How big should a QR code be?
Enter where the QR code will be printed and the address inside it; instantly see the minimum and recommended size phones will scan with ease.
Where will it be printed?
- Minimum size
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- White margin on each side
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- Total including margin
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The address is very long, so the QR code will be very dense. A shorter address is recommended.
Sizes are for the QR code itself (side length). Leave the white margin outside it.
Colour check
You don't need a separate QR code for every product in a catalog: with ImageWake one QR code opens the camera, the phone recognises the product photo and plays that product's video.
See how it worksCheck before printing
- Before printing, print a proof at the final size and scan it with several different phones.
- A short address means a sparse QR code: bigger modules in the same space and easier scanning.
- Gloss lamination and varnish reflect light; prefer a matte surface in the QR area.
- Don't place the QR code near folds, the binding margin or trim lines.
- Add a short prompt next to the QR code that says what it does (for example "Scan to watch the video").
FAQ
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
The general rule is about one tenth of the scanning distance: around 3 cm for a catalog read from 30 cm. For a short address, avoid going below 2 cm in print. The longer the address, or if a logo is added in the middle, the bigger the QR code should be.
How much space should be left around a QR code?
Leave a white (or light) margin at least 4 modules wide on every side. Without it, the phone may not find the edge of the QR code.
Can I use a coloured QR code?
Yes, as long as the QR colour is clearly darker than the background. Printing a light QR code on a dark background (inverted) causes problems on some phones.
Does a logo in the middle break the QR code?
For a logo, the QR code must be generated with high error correction; it becomes denser and needs to be printed slightly bigger. The calculator's "logo" option takes this into account.