Skip to main content
A printed QR code has to scan on the first try, on any phone, in real lighting. This page covers which file to send to print, how big to make the code, and how to test it.

​
Before you start

  • Finish the QR code’s content and design. Because GetQR codes are dynamic, you can change the destination after printing, but not the printed design.
  • If the code uses a custom domain, make sure the domain is live. GetQR blocks downloads until it is. See Verify and troubleshoot a domain.

​
Prepare a code for print

1

Download a print file

Open Download QR on the code and choose SVG or PDF. See Formats and resolution.
2

Place it in your design

Import the SVG into your layout tool, or send the PDF to your printer. Keep empty space around the code.
3

Print a test copy

Print one copy at the final size, on the final material if you can.
4

Test-scan it

Scan the test copy with at least two phones (iPhone and Android) from the real scanning distance. Check that it opens the right page.
5

Print the run

Only start the full print run once the test copy scans reliably.
For a quick office print, click the printer icon (Print QR) in the QR Code Preview window. It prints the code centered on an A4 page.

​
Which file to send to print

Branded designs and AI designs download as images at 1024 px. They print well at small and medium sizes. For large formats, test a full-size proof before printing.

​
How big to print

These are practical rules of thumb, not hard limits. Always confirm with a test scan.
  • Minimum size. Keep the code at least 2 × 2 cm (about 0.8 × 0.8 in) for close-range scanning, such as business cards.
  • Scanning distance. Make the code at least one tenth of the distance people scan from. A poster read from 2 m away needs a code of about 20 cm.
  • Dense codes need more room. A long link or a large logo makes the pattern denser, so print it bigger. A short link or custom domain with a short path gives a simpler pattern.

​
Contrast and colors

  • Use a dark code on a light background. Black on white is the most reliable.
  • Keep strong contrast between code and background. Light grey, pastel or same-tone colors often fail.
  • Avoid inverted codes (light code on dark background). Some scanner apps can’t read them.
  • Keep a quiet zone: a clear margin around the code, free of text, images or borders.
  • Keep the logo small enough that the pattern around it stays clear. See Logo.
See Colors for how to set them.

​
Material and placement

  • Matte surfaces scan better than glossy ones, which reflect light.
  • Avoid placing the code on strong curves, folds or seams.
  • Place it where people can hold their phone steady, in decent light, and where it isn’t covered.

​
Common issues

Check the size, contrast and quiet zone above. Print it larger, use black on white, or remove nearby graphics. Then test-scan again.
You used a small raster file. Download SVG or PDF, or a PNG or JPEG at 4096 × 4096.
You can fix this without reprinting: edit the code’s destination on My QR Codes. See Manage QR codes.
PNG and SVG have a transparent background. Place a white or light shape behind the code in your layout.
Check that the code isn’t paused or deleted on My QR Codes. Printed codes also stop working when the subscription ends. For billing questions, see the Help Center.
Deleting a QR code stops every printed copy from working. To stop a code temporarily, pause it instead.

​
What’s next

Formats and resolution

Every download option explained.

Colors

Set code and background colors.