Will your QR code scan?

Printed QR codes need enough physical space for phone cameras to see individual modules. The best size depends on viewing distance, how much information you encode, printing quality and contrast. Start with this free size estimator, then test a print sample under real conditions.

How the estimate works

The common distance guideline is roughly a QR width of at least one tenth of the scan distance. A 1-meter scan distance gives a starting point of about 10 centimeters. Dense codes need extra width because each square module must remain visible; this calculator also applies a 0.4-millimeter module minimum and a four-module quiet zone. These are conservative starting points, not guaranteed device requirements.

Improve your scanning reliability

Use a dark foreground and light, uncluttered background. Don't crop away the white margin around your QR code. Avoid shiny materials, small logos with fine text, and complex gradients. Keep the paper flat and consider indoor versus outdoor lighting. Always test your exact exported code on several phones before printing a large batch.

Pick an appropriate download format

PNG is useful for everyday sharing and small print jobs. SVG remains sharp at any size in professional design software. PDF is convenient for printable sheets and sharing with a print shop. The generator includes all three free, without a signup. High error correction helps tolerate some damage but cannot fix a badly blurred or tiny printed code.

Create a QR code or make up to 500 codes at once.