Size matters more than fancy design. A QR code must be large enough for phone cameras to resolve individual modules (the black squares). Too small and scans fail even with a perfect link.
Rule of thumb: scanning distance
| Scan distance | Minimum QR size |
|---|---|
| Handheld (business card, receipt) | 2 × 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Table tent, menu insert | 3 × 3 cm (1.2 in) |
| Poster, window cling (1–2 m) | 10 × 10 cm (4 in) |
| Billboard / far distance | Consult print vendor; scale proportionally |
Quiet zone (margin) is non-negotiable
Leave empty white space — the quiet zone — equal to at least four modules on every side. Designs that bleed color to the edge of the code often fail in low light. See printing without losing quality.
Long URLs mean denser patterns
Static codes encoding long URLs produce more modules and need slightly larger print sizes. Dynamic codes use short redirect URLs, which simplifies the pattern — one reason teams prefer them. More in dynamic vs static.
Always proof with real phones
- Test iPhone and Android at the intended distance
- Test under restaurant lighting, not just your desk
- Export vector (SVG/PDF) for crisp edges at any size
Download print-ready assets from QRCode Lab after you finalize the destination. Full checklist: complete printing guide.