> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getqr.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Backgrounds

> How your QR code's background works, and how to get a transparent or colored look.

Custom designs have a white background in the builder. To place your code on a colored surface, download it with a transparent background, or use a frame to add a colored card around it.

## How the background works

| Where | Background |
| - | - |
| Builder preview | White behind the code. |
| JPG download | Solid background. |
| PNG and SVG downloads | Transparent background. |
| Frames | Some frames add a colored card around the code. |

## Get a transparent background

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the download options">
    In your dashboard, open the QR code's actions and click **Download QR**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a transparent format">
    Pick **PNG - Best quality (transparent background)** or **SVG - Print & edit (transparent background)**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the file">
    Click **Download QR** in the dialog.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Branded and AI designs download as JPG, PNG or PDF. A Branded design made from a logo with a transparent background keeps that transparency in the PNG.
</Note>

## Add a colored card with a frame

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Frame">
    In **Customize & Download**, on **Custom designs**, click the **Frame** chip.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a card frame">
    Pick a frame under **Frame around the QR code**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose its colors">
    Pick a swatch group under **Color presets**, or set **Frame color** on the **Customization** chip.
  </Step>
</Steps>

See [Frames](/design/frames) for all frame settings.

## Tips for placing a code on a background

* Place the code on a light, plain area. A dark code on a light background scans best.
* Avoid busy photos or patterns behind a transparent code.
* Leave a clear margin around the code so cameras can find its edges.
* Print a test copy on the real material before a large print run.

## Common issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My transparent PNG or SVG looks wrong">
    Transparent files can look odd in viewers with a dark background. That's expected: view the file on a light background, or place it on your design.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The code doesn't scan on a dark background">
    The code is dark, so it needs a light surface. Download a JPG, which has a solid background, or add a light frame around the code.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I need a white box behind the code">
    Download a JPG. It has a solid background.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Formats and resolution" href="/downloads/formats-and-resolution" />

  <Card title="Print your QR code" href="/downloads/printing" />

  <Card title="Frames" href="/design/frames" />

  <Card title="Colors" href="/design/colors" />
</CardGroup>


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