QR Studio
QR Code Brand Guidelines
Best practices for designing, printing, and displaying QR codes. Follow these guidelines to ensure your QR codes are always scannable and look professional.
Minimum Size
The minimum recommended size depends on the scanning distance and print quality:
| Use case | Minimum size | Recommended format |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 1,5 × 1,5 cm | SVG or PDF at 300+ DPI |
| Flyer / brochure | 2 × 2 cm | SVG or PDF |
| Poster (A3/A2) | 3 × 3 cm | SVG |
| Billboard / banner | Scale proportionally | SVG |
| Screen / digital | 200 × 200 px | PNG |
Rule of thumb: The scanning distance is roughly 10× the size of the QR code. A 3 cm code scans from ~30 cm away.
Quiet Zone
The quiet zone is the blank margin around the QR code. It's critical for scanners to identify where the code starts and ends.
- Minimum: 4 modules (4 'dots') on each side.
- Recommended: 4–6 modules. More is always better.
- Don't place text, borders, or other elements directly touching the QR code.
- QR Studio's frame feature already includes proper quiet zone spacing.
Color & Contrast
Color is the most common reason QR codes fail to scan. Follow these rules:
- Dark modules on light background. This is mandatory - scanners expect dark-on-light. Never invert.
- WCAG contrast ratio ≥ 4.5:1 between modules and background. QR Studio shows a readability score based on this.
- Avoid: yellow/orange modules, pastel colors, gradients that reduce contrast below 4.5:1.
- Background: white or very light. Transparent backgrounds can cause issues on dark surfaces.
Safe Color Combinations
| Modules | Background | Contrast ratio | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (#000) | White (#FFF) | 21:1 | Excellent |
| Dark blue (#1a365d) | White (#FFF) | 12.6:1 | Excellent |
| Dark green (#166534) | White (#FFF) | 8.2:1 | Good |
| Red (#dc2626) | White (#FFF) | 4.6:1 | Minimum |
| Yellow (#eab308) | White (#FFF) | 1.9:1 | Won't scan |
Logo in QR Code
Adding a logo increases brand recognition but reduces the data area. Follow these rules:
- Maximum 25 % of the QR code area. QR Studio warns you when you exceed this.
- Error correction H is required - QR Studio switches to it automatically when a logo is added.
- Simple logos work best. High-detail logos at small sizes may be hard to recognize.
- Square or circular logos fit the center best. Wide/tall logos may not align well.
- Always test. QR Studio verifies readability automatically after each change.
Frame & Call to Action
A frame with text around the QR code significantly increases scan rates - by up to 80 % according to some studies.
- Examples: 'Scan me', 'Scan for menu', 'Pay by scanning', 'Get 20 % off'.
- QR Studio offers multiple frame styles with customizable text, colors, font size, and radius.
Printing Checklist
- Export as SVG or PDF for print materials.
- Verify the QR code is at least 2 × 2 cm in the final layout.
- Check that quiet zone (4+ modules) is preserved in the design.
- Test scanning with at least 2 different phones (iOS + Android).
- Print a test sample before the full run - colors may shift on paper.
- Avoid glossy lamination directly over the QR code.
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