Print QR codes

QR codes give you the ability to direct people to a specific destination with just one scan. These small, square codes can be printed in a wide variety of sizes on a wide variety of materials. Whether outdoors on billboards, on the subway, in brochures, on flyers, T-shirts or business cards - the possibilities are endless. However, to ensure that a QR code can be scanned quickly and successfully, a number of factors should be taken into account with regard to its size, colour and shape. You can find out what these are and what additional information is worth knowing about QR codes in our blog post.

What is a QR code?

The abbreviation "QR" stands for "Quick Response". Compared to a barcode, a QR code is square-shaped and more complex with an availability of 7,089 digits. Thus, more information, which includes lines of text, for example, can also be transmitted. A QR code must be scanned with a scanner for the user to receive the information. Smartphones can do this using an app.

Originally, the QR code was invented by the Japanese Masahiro Hara in 1994. In the meantime, there are different types of QR codes, which have become indispensable in everyday life. QR code model 1 is the original code, which can store up to 1,167 digits and dates from 1994. Currently the most commonly used is QR code model 2, which stores 7,089 digits and is therefore much more powerful. The Micro QR code as another model can store only 35 digits and is used when space is very limited. Unlike these models, the QR code can also consist of a rectangular module and store up to 40,000 digits. Companies or businesses whose private data or corporate internals require a particularly high level of protection prefer to use SQRC codes. These cannot be read with all conventional readers. With FrameQR codes, the information is located in the outer frame, whereas the inner part acts as a canvas area. These can be filled with images or short texts and are thus suitable for presenting the company logo, for example. Lastly, there is the FrameQR-K model, which combines a FrameQR with a simple QR code, with the QR code located at the top left of the frame.

What should be considered when printing a QR code?

QR codes have the advantage that they are graphically rather undemanding and thus error corrections are easily possible in printing. The most common sources of errors are in the selected colours, size or placement. Consider the following factors, there should be no problems recognizing and scanning your QR code.

Personalize your QR code in a meaningful way

Your company may be reflected in the QR code. Use your corporate colours or even your logo so that potential prospects recognize your branding right away. However, it is important not to completely alienate the QR code as itself; instead, it should still be recognizable as such. Likewise, apps will have a harder time scanning a code with a cluttered design. To check whether your QR code is really readable, you should test it with different apps.

Pay attention to the appropriate size

The QR code should not take up all the available space, nor should it be too small so that it either cannot be noticed or scanned. On flyers or business cards, the codes should measure at least 2 x 2 cm. If you are unsure whether the selected size is suitable, choose a larger format as a precaution. Here, as with the colour design, check the scanning of the printed result with various apps.

Print a working QR code

Your QR code is personalized, has the right size and can be scanned? Then the desired information should also be played out. It looks extremely unserious if the QR code throws a 404 error after scanning. Therefore, it is recommended to create a dynamic code, which can be updated. With the help of this code, it is possible to change the target URL or even the desired content without the code becoming non-functional.

Make sure you print a high-resolution QR code

Blurry or heavily pixelated QR codes can be difficult or even impossible to scan. Therefore, make sure they are clear and sharp on the printed object. This also makes a serious impression at the same time instead of a blurred QR code. For small formats such as business cards and brochures, JPG and PNG formats can be used for printing the code, although professional graphic designers and printers in particular prefer to use EPS and SVG vector files. The reason for this is that these can also be adapted to large formats without the print quality suffering.

The suitable material

Nowadays, a wide variety of surfaces can be printed on. In addition to the classics such as paper and cardboard, textiles or fabrics, ceramics, aluminum or glass can also be printed. It is important that the QR code is clearly visible and not distorted on the corresponding materials. You should also take into account the special features of the print objects. Glass and aluminum, for example, are highly reflective. In this case, the code must not be lost. Uneven or even corrugated surfaces may not make it clearly visible. In the case of brochures, it should also not be displayed exactly in the fold between two pages, as these are sometimes also cut off. Again, test the scannability of your QR code on the finished printed product first to make sure it works.

Allow for accessibility and sufficient time for scanning.

Your QR code has the ideal colours, is printed perfectly visible on the media and works? Then it would be extremely annoying if no one saw it. Be careful not to place it too inconspicuously on posters, flyers or T-shirts. On posters, it should not be displayed too high or too low, like at knee height. In short, potential prospects should be able to reach it easily for scanning without having to bend down or climb ladders. Plan for accessibility and appropriate reach.

Another important consideration is the time it takes to scan the code. Don't assume that passersby already have their smartphone in hand and the camera is turned on. In this case, they would only need two to three seconds, but usually, they have to take their smartphone out of their pocket first, open the app and hold it securely in its direction. Thus, do not choose surfaces that move or are only displayed for a few seconds, which means buses, digital billboards or TV commercials are rather unsuitable. Instead, opt for stationary objects such as billboards or similar.

Last but not least: Use only one code and think about the call-to-action

It is recommended to use only one code for the desired information. Place several codes next to each other, and prospects may accidentally scan the wrong one. Likewise, recognizability and clarity again play a role. Furthermore, certain QR codes can also lead to multiple URLs, which, depending on the smartphone's operating system, open automatically after scanning. If it is necessary to use several codes, then they should not be next to each other, but preferably on different pages.

It is also helpful to show the customer what is waiting for him behind the code. Therefore, include a call-to-action to motivate them to scan. Both a "Scan now!" and a "View gallery now!" are possible.

Print your desired material with a QR code at print24

You've come to the right place when it comes to printing on various materials from your desired motif. We offer you a huge selection of various print media, which you can use for printing your QR codes. Take the opportunity now, just upload your code to us and we will take care of the rest!

Do you want to create QR codes for phone numbers, events, contact details, email addresses, websites or WiFi data? Then try our QR code generator on our Infowerk page to create QR codes for free!