Back to Blog

Custom QR Code Design Best Practices

QR codes have evolved from simple black and white squares to powerful, customizable marketing tools. A well-designed QR code not only functions effectively but also enhances brand recognition and increases scan rates. This guide covers essential best practices for designing custom QR codes that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

February 27, 2025
4 min read

Research shows that thoughtfully designed QR codes significantly outperform standard versions:

  • Custom-colored QR codes see up to 24% higher scan rates
  • Codes with embedded logos receive 37% more scans
  • QR codes with rounded corners and distinctive designs improve memorability by 42%

Essential Design Elements

1. Maintain Sufficient Contrast

For optimal scanning reliability:

  • Always maintain high contrast between the foreground (dots) and background
  • Avoid low-contrast color combinations that might reduce scannability
  • Test your QR code on multiple devices before finalizing the design

2. Choose the Right Dot Style

The QR8R platform offers several dot style options:

  • Square: The traditional and most universally scannable option
  • Rounded: Offers a softer, more modern aesthetic
  • Classy: Provides an elegant look with distinctive slanted patterns
  • Classy Rounded: Combines elegance with softer edges
  • Extra Rounded: Features highly rounded dots for a contemporary feel
  • Dots: An alternative style that uses circular dots instead of squares

Each style affects both aesthetics and scannability, so choose based on your brand identity and test thoroughly before deployment.

3. Corner Element Customization

Corner squares and dots are key design elements:

  • Corner Square Style: Options like Extra Rounded create a distinct look
  • Corner Dot Style: Customize to match your brand aesthetic
  • Balance creativity with scannability—extreme customizations may reduce reliability

4. Color Selection

Strategic color use can dramatically improve engagement:

  • Use brand colors to maintain consistency across marketing materials
  • Consider using gradients for a modern look (Linear or Radial options)
  • Remember to maintain sufficient contrast between dots and background
  • When using gradients, ensure both the start and end colors provide adequate contrast

5. Logo Integration

Adding your logo to the center of your QR code:

  • Creates instant brand recognition
  • Increases trust and scan rates
  • Should occupy no more than 30% of the total QR code area

Important Note: When using the Logo URL feature, the image must be hosted on a web server that allows direct access and hot linking. This means your logo needs to be accessible via a direct URL (like https://example.com/logo.png) and the hosting server must permit other websites to load this image directly. Many image hosting services and company websites already support this, but you may need to check with your web administrator if you encounter issues.

6. Background Considerations

  • Transparent Background: Ideal when placing QR codes over images or colored materials
  • Solid Background: Provides maximum reliability for scanning
  • Always ensure sufficient quiet zone (margin) around the QR code

Testing Is Crucial

Before finalizing your QR code design:

  1. Test on multiple devices and scanning apps
  2. Scan in different lighting conditions
  3. Try scanning from various distances and angles
  4. Verify the link works correctly after scanning

Error Correction Levels

QR codes include built-in error correction that allows them to be scanned even if partially damaged or obscured:

  • The higher the error correction level, the more you can customize without losing functionality
  • More detailed designs require higher error correction levels

File Format Considerations

For maximum flexibility:

  • Download your QR code as SVG for scalable, print-ready graphics
  • Use PNG for digital applications where transparency is needed
  • Always download the highest quality version available

Maintaining Scan Reliability

As you customize your QR code, keep these reliability principles in mind:

  • Prioritize function over form—a visually striking QR code is useless if it can't be scanned
  • Limit customization to non-critical parts of the code
  • Maintain a sufficient quiet zone (margin) around the entire code
  • When in doubt, opt for less extreme customization

Beyond Design: Dynamic QR Codes

QR8R's dynamic QR codes offer advantages beyond aesthetics:

  • Edit the destination URL without changing the QR code
  • Track scan analytics to measure campaign performance
  • A/B test different designs to see which generates more scans

By following these best practices, you'll create QR codes that not only enhance your brand's visual identity but also deliver superior scan rates and user experience.

About QR8R

QR8R is the intuitive platform for creating beautiful, editable QR codes with comprehensive analytics that grow with your business. Founded by developers who believe technology should be both powerful and simple, QR8R helps businesses of all sizes bridge their physical and digital experiences without technical complexity.