Most QR codes get ignored. People see them and walk past. You need to make yours different.
This guide shows you how to create QR codes people want to scan. You will learn design tricks, placement strategies, and testing methods.
Why Most QR Codes Fail
Three problems kill QR code engagement:
- People do not know where the code leads
- The code looks hard to scan
- The reward does not match the effort
Fix these issues and your scan rates will climb.
Choose the Right QR Code Generator
Start with a reliable tool. Free generators work for basic needs. Paid options give you tracking and design control.
Look for these features:
- High resolution output (at least 300 DPI for print)
- Custom colors and logo upload
- Dynamic codes you edit later
- Scan analytics
- Error correction levels
Popular choices include QR Code Generator, Beaconstac, and Scanova. Test your code before you print or publish.
Set the Right Size
Size determines scannability. Too small and phones struggle to read the code. Too large and you waste space.
Follow this formula: scanning distance divided by 10 equals minimum size.
For a poster people scan from 10 feet away, make your code at least 1.2 inches square. For a billboard scanned from 50 feet, use 6 inches minimum.
Add 0.2 inches of white space around all sides. This quiet zone helps scanners identify the code edges.
Pick Colors Wisely
Dark codes on light backgrounds work best. Your phone camera needs contrast to read the pattern.
Safe color combinations:
- Black on white (highest success rate)
- Dark blue on light gray
- Dark green on cream
- Navy on pale yellow
Avoid these mistakes:
- Light colors on dark backgrounds
- Low contrast pairs like gray on white
- Inverted colors (white pattern on dark background)
- Neon or fluorescent shades
Test your color choice with multiple phone cameras before printing.
Add Your Logo Without Breaking the Code
Logos make codes recognizable. Place your logo in the center, but keep it small.
Your logo should cover no more than 30% of the code area. QR codes have built-in error correction. They work even with some data blocked.
Use high error correction (30% redundancy) when adding logos. This setting lets the code function with more visual interference.
Keep logo edges smooth. Sharp corners and fine details make scanning harder.
Tell People Where the Code Goes
Add a clear call to action above or below your code. People scan more when they know the destination.
Good examples:
- "Scan for menu and prices"
- "Get 20% off your next order"
- "Watch the product demo"
- "Download the seating chart"
- "See customer reviews"
Bad examples:
- "Scan me"
- "QR code"
- "Learn more"
Specific promises win. Vague instructions get ignored.
Create a Mobile-Friendly Landing Page
Your destination page matters more than the code design. People will scan once. They will not return if your page disappoints.
Your landing page needs:
- Load time under 3 seconds
- Large text (at least 16px)
- Touch-friendly buttons
- No popups or registration walls
- Clear navigation
- One primary action
Match your landing page to your call to action. If you promise a discount code, show the code immediately. If you offer a menu, display the menu first.
Place Codes Where People Stop
Location drives scan rates more than design. Put codes where people have time and motivation to scan.
High-performing locations:
- Restaurant tables (people wait for food)
- Checkout counters (people wait in line)
- Transit stops (people wait for buses or trains)
- Product packaging (people hold items at home)
- Event badges (people network between sessions)
Low-performing locations:
- Moving vehicles
- High-traffic walkways
- Behind glass with glare
- Areas with poor lighting
- Places people rush through
Position codes at eye level when possible. Chest to shoulder height works for standing viewers. Tabletop works for seated viewers.
Test Before You Launch
Print a sample and scan with different phones. Test with iPhone and Android devices. Try scanning from different angles and distances.
Check these points:
- Does the code scan in under 3 seconds?
- Does the code scan in dim lighting?
- Does the code scan with a slight angle?
- Does the landing page load quickly on mobile?
- Does the destination match your promise?
Fix problems before printing thousands of codes.
Use Dynamic QR Codes for Flexibility
Dynamic codes let you change the destination URL without reprinting. The code points to a redirect server. You update the server, not the code.
This helps when:
- You print codes for long-term use
- You want to A/B test landing pages
- You need to fix broken links
- You want to update offers or content
Dynamic codes cost more but save money on reprints.
Track Your Results
Measure scan rates to improve performance. Most QR generators include basic analytics.
Track these metrics:
- Total scans
- Unique users
- Scan location (if GPS enabled)
- Device type (iPhone, Android)
- Time of day
- Date scanned
Compare different code placements and designs. Double down on what works. Remove codes with low scan rates.
Offer Real Value
People scan codes for benefits. Give them something worth the effort.
High-value offerings:
- Exclusive discounts or coupons
- Free downloads (guides, templates, tools)
- Early access to products or events
- Hidden content or bonus features
- Time-saving shortcuts (skip the line, instant registration)
The bigger the benefit, the more people scan. A 5% discount gets ignored. A 25% discount gets attention.
Make Scanning Easy in Context
Consider when and how people will scan. A code on a coffee cup needs different treatment than a code on a billboard.
For handheld items (cups, packages, flyers), use smaller codes. People hold these close to their phones.
For wall displays (posters, signs), use larger codes. People stand farther away.
For moving contexts (vehicles, subway ads), skip QR codes entirely. People do not have time to focus and scan.
Avoid Common Design Mistakes
These errors kill scan rates:
- Stretching or distorting the code (always keep it square)
- Using glossy materials with glare
- Printing codes on curved or wrinkled surfaces
- Placing codes on busy backgrounds
- Rotating codes at odd angles
- Covering parts of the code with other design elements
QR codes need clean, flat, well-lit surfaces. Give them space to breathe.
Add Context With Design Elements
Frame your code with design elements to draw attention. Use arrows, borders, or visual cues.
A smartphone icon next to the code signals the action. A dotted line connecting the code to the reward clarifies the benefit.
Keep decorative elements outside the quiet zone. Do not let design interfere with scanning.
Time Your Campaigns
Launch QR campaigns when people want what you offer. A code for summer recipes works in May. The same code fails in December.
Consider seasonal factors:
- Shopping habits (holiday seasons, back to school)
- Weather patterns (outdoor vs indoor products)
- Industry events (trade shows, conferences)
- Cultural moments (sports finals, award shows)
Time-limited offers create urgency. Add expiration dates to your call to action.
Educate Your Audience
Some people still do not know how to scan QR codes. Brief instructions help.
Add one line of text: "Open your camera app and point at the code."
This simple addition increases scan rates among older demographics and less tech-savvy users.
Comply With Accessibility Standards
Not everyone uses QR codes. Provide alternative access methods.
Include a short URL below the code. Type it in text form: "Or visit: short.link/menu"
This helps people with older phones, vision impairments, or technical difficulties.
Refresh Your Codes Regularly
QR codes get stale. People ignore codes they have seen before.
Update your codes every few months. Change the design, offer, or placement. Keep your campaigns fresh.
Track when scan rates decline. Replace codes before they become invisible.
Your Next Steps
Start with one code. Pick your best use case. Create the code, test thoroughly, and track results.
Learn from your data. See what works. Apply those lessons to your next code.
QR codes work when you make them easy to scan, clear in purpose, and valuable in outcome. Follow these principles and your scan rates will grow.