QR COVE GUIDES
What size should a printed QR code be?
Size depends on distance and detail
There is no single minimum size that works for every QR code and phone. More encoded data creates more small modules. Viewing distance, lighting, camera quality, paper texture and print sharpness all affect scanning. Use the print-size calculator as a planning estimate, then test a physical proof at the expected distance.
Preserve the quiet zone
Keep at least four empty modules around a standard QR symbol. Do not let captions, borders or artwork intrude into that margin. A larger white box is preferable to squeezing the symbol against a dark design. Strong dark-on-light contrast usually scans more reliably than pale colors, gradients or reversed colors.
Choose a suitable export
SVG is vector artwork and can scale without blurring its module edges. PNG is useful when a design tool needs pixels, but avoid enlarging a low-resolution file. At 300 dots per inch, a 1024-pixel image is approximately 3.41 inches wide; that conversion describes resolution, not a guarantee that any code will scan. Keep the artwork square and avoid stretching.
Proof before a large print run
Print at the final size and on the intended material. Test under realistic lighting with several phones. Scan from different angles and the actual viewing distance. Glossy laminates, folds, curved bottles and large center logos can reduce reliability. If scanning is slow, enlarge the symbol, simplify the encoded content, remove the logo or improve contrast before ordering more copies.