Top 10 Tips for Printing QR Codes

Colors and logos are a great way to personalize your QR Codes. Branding is important but be careful to not go overboard with customizing. Your custom Code should still be recognizable as a QR Code to your customers and since some scanning apps don’t pick up complex designs very well. Before printing, make sure that your QR Code is readable by testing with different apps. For tips on creating a beautiful yet functional design, check out How To Design QR Codes.

Don’t hide away your Code, instead make it prominent so your customers take notice and actually scan it. Too small QR Codes usually end up unnoticed or unscannable. If printing on small to medium sized merchandise (ex: business cards or flyers), Codes should be at least 2 x 2 cm (around 0.8 x 0.8 in). If uncertain, rather be cautious and print the QR Code bigger. But how big exactly? Practice scanning with your ideal print size and go from there.

Imagine your customers’ dismay when they take the time to scan your Code just to find a broken link or outdated information. This is a mishap we’ve frequently seen that can be easily avoided. To keep from being stuck with a QR Code that you can’t ever update, make sure to create a Dynamic Code. With this type of Code, you can change the target URL or content any time even after you’ve already printed and distributed hundreds of your marketing material.

Avoid pixelated or blurry QR Codes and make sure to print them sharp and clear. Not only do they scan better, but they also look more professional. Depending on the size of your QR Code, JPG and PNG formats work well for small-scale printing such as business cards and brochures. Graphic designers and print shops prefer vector files like EPS and SVG which can be scaled easily without losing print quality for sizable print projects.

Creativity can go a long way whether printing on paper, glass, aluminum or plastic. Be wary of choosing material that reflects too much light or distorts the image and competes with the scannability of your QR Code. Uneven surfaces that are ribbed may disfigure the Code and printing in between magazine folds sections off parts of it so it’s hard to view the full image. Ultimately, use your best judgement and make sure to test so it’s scannable.

The right advertising media for your campaign are those that literally reach your target audience the best. Placing your QR Code too high up, too low on the ground or too far away means your customers will have a hard time reaching to scan the Code. Place QR Codes within appropriate reach for maximum accessibility. Would you crouch down or use a ladder just to scan a QR Code?

Scanning a QR Code only takes a mere average of 15 seconds. This already includes the time it takes to take out your smartphone, open a scanning app, hold the device steady towards the Code and scan. Vehicles—unless parked—make them only partially suitable for QR Codes. Electronic billboards and TV commercials may not give enough time, either. Stagnant media outlets (posters, magazines, displays, etc.) are a safer choice so your customers have plenty of time to scan.

There are instances when you may need to place QR Codes next to each other. However, keep in mind that printing multiple Codes close to each other or even placing QR Codes next to barcodes can lead to accidentally scanning the wrong one. If you must, place Codes on opposite ends of your layout and vary the designs. Did you know there are QR Codes that can link to multiple URLs? QR Codes like the App Code can get to different app stores depending on the smartphone’s operating device.

Why would a customer scan your QR Code? Tell them what to expect when they scan. Even a simple “Scan Me!” has proven to engage a lot more users than Codes without any call to action. Add an incentive for your customers like “Scan Now for Bonus MP3” to get them intrigued and motivated to scan your Code. Our custom designed Frames are perfect for that. Check out our free QR Code Frames here.

After considering our other tips, the final step is to test your QR Code. At the very least, use various scanning apps to ensure that your Code is readable. To go the extra mile, test using multiple devices with different operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows). Always request a proof from your printer to test scan before printing a large volume of your QR Codes for distribution. Then, you’re ready to rock your campaign!