Put your logo in a QR code

Why a logo doesn't break the code

QR codes carry spare data, called error correction, so a phone can still read them when part of the pattern is scratched, dirty or covered. At the highest level, up to 30% of the data can be missing.

When you add a logo, we:

• switch the code to the highest level of error correction;
• keep the logo to about 30% of the code's width at most (roughly a tenth of its area), and never over the three corner squares phones use to find the code;
• clear whole squares behind the logo, so no half-covered squares confuse the camera;
• decode the finished design the way a phone would, and tell you if it doesn't read back exactly.

How to add your logo

1. 1

   Make a code

   Any type: a website link, contact card, Wi-Fi and more. You'll need a free account.

2. 2

   Upload your logo

   In the style options, choose "Add a logo": a PNG or JPEG up to 1 MB. Logos you upload stay in your account for your next code.

3. 3

   Set the size

   Between 12% and 30% of the code's width. Smaller scans more easily; the default is 22%.

4. 4

   Keep the plate on

   A plain plate behind the logo keeps its edges clear of the pattern. Turn it off only for a logo that's already a solid shape.

5. 5

   Check the scan test, then download

   SVG, PDF or PNG, with the logo built in.

Logo files that work best

• Square or nearly square. A wide logo shrinks to fit, so a long wordmark ends up tiny: use your symbol instead.
• A PNG with a transparent background, at least 500 pixels wide, so it stays sharp on a large print.
• Bold shapes and colors. Fine lines and small text disappear at business-card size.

Colors and shapes

• Use a dark color for the squares on a light background, with a contrast of at least 4:1. The editor warns you below that, and flags anything under 2.5:1.
• Avoid light squares on a dark background: some phones and scanner apps can't read inverted codes.
• Give the corner squares your accent color for a branded look that stays readable.
• Choose rounded, dot or leaf shapes, and a frame with your own words, up to 24 characters.
• Use a transparent background only when the code will sit on a light surface.

Test a printout too

The scan test reads the design on screen. Paper adds its own problems: ink spread, glare and small sizes. Print one at the real size and scan it with an iPhone and an Android phone before you print hundreds. The printing guide has sizes and file types.

What it costs

Logos, colors, shapes and frames are included on every code, at no charge. Changeable codes (website links and contact cards) beyond your free one come in yearly plans; Wi-Fi and other fixed codes are always free. More on changeable and fixed codes.