How to make a QR code for print

1. Generate, then download vector

Build the code as usual, then download SVG (or PDF). Print is where vector beats raster decisively: the file rasterises at the press's own resolution with sharp module edges at any size. If your workflow genuinely requires a bitmap, generate a PNG at 300 DPI at the final printed size — pixels = cm × 300 ÷ 2.54 — and never resize it afterwards.

2. Size it from the scanning distance

The 10:1 rule: printed width ≥ scanning distance ÷ 10.

Piece	Typical distance	Minimum code width
Business card	15–20 cm	1.6–2 cm
Flyer, menu	30–40 cm	3–4 cm
Poster	1–2 m	10–20 cm
Shop window	2–3 m	20–30 cm

Never go below 2 × 2 cm even at reading distance, and remember denser payloads need more size — the size calculator folds payload length, distance and medium into one number.

3. Protect the quiet zone and the trim

Keep the quiet zone of at least 4 modules clear on every side, and keep the code well inside the safe area — codes placed near the edge get clipped when the guillotine drifts. Details in bleed, trim and safe area. If a designer crops the downloaded file tight to the modules "to save space", the code will fail; the margin is functional.

4. Get the colour right for a press

• Dark modules on a light background, ≥ 40% luminance difference — the colour rules apply double in print because paper, ink and lighting all eat margin.
• For offset/CMYK work, specify the modules as 100% K (single-plate black), not a four-colour rich black. A code built from four plates shows registration fringing at module edges. More in QR codes in CMYK print.
• Brand colours often shift when converted to CMYK — if the code must be branded, proof the converted colour, not the screen swatch.

5. Proof at final size, on the final stock

Print one copy at 100% scale on the actual paper, then:

1. Scan it with at least two phones, from the intended distance.
2. Scan it again in dim light and at a slight angle.
3. Run a photo of the proof through the validator to confirm it decodes and to see the measured contrast.

A code that scans on screen but fails in print almost always went wrong at one of the steps above — resized raster, cropped quiet zone, or colour converted badly. The full pre-press routine, including glossy stock and lamination checks, is the print checklist.

Gotchas

• "Fit to page" in print dialogs rescales your carefully sized code. Print at 100%.
• Error correction for handled print: use Q for anything touched, folded or outdoors; M is fine for clean indoor pieces.
• Home printers on draft mode spray grey, not black — contrast drops below the threshold. Use normal or best quality for proofs you intend to trust.
• Many identical labels? The sticker sheet tool lays one code out on Avery stock or an A4 grid as a ready-to-print PDF.

Generate a print-ready code and download SVG: make a QR code for print.

FAQ

What format should a QR code be for printing?

SVG or PDF — vector formats rasterise sharply at any size on any press. If you must use a bitmap, export PNG at 300 DPI at the exact final size and never rescale it.

How big should a printed QR code be?

At least one tenth of the scanning distance, and never below 2 × 2 cm. A menu read from 35 cm needs 3.5 cm; a poster read from 2 m needs 20 cm.

Should a printed QR code be pure black?

In CMYK work, yes — 100% K on a single plate. Rich black built from four inks shows registration fringing at module edges. On white stock, plain black gives maximum contrast.

How do I test a QR code before a print run?

Print one proof at final size on the final stock, scan it from the real distance with more than one phone, and run a photo of it through a decode validator. Only then approve the run.