10 Tips to Improve QR Scan Success: For Printing, Posters, and On‑Site Signage

Scan success can vary with light, reflections, and distance. Test once in the real environment before final printing.

1) The 3 most common reasons QR fails

• Not enough quiet zone: a crowded area around the code makes it hard to detect boundaries
• Low contrast: gray/pastel/busy backgrounds reduce reliability
• Too small: posters viewed from distance need larger codes

2) The 10‑point checklist

(1) Leave a clean margin around the code

Keep the area around the QR code empty. Icons/text/borders too close can destabilize scanning.

(2) Dark code on light background

This is the most reliable pairing. Inverted colors may fail depending on device/app.

(3) Avoid patterns/photos behind the code

If you must place it on a photo, put a solid color box behind the QR.

(4) Print it big enough

Assume real viewing distance (e.g., 1–2m) and test with multiple devices.

(5) Shorter URLs are easier to scan

Long strings make the QR dense. A shorter URL often improves print scanning.

(6) Check the landing page experience

Even if scanning works, a slow or non‑mobile landing page causes drop‑offs.

(7) Watch out for glare and glossy paper

Strong lighting or coated paper can introduce reflections that break scanning.

(8) Avoid cropping, folds, and warping

Don’t place QR on trim lines or fold lines. Keep it flat and intact.

(9) Test across devices and apps

Camera apps and scanner apps use different engines—cross‑test before release.

(10) Provide a fallback path

Add a short URL next to the QR so users can still access without scanning.