Made to connect.A QR can look clear on screen and behave differently on the finished material. Size, paper, lighting, distance and surface finish affect scanning. Test a physical sample instead of relying only on a zoomed image.
Check the destination and file
Scan the code and confirm its content before finalising the artwork. Check that it remains active and eligible. Choose an available download format suitable for the job: vectors help with resizing, while raster images need enough resolution at the final size. Neither format fixes an incorrect destination.
Leave clear space
A conventional QR requires a clear margin of four modules on every side. A module is one of the small squares in the matrix. Keep text, borders and graphics out of that area. Physical size depends on the data, matrix density and scanning conditions; no single size guarantees every use.
Prefer a dark code on a light background. Test logos and custom shapes in the final artwork. Error correction does not mean any percentage of the image can be covered: essential patterns must remain readable.
Test realistic conditions
- Print a sample at its final size with the intended finish.
- Place it on the intended surface; a curved package differs from flat paper.
- Try more than one device under the expected lighting and distance.
- Verify the actual destination and information, not just recognition.
- Adjust the artwork or size if needed and test again before the full run.
Include a readable address or another access route where useful. Visitors may be offline, unable to use a camera or looking at the QR on their own phone. The destination content must also be readable and accessible.
This is a checking procedure, not certification for every printer, finish or reader. Keep the artwork version and verified destination so you can repeat the check when the campaign changes.