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How to Print a QR Code: The Complete Guide

How to print a QR code
✅ How to print QR codes correctly on paper or products.
✅ Learn the best practices for printing QR codes in the correct size.

Table Of Contents

How to print a QR code

QR codes have become an essential tool for quickly sharing information with just a scan. Whether it’s for business cards, flyers, menus, or any other purpose, printing a QR code correctly is crucial to ensure it works as intended.

Before diving into the printing process, it’s essential to understand why proper formatting matters.

A poorly printed QR code can become unreadable, rendering it useless for customers or users. Factors like the size, contrast, and material of the printed QR code affect its ability to scan correctly.

How to Print a QR Code on Paper

You can create a printable QR code easily using Pageloot’s QR code generator tool. With the free QR code generator, you can create printable QR codes for business cards, posters, flyers, or any other marketing material you need.

Here’s how to ensure your code prints correctly:

Downloading the finished QR code for menu from the generator platform

Step 1: Download the QR code in a high-resolution format like PNG or SVG to preserve its clarity.

Step 2: Open your preferred design software or word processor to insert the QR code into your document or design.

A multi QR code printed onto business cards

Step 3: Place the QR code in a visible area on your document, and ensure that there’s enough white space around the code. This space is called the quiet zone, and it helps scanners accurately read the code.

Step 4: Use a high-quality printer to print the QR code, ensuring that the ink and colors are clear and not smudged.

Choosing the Right Paper

When it comes to printing QR codes, the type of material you choose can impact its scannability. Here are some options to consider:

Menu QR code flyer on a nightstand in a hotel room

Normal Paper

If you’re placing your QR code on a menu, business card, or flyer – Place it into the design and print it together with the QR code.

Stickers with app download QR code with logo inside for customers

Sticker Paper

Stickers give you the freedom to place your QR codes anywhere on an existing product or desgin.

Receipt with a QR code leading to additional offers and feedback

Label Paper

This type of paper is designed specifically for label printers. Label paper is thinner and great for placing on products.

Example of a business card with a LinkedIn QR code

Thicker Paper

When printing QR codes on business cards, use a thicker paper than menus and flyers.

QR Code Use CaseRecommended Paper ThicknessPaper Type
Magazines80-100 gsmGlossy or Semi-gloss Paper
Product Packaging Labels80-120 gsmAdhesive Label Paper
Stickers100-150 gsmVinyl Sticker Paper
Flyers and Brochures150-200 gsmGlossy or Matte Paper
Posters170-200 gsmSatin or Glossy Paper
Event Passes200-250 gsmSturdy Cardstock
Menus200-250 gsmLaminated Cardstock
Notebook Covers200-250 gsmCoated Cardstock
QR Code Tags (e.g., luggage)250-300 gsmWater-resistant Cardstock
Business Cards300-350 gsmThick Cardstock

Best Printers for QR Codes

The quality of your QR code printing largely depends on the type of printer and paper used. For best results:

Laser & Ink Printers

This is usually the best way to go. Use a laser or ink printer for sharp, high-contrast QR codes, which ensures easy scanning.

Thermal Printers

Perfect for printing labels and QR code tags used mainly for receipts – both in inventory or retail.

The Correct QR Code Size for Print

For detailed sizing recommendations, be sure to check out our QR code size guide, where we break down everything you need to know about the right sizes for every situation.

When printing QR codes, size matters. To make sure your code scans perfectly every time, follow these size guidelines:

An aesthetically pleasing business card showcasing a harmonious blend of QR code and graphic design

Small Size

A QR code on a business card should be no smaller than 1.5 x 1.5 cm (0.6 x 0.6 in) for clear scanning.

A festival flyer with QR code to register for pre-sale

Standard Size

For most printed materials like flyers and posters, a QR code of at least 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 in) is recommended.

QR code for food delivery app download on street banners

Large Size

If you’re printing a QR code on large banners or signage, you’ll need a proportionately larger code to ensure that it scans from a distance.

QR Code Printing Tips

  • Minimum QR Code Size: Ensure your printed QR code is at least 2 x 2 cm to guarantee scannability, especially if it contains a lot of information.
  • Adjust Printer Settings: Use a high-resolution setting when printing QR codes to ensure all details are captured.
  • Choose the Right Paper: Use high-quality QR code printer paper that ensures crisp lines and high contrast.
  • Testing Before Printing: Always test your QR code with a smartphone before proceeding with a large print run. This helps avoid issues like a QR code not printing properly.

Make sure your QR code is saved in 300 DPI or higher to avoid any pixelation, ensuring it remains scannable. For more details on resolution and scanning distance, refer to the QR Code Size Guide.

QR Code Printing Problems

Even when following the steps above, you may still run into some issues while printing QR codes. Here are some of the most common problems and how to solve them:

Create a QR Code that people like to scan

QR Code Not Printing Clearly

If your QR code looks pixelated or blurry, it could be because it’s been saved in a low-resolution format. Always download your code in PNG or SVG for high-quality prints.

Tripadvisor QR code on a cafe table with guests writing reviews

QR Code Too Small

If your printed code is too small to scan, increase the size to at least 2 cm x 2 cm. Always test it with your smartphone to make sure it works before mass printing.

Writing a description of the code under the Tripadvisor QR code

Poor Contrast

For the best results, your QR code should be printed in dark colors (preferably black) on a light background (white works best). Avoid printing your QR code on a colored or patterned background.

Where to Use Printable QR Codes

Printable QR codes can be used across various mediums, including:

gym flyers with mp3 QR codes that lead to workout playlist

Flyers and Posters

Perfect for advertising events or promotions where people can scan on the go.

event QR code on a charity event brochure with event description

Menus and Brochures

Ideal for restaurants or businesses that want to provide digital access to their full range of services.

Instructions for adding LinkedIn to business cards

Business Cards

QR codes make it easy to share your contact information without needing to exchange physical details.

A package with an additional coupon QR code to encourage customers to buy more products from the company

Product Packaging

Great for adding additional product information, user manuals, or promotional content directly on your packaging.

Printable QR CodeBenefit
Flyers and PostersQuickly advertise events or promotions where people can scan on the go.
Menus and BrochuresProvide easy access to digital menus or services, perfect for restaurants.
Business CardsShare contact details easily and reduce the need for physical business cards.
Product PackagingOffer product details, user manuals, or promotional content via QR codes.
Event TicketsSimplify ticket scanning and check-ins with QR codes printed on tickets.
Retail ReceiptsLink customers to digital receipts or promotional offers for repeat purchases.
Event InvitationsAllow attendees to RSVP or view event details with a quick scan.
Exhibits or Museum DisplaysProvide additional content or audio guides for visitors using QR codes.
Books, Certificates or DiplomasOffer verification links or additional details for certifications or awards.
Storefront WindowsAttract customers with a scannable QR code for promotions or store details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Document QR Codes
Can you print a QR code on any surface?

Yes, QR codes can be printed on almost any surface, including paper, plastic, and even fabric. The key is ensuring the code is high-quality and that there’s enough contrast between the code and the background.

What’s the recommended size for printing a QR code?

For most printed materials, it’s recommended to print a QR code no smaller than 2 x 2 cm (0.79 x 0.79 inches). For business cards, a size of 1.5 x 1.5 cm (0.59 x 0.59 inches) is the minimum size.

What resolution should a QR code be for printing?

To print a QR code clearly, make sure it’s saved in a high-resolution format (300 DPI), and ensure your printer settings match the quality required.

What happens if my QR code is blurry when printed?

If a QR code is blurry, it may not scan properly. This often happens if the image is low resolution. To avoid this, ensure your QR code is at least 300 DPI when printed, and always test it after printing to make sure it’s readable.

How do I print multiple QR codes at once?

If you need to print multiple QR codes, you can generate them in bulk using a QR code generator that supports batch processing. Save them in a high-resolution format and then print them all together on your chosen material.

How small can a QR code be printed and still work?

The smallest recommended size for a printed QR code is around 1.5 x 1.5 cm (0.59 x 0.59 inches). Anything smaller may not scan properly, especially if the QR code contains a lot of information. Be sure to test your QR code to ensure it works at the size you plan to print.

Can you print a QR code on paper?

Yes, QR codes can be printed on paper for a variety of uses, including flyers, brochures, posters, and business cards. As long as the code is clear and printed in the correct size and resolution, it will work effectively.

About the author

Siim Tiigimägi is the Content Lead at Pageloot. He writes about our innovative QR code generator services. With a profound expertise spanning over half a decade on QR codes, Siim is a subject matter expert in the field. He makes significant strides in leveraging QR technology to simplify and augment digital interactions.

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Hugo Laurent
Hugo Laurent
Restaurant owner
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The most easy and reliable QR code Generator ever. PDF files can be uploaded instantly. Our restaurant menus are now digital.
Lucas Jansen
Lucas Jansen
Real estate developer
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This is an excellent tool and the QR codes take you to just where you want. We only use the location QR code but there are so many useful features.
Emma Moretti
Emma Moretti
Retail products
Read More
Easy to use and quick. It works great and creates a perfect images, so employees can download my vCard.
Hugo Laurent
Hugo Laurent
Restaurant owner
Read More
The most easy and reliable QR code Generator ever. PDF files can be uploaded instantly. Our restaurant menus are now digital.
Lucas Jansen
Lucas Jansen
Real estate developer
Read More
This is an excellent tool and the QR codes take you to just where you want. We only use the location QR code but there are so many useful features.
Emma Moretti
Emma Moretti
Retail products
Read More
Easy to use and quick. It works great and creates a perfect images, so employees can download my vCard.

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