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Short answer: Use dark-on-light high contrast, keep a 4-module quiet zone, print big enough for the viewing distance, avoid glare and busy backgrounds, place at natural eye level with a clear call-to-action, and always test with multiple phones before you print.

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When to use QR codes from ShortPen

Create a link, enable its QR, then put it on posters, packaging, flyers, business cards, or event badges. The QR stays tied to that link object, so scans roll up with the link’s performance (Clicks + Scans). Customize colors and add a small logo if you like.
Note: Scans appear on the link’s analytics next to Clicks. For workspace-wide trends, use workspace analytics.

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Design rules that maximize scans

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1. Contrast and color

  • High contrast wins. Default to dark codes on a light background. Inverse (light on dark) can work but reduces reliability under glare or low light.
  • Avoid low-saturation brand colors for the modules. If branding is needed, keep the code itself dark and apply brand color to the finder patterns or surrounding frame with caution.
  • No photo/text behind the code. If the code sits over imagery, place an opaque light panel behind it.
ShortPen lets you set QR colors and add a center logo. Keep the logo small so it doesn’t obscure key patterns.

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2. Quiet zone (clear margin)

  • Leave at least a 4-module quiet zone (blank padding) around the entire QR.
  • Don’t place borders, frames, or text inside this margin. Printers often auto-scale artwork. Verify the quiet zone survives in the final proof.
  • If you add a decorative frame, ensure it sits outside the quiet zone.

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3. Physical size and distance

  • Rule of thumb: Minimum physical size ≈ viewing distance ÷ 10.
    • e.g., a poster viewed at ~2 m → QR size ~20 cm.
    • Handheld flyers/business cards at ~30 cm → QR size 2.5–3 cm.
  • Increase the size for glossy materials, curved surfaces, or dim lighting.
  • Prefer vector outputs for print (SVG) to keep edges crisp.
Learn more: How to download and use QR Codes from ShortPen

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4. Error correction and logos

  • If you place a logo in the center, use a higher error-correction level so scanners can still recover.
  • Keep logos within 15–20% of the code area and avoid covering finder patterns (the three large squares).

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5. File prep and printing

  • Export at 300 DPI or higher for raster formats; use rich black consistently if printing CMYK.
  • Test on the actual substrate (paper type, finish). Matte stocks scan more reliably than glossy under bright light.

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Placement and environmental factors

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6. Where to place the QR

  • Eye-level and reachable. Avoid areas with too high/low lighting, or those behind glass that reflects light.
  • Flat surfaces beat curved. If curved (bottle/packaging), oversize the code and avoid wraparound on finder patterns.
  • Avoid folds, creases, or perforations. Keep the entire code and quiet zone on a single, flat panel.
  • Group with a short, clear CTA. Examples: “Scan to get 10% off”, “Scan to see menu”, “Scan to join waitlist”.

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7. Lighting and glare

  • Avoid direct spotlights on glossy posters; tilt them slightly or opt for matte lamination.
  • Ensure sufficient ambient light for older devices to focus.

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8. Context and redundancy

  • Add human-readable backup: a descriptive label and (optionally) the URL below the code for users who can’t scan.
  • If your campaign needs per-location attribution, generate separate links/slugs (and therefore unique QRs) per site.

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Dynamic vs Static for print longevity

ShortPen’s QR codes are dynamic. They resolve to your ShortPen link, so you can update the destination later without reprinting (analytics remain attached). If you change the primary slug/domain, the printed code may change resolution behavior, plan slugs carefully for long-life assets.
Learn more: What happens to a QR code after changing a link?