Printing a QR code without bad surprises
Most QR codes that fail were badly printed, not badly made. Here is the checklist before you send anything to the printer.
Create your QR code: free and static, or editable for life for €2.99 paid once.
The right file
- SVG for your printer: vector, sharp at any size.
- The 2,000-pixel PNG for a Word or Canva document or an email.
- Never print a screenshot of a QR code: it is blurry.
Colours and contrast
- Dark code on a light background: the most important rule.
- Avoid light grey, yellow or pale pink for the code.
- At the printer’s, a solid black gives the best results.
Material and finish
- Matte paper reads better than glossy, which reflects light.
- Outdoors: lamination or UV-resistant vinyl.
- On a shop window: stick it inside, readable from the street, and test by day and by night.
Test before printing everything
- Print one copy at real size.
- Scan it with two different phones, an iPhone and an Android, from the planned distance.
- With an editable code you can still fix the destination after printing: the test is mostly about readability.
Questions
Can a QR code be printed in colour?
Yes, as long as the code stays clearly darker than the background. QR Durable blocks colours that are too pale before download.
Does the code need a margin?
Yes, a light area of at least 4 small squares on each side. Our files already include it: do not crop it.
See also
Updated on 20 October 2026.