Quick Summary
Step One
Choose the Right QR Code Type
Before generating anything, decide what you want users to do when they scan. The type of QR code you choose determines everything — from how long it stays valid, to whether you can change the destination later.
🔒 Static QR (This Generator)
Data is baked in. Cannot change destination after printing. Free, no subscription, permanent.
🔄 Dynamic QR (Paid Tools)
Points to a redirect URL you control. Change destination anytime. Includes scan analytics.
Pro tip: URL codes are the most universal — they work for almost any use case. If you're unsure, start with a URL QR code pointing to your website or landing page.
Step Two
Design with Your Brand Colours
A QR code doesn't have to be black and white — but design choices directly affect scannability. The most important rule is contrast: the code modules must be significantly darker than the background.
- Maintain at least 70% contrast between foreground and background
- Use your primary brand colour for the modules (dark tones work best)
- Keep the background white, light grey, or a very light brand tint
- Never use gradients that fade to near-white within the code area
- Test your colour combination in both bright light and shade
Avoid: Yellow on white, light blue on white, or any two similarly-toned colours. Low contrast is the #1 cause of failed scans in the field.
Step Three
Add Your Logo to the Centre
Embedding your logo increases brand recognition and makes QR codes look professional. QR codes are designed to handle this — their error correction algorithm reconstructs obscured data automatically.
- Keep the logo under 30% of the total QR code area
- Use PNG format with a transparent background
- Centre the logo precisely — off-centre logos break readability
- Add a small white padding around the logo so modules don't crowd it
- Use Error Correction Level H when generating the base code
After placing a logo, always re-test the code with multiple phones in different lighting conditions before printing. Error correction covers logos but doesn't guarantee it with every reader.
Step Four
Test Before You Print
One failed scan can mean a lost customer. Testing takes two minutes and prevents expensive reprints. Use at least three different devices and scan in realistic conditions — not just at your desk in ideal lighting.
📱 Device testing
Test on iPhone (native camera), Android (native camera), and an older mid-range Android device.
📐 Size testing
Print a test copy at the actual intended size. A code that looks fine on screen may fail at 2cm print.
💡 Lighting testing
Scan in direct sunlight, shade, and under artificial light. Glare on glossy paper is a common failure point.
📏 Distance testing
Test from the expected scanning distance. Billboard codes need to work at 3–5m. Packaging at arm's length.
Minimum print size rule: 2 × 2 cm for close-up scanning. Add 1 cm per metre of expected scan distance for outdoor placements.
Step Five
Track Performance & Optimise
Static QR codes don't have built-in tracking, but you can use UTM parameters in the URL to track scans in Google Analytics. For full analytics (device type, location, time), upgrade to a dynamic QR code platform.
- Add UTM parameters to URLs:
?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print - A/B test different placements — same URL, different physical locations
- Review scan data monthly and remove or replace underperforming codes
- Set up goal tracking in Analytics to measure scan-to-conversion rates
Best practice: Always include a clear call-to-action near the QR code — "Scan for menu", "Scan to download", etc. Codes without instructions get 30–50% fewer scans.