Quick answer

First, select a 25-30mm square or larger area and leave a white margin around it. Print the final design at actual size and read it on your device based on the distance you plan to use it.

01

The required size varies depending on the amount of information and distance.

The QR pattern for short URLs is relatively coarse, while the pattern for long sentences and URLs is fine. The longer the reading distance for a bulletin board, the larger the entire QR and each square need to be.

For business cards and small flyers, use a 25-30mm square as a starting point, and for long URLs or logos, make them even larger. This is a trial printing standard, not a guaranteed value.

02

The white margin is also part of the QR

A margin called a quiet zone is required outside the QR. If you place design borders, text, and photos too close together, it will be difficult for the camera to determine the boundaries of the QR.

It also leaves a white border when cropping the image. Even if the background is white, avoid placing another black element right next to the QR.

03

Check automatic reduction in printing software

Even if you set it to 30mm in the design, it may be reduced when you select "Fit to paper" on the print screen. Print at 100% or actual size and measure with a ruler.

The results will vary between home printers, convenience stores, and printing companies. Try using the same paper, printing method, and lamination conditions as the actual product.

04

Read at the distance you want to use

Desk flyers can be read from a close distance, and in-store posters can be read from a distance. Try it not only from the front, but also from a slight angle, or in a place with reflected light.

Even if you can read the code, it doesn't necessarily mean that the text at the link destination will be easy to read on a smartphone. Also check the mobile display and communication environment of the destination page.

VERIFIED EXAMPLE

Image size that can be selected before printing

Even with the same content, you can choose from four PNG sizes depending on the location.

small size256pxScreen/Small placement candidates
standard320pxNormal shared image
Medium to large512pxPlace on print layout
large768pxlarge print material
Even if the image pixels are large, printing them smaller on the layout will not improve readability. Please check the actual size.
CHECK

Check the printable QR

  • I tried it from a 25-30mm square or more.
  • Leaving white space around
  • I checked the print magnification at 100%.
  • Test printed on actual paper
  • Usage distance and reading on multiple devices
Solve it with this tool

QR code generation

You can select a PNG between 256 and 768px and save it according to the size of the print.

QR code generation

This article gives general guidance. If a recipient, printer or official service provides its own requirements, follow those requirements first.

A SMALL NOTE FROM SPACE

To see distant stars, you need a large telescope. Large enough to read QR from a distance.