Printing QR Codes: 13 Important Guidelines to Follow
Printing a QR code is easy, but size, contrast, material, and print quality all affect how well it scans.
This guide covers how to print QR codes correctly, from choosing the right size and apper to placing and testing your code. Whether you're printing on flyers, packaging, menus, posters, or billboards, these tips will help keep your QR codes clear and scannable.
Table of Contents
Before printing the QR code
1. Direct users to the exact content
Before you print QR codes, think carefully about where you want your scanners to point.
This is important because this will be your basis for creating your call to action.
If the QR code links to a PDF, its CTA should be “Scan to view PDF file.”
Don’t clickbait your scanners, as this can disappoint them or waste their time.
Make the user experience brief, concise, and direct to the point.
And since people will use their smartphones to scan the QR code, its landing page should be mobile-friendly.
Be sure also to have organized content per QR code.
Your code should work for a single purpose.
2. Generate a dynamic QR code instead of static
A QR code generator offers two QR code types — static and dynamic.
Static QR codes are permanent. The QR code’s pattern will look dense and congested if too much data is embedded, making it unappealing. It will also take longer to scan.
Meanwhile, dynamic QR codes include a short URL that links to a landing page where users can access the embedded link or file.
This allows them to store long URLs and large files while maintaining a minimal QR code pattern.
Make sure to maintain the quality of your QR code by using a free dynamic QR code rather than a static one, especially if you are storing large amounts of data.
This tip can ensure good customer impressions and potential market penetration.
3. Customize your QR code using a visual QR code generator
You can change the look of your QR code by adding your brand’s logo and colors and choosing frames and eyes.
Using the best QR code generator gives you an advantage over competing brands for their unique look.
SVG is the best QR code for print format. This image format lets you resize (downsize and upsize) your QR without compromising its quality.
4. Do not invert your QR codes’ colors
Inverted colors are one reason why scanners do not read a QR code.
When customizing, the background should always be lighter than the foreground.
Also, avoid using the same color for the background and foreground; scanners won’t detect that either, and it will look odd when printed.
5. Add a call to action (CTA) to your QR code
Add an engaging CTA to encourage the audience to scan your code.
Here are three things you must take note of when creating a call to action:
- It should inform scanners of your QR code’s purpose
- It needs to be short and catchy to engage scanners
- It must give a sense of urgency
You may use different CTAs, such as “Reveal Secret,” “Get Discount,” or “Avail now,” but make sure that the CTA matches the QR code’s intended purpose.
6. Run a test scan first
You must first scan the QR code after customizing it to ensure it works and leads to the correct landing page.
You may use the built-in scanner on your device. You can install a third-party scanner app if you don’t have one.
7. Choose the correct format
A specific file format is suitable for printed and digital QR codes.
The best QR code generator lets you choose between SVG and PNG formats.
If you intend to use your QR code for media posting, you can opt for the PNG format.
But if you wish to print your QR code, the SVG format is the best option.
The QR code SVG image format lets you resize or adjust your QR code without compromising its quality, so it remains scannable after printing.
8. Find the right spot for your print QR codes
When placing a QR code on printed media such as magazines, position it in the right spot to ensure more user engagement.
Don’t print your QR code between pages. Instead, place it on the first page or the cover. It makes your QR code visible and contributes to the overall design of the material.
During printing
9. Right sizing
If you're wondering how big a QR code needs to be in print? Well, the size depends on the surface area of where you will place your QR code.
How to print QR codes may differ on the size you want to achieve.
The best size for QR codes on flyers or brochures is 32 mm by 32 mm (1.25 inches by 1.25 inches).
Meanwhile, the recommended QR code size for public and street advertising is one-tenth of the scanning distance or a 10:1 ratio.
If the scanning distance is 20 meters, your QR code should be 2×2 meters so people can still scan it.
The printed material won’t be useful if you don’t use the recommended QR code size.
10. Check your printing material
Using high-quality material helps preserve the quality of your printed QR codes.
When printing QRs on stickers, ensure the material is not glossy.
This type of material can reflect light, and that may affect readability.
Refrain from using materials that will distort the image of your QR code or hinder its readability.
Aside from that, you can also print a paper QR code, for fabric, glass, aluminum, and plastics.
11. Choose a high-quality printer and ink
There are specific printers and inks for each type of printing material, such as laser printers for paper and sublimation printers for textiles.
The ink also varies depending on its compatibility with the medium.
For instance, using paper in a sublimation printer will produce dull colors since the printer's ink works only on textiles.
Always go for the one that can provide clear, high-quality prints that suit your surface material.
After printing QR codes
12. Place your material where more people will see it
Place your printed QR code campaign in locations where more people can see them to maximize engagement.
Put your QR code on bulletin boards, advertising posters, building entrances, parks, metro stations, bus stops, retail malls, and information desks.
13. Ensure scanability of QR code despite material damage
All QR codes have an error-correction feature that keeps them readable even with a few scratches.
There are four error correcti/on levels: L, M, Q, and H.
You can use Level L with a 7% correction rate for a less dense QR code image, while Level M is recommended for marketing use at a 15% correction rate.
Level Q has a correction rate of 25%, while Level H has the highest correction rate of 30% and can withstand artificial or environmental damage.
But take note: since error correction works by adding redundancy to the QR code’s pattern, a higher correction level would make the QR code more congested.
Why follow QR code printing guidelines?
Here are some reasons why you should follow the guidelines mentioned above:
Create a good impression on users
Building a good relationship with users should be your top concern, and you can’t achieve that with a malfunctioning printed QR code.
When a QR code is easy to scan or readable, you give your users a good impression of your business and service, giving you an advantage over competitors.
Save money
Following proper guidelines for printing codes saves you money by avoiding the need to reprint a new set of QR codes to replace faulty ones.
Imagine the cost you will incur, especially if you are printing for a marketing campaign and have it all wrong.
If you reprint them all again, you will have to double your expenses.
Maximize engagement
The QR code printing guidelines help you create a QR code print ad that’s attractive and efficient, boosting your campaign's engagement.
Your campaign will be more successful when more people scan your QR code and engage with the target page it links to. This can also raise brand awareness and online visibility.
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Adding QR codes to your print materials will make them more efficient and interactive.
They can connect offline and online platforms for a more engaging campaign.
If you follow the tips on printing your QR codes, you can maximize the effectiveness of your QR code print advertising strategies.
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QR code printing FAQ
What paper should I use to print a QR code?
Use smooth, matte paper with good contrast. You don't need special QR code paper. Glossy or heavily textured surfaces can cause glare or distort the code, making it harder to scan.
For most print materials, matte or uncoated paper works well. For outdoor or high-touch use, consider laminated or waterproof stock. Always test-scan the printed code before producing a large batch.
Where can I attach my printed QR code?
You can place a QR code on almost any flat, stable surface, including business cards, flyers, posters, packaging, menus, receipts, product labels, and signage.
For reliable scanning, avoid deep folds, seams, wrinkles, and sharply curved surfaces. Leave enough blank space around the code, and place it where people can easily see and scan it. Avoid placing them in areas with poor lighting.
How do I print a QR code on paper?
Export your QR code as a high-resolution file, preferably SVG or PNG, at 300 DPI or higher. Create the code at its intended print size, use strong contrast between the code and background, choose a suitable, non-reflective paper, avoid stretching or shrinking the file after export, test-scan the printed code using different devices, and add a clear CTA.
Is there a specific QR code printer required for QR codes?
No. Any printer that produces sharp, clear prints can print a QR code. A Standard inkjet or laser printer works for most everyday materials.
For labels and packaging, thermal printers are commonly used. For posters and other large materials, commercial or wide-format printers are suitable.
Whatever printer you use, check the size, contrast, print quality, and scannability before a full production run.
