Guide
How to make a QR code with your logo – and keep it scannable
Short answer: keep the logo at about 20–25 % of the code’s width, put a plain area behind it, use a dark code on a light background, and test with a few phones before printing. The rest of this guide explains why.
Why a logo does not break a QR code
Every QR code carries spare information, called error correction. If part of the code is covered or damaged, the phone rebuilds the missing part. There are four levels:
- L – about 7 % can be missing
- M – about 15 %
- Q – about 25 %
- H – about 30 %
A logo in the middle covers some of the dots, so codes with a logo should use level H. In GITECHY QR this happens automatically when you add a logo.
Step by step
1
Enter the content
Website address, contact card, Wi-Fi – any type works with a logo.
2
Add the logo
Design → Logo: upload a JPG, PNG or WebP (up to 2 MB) or pick an icon. Leave “Plain area behind the logo” on.
3
Check and download
The print check under the preview warns about weak contrast, a logo that is too big or a print size that is too small.
Five rules for a logo that scans
- Size: 20–25 % of the code’s width is safe; above 30 % many phones fail.
- Plain area: a white (or background-coloured) square behind the logo keeps dots from cutting through it.
- Shape: square or round logos work best. Wide logos become tiny – use the logo’s icon instead of the full word mark.
- Contrast: dark code on a light background. Light codes on dark backgrounds fail on many older phones.
- Corners: never cover the three big squares in the corners – the phone uses them to find the code.
Test before you print
Scan the preview from the screen with two or three different phones (an iPhone and an Android if you can), at the distance people will scan from. If one phone hesitates, make the logo smaller or the code bigger.
Questions
Can I use my brand colours?
Yes, as long as the code stays clearly darker than the background. Gradients work too – keep both colours dark.
Does a logo make the code bigger?
Level H error correction adds a little data, so the code gets a few more dots. Keep the content short (e.g. a short web address) to compensate.
Can I change the logo later?
In GITECHY QR, yes: the design of a code you own can be changed for free in My codes.
Related
Make your QR code
See your design for free – pay once when you download.