Using QR Codes
QR codes work best when they are easy to scan and safe to use. These tips will help you create and use QR codes that people can scan quickly and confidently—even if they’ve never used one before.
1. Keep It Simple
- Use QR codes for one clear purpose: open a website, show text, share contact info, etc.
- Avoid putting too much information in one code. The more data, the more complex (and harder to scan) the pattern becomes.
2. Use Good Contrast
- Use dark code on a light background (for example, black on white). adobe
- Avoid:
- Light code on dark background.
- Colors that are too similar (gray on light gray, yellow on white, etc.).
- Busy photos or patterns behind the code. adobe
High contrast makes it much easier for phone cameras to read the code. adobe
3. Make It Big Enough
- For printed materials, aim for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) square as a minimum. qrstuff
- If people will scan from farther away (posters, signs), make the code larger. nngroup
- On screens, ensure the code is large enough that a phone camera can clearly see all the small squares.
4. Leave Space Around the Code (Quiet Zone)
- Always leave a clear, empty border around the QR code on all sides. This is called the quiet zone. qr-stock
- Do not put text, logos, or other graphics right up against the code.
- As a rule of thumb: leave a margin roughly 10–15% of the code’s width on each side. qr-insights
This space helps scanners know where the code starts and ends. qr-insights
5. Test Before You Share
Before printing or publishing:
- Scan the QR code with more than one phone (iPhone and Android if possible). qrlynx
- Try scanning:
- In good light and in dimmer light.
- From different distances and angles.
- Make sure it opens the correct link or shows the right information every time.
If it’s hard to scan, increase the size, improve contrast, or add more quiet zone.
6. Place Codes Where They’re Easy to Use
- Put QR codes where people can comfortably hold their phone and scan:
- At eye level or slightly below.
- Not too high, too low, or in tight spaces.
- Avoid locations with:
- Strong glare or reflections (glass, shiny surfaces).
- Very low light.
- Heavy foot traffic where people can’t pause to scan safely.
7. Be Clear About What It Does
People are more likely to scan when they know what to expect. Add a short label near the code, such as:
- “Scan to visit our website”
- “Scan to see the menu”
- “Scan to download the guide”
This also helps people feel more confident and reduces hesitation.
8. Think About Security
QR codes are just a shortcut to information, but like any link, they can be misused. Follow these basics:
If you are creating QR codes:
- Only link to websites you trust.
- Avoid linking directly to pages that ask for passwords, payments, or personal details unless you fully control and trust that site.
If you are scanning QR codes:
- Only scan codes from sources you trust (your own materials, known businesses, official signs). security.duke
- If a scanned link looks strange:
- Check the website address (URL) before entering anything.
- Do not enter passwords or payment details if you’re unsure.
- Close the page if it feels suspicious. cyber.gc
When in doubt, don’t scan.
9. Avoid Common Mistakes
To keep your QR codes reliable, avoid:
- Very small codes.
- Low-contrast colors or inverted colors (light on dark). adobe
- No quiet zone (code touching other graphics or text). qr-stock
- Distorted or stretched codes (always keep them square).
- Placing codes on wrinkled, curved, or reflective surfaces when possible.