QR Codes on Any Surface

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.

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.

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.

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.

They work, but glare slows down recognition. 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 size the QR up to compensate for reflection loss.

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.

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.