Why put a logo in a QR code?
A QR code is, first of all, a technical square of pixels. But when the code ends up on a business card, a flyer or a poster, the logo in the center signals: "Trust this code, it belongs to this brand." That measurably increases the scan rate, according to DataForSEO studies by 20–35 % compared with the bare QR code.
The three most common mistakes with logo QR codes
1. Logo too large
If the logo takes up more than 30 % of the QR area, too many code modules are covered. Even with error correction level H it gets tight. Our generator has a slider with a maximum of 50 %, but we recommend 25–30 % as the sweet spot.
2. Error correction not adjusted
QR codes have 4 error correction levels: L (7 %), M (15 %), Q (25 %), H (30 %). By default M is usually active, which produces the smallest code. Anyone who adds a logo without switching to H risks an unscannable code. Our generator switches to H automatically as soon as you upload a logo.
3. Logo with a complex background
A logo with a transparent background (PNG, SVG) looks clean in the QR code. A logo with a complicated background photo disturbs the pattern. Rule of thumb: PNG with a transparent background, ideally vector (SVG) for sharp scaling.
Recommended logo specifications
| Property | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| File format | PNG (transparent) or SVG |
| Resolution | at least 500 × 500 px |
| Logo size in the QR code | 20–30 % of the QR area |
| Background | transparent or white (matching the QR background) |
| Shape | ideally square or circular |
| Maximum file size | 1 MB |
What to keep in mind for print
- Minimum size: 2 × 2 cm for a scan distance of up to 25 cm. Larger for posters.
- Resolution: 300 DPI for print, i.e. at least 600 px edge length in the image.
- Contrast: Dark foreground on a light background. Inverted codes (light on dark) often do not work.
- Test before printing: Scan with 3 different phone models (current iPhone, current Android, older Android).
QR code with logo vs. without logo: which scans better?
A 2023 study (Beaconstac) tested 12,000 QR codes with and without a logo:
- Without logo: 96 % successful scans
- With logo (≤25 %, EC=H): 94 % successful scans
- With logo (over 30 %, EC=M or Q): 71 % successful scans
In other words: with the right settings the difference is marginal (94 % vs. 96 %). With the wrong settings it gets critical.
When a dynamic QR code with logo pays off
You print static QR codes with a logo once, and after that everything is fixed. If your destination URL could change (rebranding, a move, a new landing page, an expired domain), the printed QR codes are worthless.
With a dynamic QR code (€4.99 one-time at QR Kontor) the QR code points to an intermediate URL that you can swap in the dashboard. Logo and QR design stay the same; the destination can change as often as you like.
Frequently asked questions
How large may the logo be at most?
At most 30 % of the QR area, otherwise scanning problems. Our slider goes up to 50 %, but we recommend 20–25 % as the sweet spot.
Which error correction is needed?
Level "H" (30 %). Our generator sets it automatically as soon as you upload a logo.
What format should the logo be in?
PNG with a transparent background (ideal) or SVG. JPG works if necessary. Maximum file size: 1 MB.
Can I change the QR code later?
With the static QR code on this page: no. Switch to a dynamic QR code if you need the flexibility to change it.
Is my logo stored by you?
No. The upload stays entirely in your browser. We never see the file.
Does this work without signing up?
Yes, completely free and without an account on this page.
Need to change the QR code later?
Dynamic QR codes from €4.99 one-time, swap the destination URL in the dashboard at any time.
Start for free