How to Create a Branded QR Code: Step-by-Step Guide

1Choose Your Content Type

Decide what action you want the scanner to perform. Our generator supports several content structures:

• URL: Directs users to a website, Google review page, or social profile. (E.g. `https://yourdomain.com`).
• Wi-Fi Network: Connects clients to your guest internet instantly without typing long passwords.
• vCard (Contact): Saves your name, phone number, email, and company directly to the scanner's phone contacts.
• Plain Text: Displays instructions, discount codes, or product manufacturing information offline.

2Customize the Module Style

Under the design options in the generator, select a shape for your data blocks (modules) to match your brand style:

• Classic Square: Professional, high-density look, best for corporate media.
• Rounded Blocks: Organic and soft, great for consumer goods, retail, and lifestyle brands.
• High-Tech Dots: Tech-forward, dot-matrix grid style, ideal for software, cryptocurrency, or modern agencies.

Learn how shapes impact scanner recognition in our QR Code Design Guide.

3Apply Colors and Gradients

Color coordinates your code with your company's visual guidelines. You can pick standard colors or configure linear and radial gradients:

• Select your primary brand color as the foreground. Ensure it is dark (e.g. black, navy blue, forest green, deep purple).
• Keep the background color white, transparent, or a very light pastel to preserve contrast.
• Ensure you keep a clear contrast ratio (we recommend at least 4:1) to keep scanners happy.

4Embed Your Custom Logo

Adding your company icon in the center is the best way to reassure users that the QR code belongs to your brand.

• Upload a PNG or JPG logo using the upload field.
• Adjust the logo scale. Avoid scaling the logo over 30% of the total QR code size, otherwise the camera won't be able to reconstruct the surrounding data modules.
• Our generator automatically applies **Level H Error Correction** (recovering up to 30% damaged data) and draws a background mask behind your logo so it remains highly readable.

5Test, Download, and Print

Before sending your code to the printer, follow these crucial quality steps:

• The Smartphone Test: Open your smartphone camera and test the code from different angles and lighting setups. Make sure it directs you to the correct place.
• Choose the correct file format:
  • Download **SVG (vector)** if you are printing on physical banners, store signs, menus, or packaging. It scales infinitely without blurriness.
  • Download **PNG (raster)** for website headers, emails, presentations, or digital screens.

For detailed sizing, distance rules, and resolution advice, check out our QR Code Best Practices & Sizing Guide.