What's the minimum size for a QR code to scan reliably?

About 0.75 x 0.75 inches (2 x 2 cm) for close-range scanning like on a business card. Codes viewed from farther away, like on a poster, should be sized larger.

Why won't my QR code scan?

The most common causes are printing too small, low contrast between the code and background, or a damaged/obscured area exceeding the error correction level’s tolerance. Always test-scan before printing at scale.

Can I put a logo in the middle of my QR code?

A small logo can work if the QR code uses a higher error correction level, since that level tolerates a portion of the code being obscured — but always test-scan afterward to confirm it still reads correctly.

QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes for URLs, text, email, phone, SMS, and WiFi. Download as PNG.

URL

Size

Printed size = pixels ÷ your printer's DPI. These presets assume 300 DPI, the standard for print-quality output.

Error Correction

Foreground

Background

QR code
will appear here

How to use

Select the type of QR code: URL, Text, Email, Phone, SMS, or WiFi.
Fill in the required fields — the QR code updates automatically as you type.
Choose a size based on where it's going (business card, flyer, poster) and an error correction level.
Optionally customize foreground and background colors.
Click Download PNG to save the QR code image.
Higher error correction (H) makes QR codes scannable even if partially damaged.

About this QR Code Generator

This tool turns any URL or text into a scannable QR code you can download as a PNG. For a full explainer on what QR codes are and how they work, see the QR code guide — the notes below focus specifically on getting a code that scans reliably.

Error correction and why it matters

QR codes include built-in error correction, meaning a portion of the code can be damaged, obscured, or covered by a logo and still scan correctly. Higher error correction levels make the code more resilient but also denser and slightly harder to scan at small sizes — there's a real trade-off between durability and simplicity.

Sizing for print vs. screen

Business cards and small labels: minimum 0.75 x 0.75 in (about 2 x 2 cm), scanned at close range
Flyers and posters viewed from a few feet away: at least 2 x 2 in, larger for distances beyond arm's length
Digital use (website, email, presentation): export at a higher resolution than the display size to avoid pixelation when someone zooms in on a screenshot

Before you print

Always test-scan the generated code on at least two different phones before sending it to print, especially at the exact size it will actually appear. A code that scans fine on a bright screen can fail on low-contrast paper or under poor lighting.