QR Code Size for Print: The Complete Guide
The right QR code size for print depends on how far away people scan from. Get it right and your code works every time; too small and even a perfect design fails. Use this guide before you send files to a printer.
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Create a print-ready QR codeThe 10:1 distance rule
A practical rule of thumb: make the code about one-tenth of the scanning distance. Someone standing 30 cm from a flyer needs roughly a 3 cm code; someone 3 m from a poster needs about 30 cm. Real-world lighting, phone cameras, and glossy finishes can require going larger — treat 10:1 as a minimum, not a maximum.
| Use case | Scan distance | Min. code size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | ~10 cm | 2×2 cm |
| Flyer / menu | ~30 cm | 3×3 cm |
| Product packaging | ~20–40 cm | 2.5–4 cm |
| Poster / window | ~1.5 m | 15×15 cm |
| Billboard / banner | ~10 m | ~1×1 m |
Factors that force you larger
- Logo overlays — cover modules and need higher error correction; see QR with logo.
- Long URLs — denser patterns. Prefer short links or a dynamic QR.
- Low contrast — colored or photographic backgrounds reduce effective readability.
- Motion / distance — vehicle wraps and hallway signs need extra margin beyond 10:1.
- Curved surfaces — bottles and cans distort modules; print larger and test on the real object.
PNG vs SVG for print
Export SVG whenever your printer accepts vector files — it scales cleanly to any size. If you must use PNG, size the image so that at final print dimensions you still have about 300 DPI. Upscaling a tiny PNG for a poster is a common cause of failed scans.
Pro plans also include higher-resolution print pack options (4K PNG and PDF) when you need press-ready assets — see Pricing.
Quiet zone and contrast
- Keep an empty margin of at least 4 modules around the code.
- Prefer dark modules on a light, solid background.
- Avoid placing codes over busy photos or gradients without a solid pad.
- Watch for glare from glossy laminate under store lighting.
Proofing checklist
- Print a single proof at final size (or a scaled mock if huge).
- Scan with iPhone and Android in the real lighting of the venue.
- Try from the farthest distance you expect customers to stand.
- Confirm the destination (especially for dynamic redirects).
- Only then approve the full print run.
FAQ
What is the 10:1 rule for QR codes?
Scan distance should be about 10 times the code's width. A 3 cm code scans well from ~30 cm; a billboard viewed from 10 m needs a code roughly 1 m wide.
What's the minimum QR code size?
Around 2 x 2 cm (0.8 inch) for close-up scanning. Go larger if the code has a logo, heavy styling, or a long URL.
Should I export PNG or SVG for print?
SVG is best — it's vector and stays sharp at any size. If you use PNG, export at high resolution (300 DPI at final print size).
Does a logo mean I need a bigger code?
Often yes. Logos cover modules and need higher error correction. Give yourself extra size and always test-scan a proof.
Why does my printed QR fail but the screen preview works?
Usually size, contrast, glare from lamination, or low-DPI rasterization. Re-export SVG or a larger PNG and check quiet zone margins.
How much quiet zone do I need?
Leave an empty margin of at least four modules (the small squares) on all sides. Crowding the code against edges or photos breaks scanning.