QR Code Printing Guide

Size

Print the QR code at least 2.5–3 cm (about 1 inch) wide for business cards. Larger is always more scannable. A common guideline is that the scanning distance should be no more than 10 times the width of the code — so a 3 cm code works up to about 30 cm away. For posters viewed from across a room, print the code proportionally larger.

Contrast

Use dark modules on a light background for maximum contrast. Black on white is the safest choice. Veyqora warns you if your foreground and background colors are too close in luminance. Avoid using similar shades (like dark gray on black) — scanners rely on the difference between dark and light to read the code.

Quiet zone

The quiet zone is the blank margin around the QR code. It helps scanners detect where the code begins and ends. Leave at least four modules of white space on every side. Veyqora's quiet zone setting lets you control this margin — the default of 4 is fine for most use cases.

PNG vs SVG for printing

For anything that will be printed, download the SVG version. SVG is a vector format — it is defined by shapes, not pixels, so it stays perfectly sharp at any size. PNG is a raster format and will pixelate if enlarged beyond its original resolution. Read our PNG vs SVG guide for a detailed comparison.

Good placement example

A well-placed QR code includes a short instruction so people know what happens when they scan it. Here is an example:

Surface and lighting

• • Print on matte surfaces — glossy finishes can cause glare that blocks scanning.
• • Avoid textured or curved surfaces that distort the code's grid.
• • Place the code where lighting is even, not in deep shadow or direct harsh light.
• • If printing on fabric or uneven material, print larger to compensate.

Testing before bulk printing

1. 1. Print a single proof at the final size and on the final material.
2. 2. Scan it with your own phone from a realistic distance.
3. 3. Ask someone else to scan it — a fresh test catches problems you might miss.
4. 4. Test on both iPhone and Android if possible.
5. 5. If it scans reliably, proceed with the full print run.