QR Codes on
Any Surface
Exact size charts, placement rules, and print specs for QR codes on business cards, flyers, billboards, menus, and more. Each guide is backed by the 1:10 scan-distance rule, real-world test protocols, and a free QR generator pre-configured for the material.
Browse Material Guides
Each guide ships with material-specific size charts, placement rules, print specs, and a free QR generator.
Why Follow Our Material Guides
Most QR placement advice is generic. Ours is material-specific, data-backed, and tested.
Size Charts for Every Material
Exact QR code sizes by scan distance and content type — from 0.5 in on a business card to 36 in on a trade-show banner. Built on the 1:10 scanning-distance rule.
Print Specs That Scan
CMYK vs RGB, bleed rules, 300 DPI minimums, 4-module quiet zones, finish-specific adjustments. The specs your printer should know but rarely asks about.
50-Scan Pilot Protocol
Test 5–10 proof prints, run 50–200 scans across devices and lighting, target 95% first-attempt success. The only QR library that ships a rigorous test protocol.
Free Generator Built In
Every guide includes a live QR code generator pre-configured for the material — correct error correction, recommended size, and download-ready vector output.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fundamentals that apply across every material in the library.
What is the 1:10 scanning-distance rule?
The 1:10 rule states that a QR code's size should be at least 1/10 of the expected scanning distance. A business card held at 6 inches needs a QR at least 0.6 inches tall. A billboard scanned from 30 feet needs a QR at least 36 inches tall. The rule comes from decades of barcode-industry practice and holds across every QR placement — print, large format, packaging, and events.
Why does QR code size depend on the material?
Different materials imply different scan distances, viewing conditions, and finish types. A tabletop menu is scanned from 12 inches; a billboard from 30 feet. Glossy finishes reflect light and slow recognition; matte scans faster. Each material guide accounts for these variables with material-specific size and finish recommendations.
Do I need a different QR code for each material?
No — if you use dynamic QR codes, a single code can be printed on multiple materials. The key is designing the code once at the largest required size (for the smallest material in your set) and using that version everywhere. Static QR codes encode their data directly, so you may need to regenerate for different character limits.
What error correction level should I use for printed QR codes?
For most printed materials: Q (25%). It survives pocket wear, minor folds, and small print defects. Use H (30%) if you are embedding a logo in the center of the QR. Use L (7%) or M (15%) only for short-life materials (event tickets, one-time receipts) where minor damage is unlikely.
Do QR codes work on glossy surfaces?
They work, but scan up to 30% slower due to glare. Matte, uncoated, or spot-matte finishes scan best. If your brand requires a glossy look, apply spot matte on just the QR area, print on a matte sticker, or increase QR size by 10–25% to compensate for reflection loss.
How do I test a printed QR code before a full print run?
Run a 50-scan pilot: print 5–10 proof copies at the exact final size, stock, and finish. Scan with both iPhone and Android, from 6, 12, and 18 inches, in bright indoor, outdoor, and low-light conditions. Target 95% first-attempt success with median time-to-read under 3 seconds. If any test fails, increase QR size 10% or bump error correction one level.
Are these guides free to use?
Yes. Every guide is free to read with no signup, and every guide links to the free QRLynx QR code generator with the recommended settings pre-configured. No watermark on downloads, no paywall on guides.
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