A QR code with your logo is not just a visual upgrade — it increases scan rates. Branded QR codes signal legitimacy and help users understand immediately what the code is for. Here is how to create a QR code with your logo correctly, without breaking scannability.
Why QR codes with logos scan better
Studies consistently show that a QR code with a recognisable logo in the centre gets scanned more frequently than a plain black-and-white code. The logo provides two things:
- Trust — users can see whose code it is before scanning
- Context — a restaurant logo on a table card instantly communicates “this takes you to our menu”
How logo QR codes work technically
QR codes use error-correction encoding — the same principle that lets a scratched CD still play. Level H error correction allows up to 30% of the QR code pattern to be obscured or damaged while remaining fully scannable.
A logo placed in the centre of a QR code uses this error-correction capacity. QRPulse generates codes at Level H specifically to accommodate logos without reducing scannability. The logo typically covers 20–25% of the code — well within the 30% tolerance.
Step-by-step: create a QR code with your logo in QRPulse
Step 1: Sign up at qrpulse.co (free). Create a new QR code and enter your destination URL.
Step 2: In the customisation panel, find the “Logo” section and upload your logo file. PNG format with a transparent background works best.
Step 3: Adjust the logo size — keep it between 20–25% of the total QR code area for best results.
Step 4: Optionally adjust the foreground and background colours to match your brand. Ensure the contrast ratio is at least 4:1 (dark on light or light on dark) for reliable scanning.
Step 5: Download as high-resolution PNG (up to 2048px) or SVG for print use.
Step 6: Test on at least three devices before printing. Scan with iPhone Camera, Android Camera, and a dedicated QR scanner app.
Colour tips for branded QR codes
- Never use light-on-light or dark-on-dark — the camera needs strong contrast to read the pattern
- Avoid red as a foreground colour — some QR scanners struggle with red-on-white
- Gradient backgrounds can reduce scannability — solid colours are safer
- Always test dark colours on a white or light background, not the other way around
Ready to create your branded QR code? Start free on QRPulse — logo upload included on Pro ($2/month). See: QR Code Generator with Logo.
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