> ## 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.

# Print your QR code

> Choose the right file, size and contrast for printed QR codes, and test them before a print run.

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](/custom-domains/verify-and-troubleshoot).

## Prepare a code for print

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download a print file">
    Open **Download QR** on the code and choose **SVG** or **PDF**. See [Formats and resolution](/downloads/formats-and-resolution).
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print a test copy">
    Print one copy at the final size, on the final material if you can.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print the run">
    Only start the full print run once the test copy scans reliably.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

## Which file to send to print

| Situation | Use |
| - | - |
| Professional print, packaging, signage | **SVG** or **PDF**: vector files that stay sharp at any size |
| Your printer asks for EPS | **EPS** at **4096 × 4096** (GetQR's EPS contains an image, not vector shapes) |
| Office or home printer | **PDF** (A4) or **Print QR** |
| Only a raster image works | **PNG** or **JPEG** at **2048** or **4096** px |
| Branded design or AI design | **PDF**, or **PNG** or **JPEG** at 1024 px for small prints |

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## 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](/custom-domains/connect-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](/design/logo).

See [Colors](/design/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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The printed code doesn't scan">
    Check the size, contrast and quiet zone above. Print it larger, use black on white, or remove nearby graphics. Then test-scan again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The printed code looks blurry or pixelated">
    You used a small raster file. Download **SVG** or **PDF**, or a **PNG** or **JPEG** at **4096 × 4096**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The code scans but opens the wrong page">
    You can fix this without reprinting: edit the code's destination on **My QR Codes**. See [Manage QR codes](/getting-started/managing-qr-codes).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The code background turned black in my design tool">
    PNG and SVG have a transparent background. Place a white or light shape behind the code in your layout.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Printed codes stopped working">
    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](https://getqr.com/help).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Warning>
  Deleting a QR code stops every printed copy from working. To stop a code temporarily, pause it instead.
</Warning>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Formats and resolution" href="/downloads/formats-and-resolution">
    Every download option explained.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Colors" href="/design/colors">
    Set code and background colors.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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