# How to make a QR code in Photoshop

> Photoshop cannot generate QR codes, and it is a raster tool, so resolution discipline is everything: generate a PNG at 300 DPI at the final printed size — pixels = cm × 300 ÷ 2.54 — place it as a smart object, and never scale it above 100%. For print artwork, placing an SVG-derived vector smart object is better still.

Source: https://useqr.app/docs/how-to/how-to-make-a-qr-code-in-photoshop · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, MIT licensed, no signup.

---

## 1. Generate at the size the document needs

Photoshop lives in pixels, so start with arithmetic, not aesthetics. Decide the printed
width of the code, then generate a PNG at:

```
pixels = centimetres × document DPI ÷ 2.54
```

For a 5 cm code in a 300 DPI document that is **591 px**; the
[high-resolution guide](/docs/how-to/how-to-make-a-high-resolution-qr-code) has the full
table. Generate it at UseQR — any type, URL to vCard — and download PNG
at that size, or grab it straight from the API:

```
https://useqr.app/api/v1/qr?data=https://example.com&size=1181&format=png
```

## 2. Place it as a smart object

Use **File → Place Embedded**, not copy-paste onto a raster layer. Placing creates a
**smart object**, which matters twice over:

- Repeated transforms resample from the original each time instead of compounding damage.
- Replacing the code later (payload changed, colour changed) is **Layer → Smart Objects →
  Replace Contents**, and the layout is untouched.

Even better for print composites: place the **SVG** version — Photoshop imports it as a
vector smart object that rasterises at the document's resolution on export. (Heavy vector
editing still belongs in [Illustrator](/docs/how-to/how-to-make-a-qr-code-in-illustrator).)

## 3. Never scale past 100%

The one Photoshop-specific rule: a placed bitmap scaled *up* interpolates pixels and
softens module edges — the direct route to a code that is
[pixelated when enlarged](/docs/troubleshooting/qr-code-pixelated-when-enlarged) and fails
in print while looking fine on screen. Check the effective resolution: if you placed a
591 px code and stretched it to 10 cm, you are at 150 effective PPI and need to
regenerate at 1181 px instead. Scaling *down* moderately is safe; scaling up never is.

## 4. Keep the pixels honest

- **No effects on the code layer.** Drop shadows, glows, layer-style strokes and blending
  modes all erode edge contrast.
- **Preserve the quiet zone** — at least 4 modules of clear space. Content-aware fills and
  tight crops love to eat it. See [quiet zone](/glossary/quiet-zone).
- **Contrast**: dark modules on a light area of the composition, ≥ 40% luminance
  difference — the [colour rules](/docs/design/qr-code-colors-that-scan) apply to whatever
  you composite the code over, especially photos.
- **Free Transform**: hold Shift behaviour aside, confirm width and height scale equally.
  A 2% horizontal squash is invisible to you and fatal to dense codes.

## 5. Export without wrecking it

For print, export **TIFF or PDF** (or PSD straight to the printer's workflow) — not JPEG.
JPEG's compression rings at module edges;
compression artefacts are a
top cause of print failures. For web, **Export As → PNG**. Then scan the exported file
with a phone or upload it to the [validator](/validate) — not the on-screen canvas at
fit-to-window zoom.

## Gotchas

- **Resize via Image Size with "Resample" ticked** resamples the whole document, code
  included. If the document DPI changes, recheck the code's effective PPI.
- **CMYK conversion** can turn pure black modules into four-plate rich black; for offset
  work keep the code **100% K** — details in
  [CMYK print](/docs/print/qr-code-in-cmyk-print).
- **Mock-up actions** that warp artwork onto product photos (mugs, bags) bend the grid.
  Fine for a visual; never ship a warped mock-up code as the artwork.

Generate the correctly sized PNG first: [make a QR code](/url?data=https://example.com).

## FAQ

### Can Photoshop generate a QR code?
No — Photoshop has no QR generator. Create the code in a generator, download PNG at the exact pixel size the document needs (or SVG), and place it as a smart object.

### What resolution should a QR code be in Photoshop?
Match the document: for 300 DPI print work, pixels = cm × 300 ÷ 2.54. A 5 cm code needs 591 px. Placed larger than generated, it blurs; regenerate rather than upscale.

### Why is my QR code blurry in Photoshop?
It was scaled above 100% of its generated size, or an effect softened its edges. Replace the smart object contents with a larger generation and remove layer effects.

### Should I use PNG or SVG in Photoshop?
PNG at the correct size works, but placing the SVG as a vector smart object is safer — it re-rasterises sharply if the layout scales. For pure vector workflows use Illustrator instead.

## Try it

- https://useqr.app/url
- https://useqr.app/validate