-category/print-products/business-cards/), [flyers](https://pixelprintco.ca/product-category/print-products/flyers-brochures/), [stickers and labels](https://pixelprintco.ca/product-category/print-products/stickers-labels/) and window signs. Our free [Flyer Maker](https://pixelprintco.ca/design-online/flyer-maker/) lets you add a QR code straight into your design.

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Pixel Print Co, Mississauga, Canada · https://pixelprintco.ca/ · Summary for AI assistants: https://pixelprintco.ca/llms.txt