QR codes by placement

Where a QR code goes decides almost everything about it: how big it must be, what material it needs and how long it has to keep working. A receipt code is scanned from 30 cm and thrown away the same day; a sign on a building is read from metres away for years. Each guide below covers one surface, with a size table for the distances people actually scan from.

Sizes are calculated with the same formula as the QRdx print size calculator, for a dynamic short link at error correction Q. Static codes with more data inside need to be larger.

Print marketing

Cards, flyers, posters, brochures, catalogues, mailers and magazine ads.

QR codes on business cardsSave-to-phone contacts, digital cards and the right size for a 85 mm card.QR codes on flyersLink a leaflet to an offer, sign-up or event and measure each drop.QR codes on postersSizing for viewing distance and measuring each poster site.QR codes in brochuresVideos, prices and booking from each page, kept current after print.QR codes in product cataloguesProduct-level links from print to the online shop, with per-item scans.QR codes on direct mailResponse tracking per mailing, offers and sign-ups from postcards.QR codes in magazines and print adsShoppable ads, video extras and response tracking per publication.

Products and packaging

Boxes, labels, manuals, stickers and merchandise that leave with the customer.

QR codes on product packagingSetup guides, ingredients, reorders and registration from the box.QR codes on labelsSmall-label sizing, curved containers and durable label stock.QR codes in product manualsVideo steps, translations, spare parts and support from the manual.QR code stickersVinyl, paper or clear stickers that scan, and codes you can repoint.QR codes on mugs and merchandiseCurved-surface sizing, print methods and links that outlast the campaign.QR codes on t-shirts and apparelChest and back sizing, fabrics that scan and staff-uniform uses.

In-store and hospitality

Menus, table tents, receipts, shelves and windows where customers already are.

QR code menusHosted menus with prices, allergens and sold-out items, edited live.QR codes on table tentsSeated-distance sizing, two-sided tents and per-table tracking.QR codes on receiptsReviews, returns, loyalty and surveys from the receipt.QR codes on store shelves and shelf talkersProduct details, reviews and recipes from the shelf edge.QR codes on window decalsPavement-distance sizing, glare control and after-hours links.

Documents and stationery

Invoices, certificates, tickets, badges, envelopes and books.

QR codes on invoicesPay-by-scan with UPI or PayPal, online invoices and contact details.QR codes on certificatesVerification pages, revocation and digital copies for each certificate.QR codes on ticketsVenue info, schedules and parking beside the entry code.QR codes on name badgesContact sharing, LinkedIn and agendas from conference badges.QR codes on envelopesOpen-rate teasers, RSVPs and response tracking from the outside.QR codes in booksAudio and video extras, errata and author pages from the printed page.

Outdoor and large format

Billboards, vehicles and signs read from metres away, in all weather.

QR codes on billboards and out-of-home adsWhich OOH sites suit QR codes, how big to go and per-site tracking.QR codes on vehicles and van wrapsRear and side placement, vinyl sizing and safe scanning.QR codes on signsWayfinding, information boards and safety notices that last.

Screens and digital

Emails, slide decks, TV and video, where the code moves people to their phone.

QR codes in emailsDesktop-to-phone handoffs, app installs and event check-in.QR codes in presentationsBack-row sizing, how long to show it and what to link to.QR codes on TV and in videoOn-screen size, timing and per-channel tracking for TV and video.

Browse by industry

Restaurants, retail, real estate, healthcare and 26 more industries, with the code types each one uses.

QR codes by industry

Print size calculator

The minimum size for your exact content, distance and error-correction level.

Calculate your size

Scan checker

Upload your design to decode it and check contrast, quiet zone and module size before printing.

Check a QR code

QR codes by placement: FAQ

How big should a QR code be?

About a tenth of the distance it is scanned from, a little more for denser codes: roughly 2.5 to 3 cm for a card held in the hand, 23 cm for a poster 2 m away and about 70 cm for a sign 6 m away. Keep each module at least 0.4 mm and leave a blank margin of four modules around the code.

What makes a printed QR code fail to scan?

The usual causes are low contrast (pale or inverted colours), a missing quiet zone, printing too small for the distance, glare from glossy finishes, and placement on curves, folds or seams. Test the printed proof, not just the file.

Which file format should I send to the printer?

Vector: SVG or a print-ready CMYK PDF, both free from QRdx. Vectors stay sharp at any size, from a 2 cm label to a 2 m banner.