QR code print size and testing guide

Safe starting point: use at least 2 × 2 cm for close-range scanning, maintain a four-module quiet zone, and enlarge the code when people will scan from farther away.

Size for the real viewing distance

A business card is held close, while a poster may be scanned from several metres away. A useful starting ratio is roughly 1:10: a code intended for a 1-metre scan should be around 10 cm wide. Complex codes with dense data need more space.

Use SVG for professional printing

SVG is vector artwork and remains sharp when resized. PNG is ideal for screens and office files, but avoid stretching a small raster image. QRVisual exports 1024 px by default and supports larger PNG files.

Protect the quiet zone

The empty border is part of the scannable symbol. Do not crop it, add text inside it, or place the code on a busy image without a solid background panel.

Final print checklist

• Use dark modules on a light background.
• Check the destination and spelling.
• Test the actual printed proof, not only the screen preview.
• Scan with both iPhone and Android if possible.
• Test under the lighting and distance of the real placement.
• Keep a human-readable URL or instruction nearby when practical.