Guides
QR code guides
Short, practical articles for the questions that come up before you print: what to put in the code, how big to make it, and why it might not scan.
- Plain language
- No sign-up
- Written for print
All guides
How to create a QR code
How to make a QR code for a link, WiFi, contact card or text, style it without breaking it, test it and print it at the right size. Free, no sign-up.
Read the guide, 6 minQR code size for printing
What size a printed QR code should be: the minimum size, the distance rule, pixels needed at 300 DPI, and why longer content needs a bigger code.
Read the guide, 5 minStatic vs dynamic QR codes
The difference between static and dynamic QR codes: expiry, editing, scan tracking, cost and privacy, and why a static QR code generator never expires.
Read the guide, 5 minWhy a QR code will not scan
Why a QR code does not scan and how to fix it: low contrast, inverted colors, missing quiet zone, too small, too dense, big logos, glare and broken links.
Read the guide, 6 minWiFi QR codes that connect first time
How to make a WiFi QR code guests can scan to join your network: getting the name, password and security type right, and fixing codes that do not connect.
Read the guide, 5 minAdding a logo without breaking the code
How to put a logo in the middle of a QR code and keep it scannable: the error-correction level to use, how big the logo can be, and how to test the result.
Read the guide, 5 minvCard QR codes for business cards
How to put a contact QR code on a business card: which vCard fields to include, how to format phone numbers, and how small the code can go.
Read the guide, 5 minQR code colours that still scan
How to choose QR code colours, gradients, shapes, frames and transparent backgrounds that match your brand and still scan on every phone.
Read the guide, 5 minError correction levels explained
What QR code error correction does, what levels L, M, Q and H mean, how much damage each survives, and which level to pick for logos, print and small codes.
Read the guide, 4 minThe quiet zone, and why it matters
What the quiet zone around a QR code is, how wide it should be, and the design mistakes that remove it: cropping, borders, text and busy backgrounds.
Read the guide, 3 minQR codes for restaurant menus
How to make a QR code menu that works at the table: web page or PDF, table card size, lighting and lamination, and updating the menu without reprinting.
Read the guide, 5 minQR codes for Airbnb and rental hosts
The QR codes worth printing for a holiday rental: guest WiFi, house manual, check-in and check-out, local tips, and where to place them so they keep working.
Read the guide, 5 minQR codes on product packaging
How to put a QR code on packaging that still scans: what to link to, minimum size, curved and glossy surfaces, colour contrast and testing a print proof.
Read the guide, 5 minReady to make one?
Pick a type, style it and download in seconds.