Best Size for a QR Code in Print (Chart Included)
A starting chart for print size: about one tenth of the scan distance. It is a rule of thumb, not a qrfyy lab test.
By James Dom 路 路
Size chart
Use the code width as about one tenth of the distance from the phone to the print. A logo, low contrast, or a missing quiet zone means you need to go larger. This is a rule of thumb, not a qrfyy print test. GS1 publishes its own notes for retail symbols. Print one sample and scan it before a batch.
| Distance from the phone | Starting width |
|---|---|
| About 20 cm, a card in the hand | About 2 cm |
| About 50 cm, arm鈥檚 length | About 5 cm |
| About 1 meter | About 10 cm |
| Farther than 1 meter | Larger than 10 cm, then test |
Match size to distance
A practical rule is about 1 cm of code for every 10 cm of scan distance, then round up. A table tent is close. A window is not. Go larger when the code includes a logo or a long URL.
Do not enlarge a tiny PNG
Scaling a small PNG makes soft edges. Export SVG from qrfyy when the print is large. PDF and EPS wrap a PNG, so they do not get sharper if you enlarge them. Scan a printed sample before you run the whole batch. Size is one failure. The rest are in 7 QR code mistakes.
FAQ
What file should I send to a printer?
SVG from qrfyy. PNG is fine for screens and quick prints. PDF and EPS wrap a PNG, so they do not get sharper if you enlarge them.
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