Common Mistakes When Creating QR Codes and How to Avoid Them

Common Mistakes When Creating QR Codes and How to Avoid Them

QR codes have become an integral part of our digital lives. They are used for quick access to websites, payments, restaurant menus, and even contact sharing. But what if your QR code doesn’t work? Why won’t it scan? What are the most common mistakes when creating QR codes? Let’s figure it out!

1. Low-Quality QR Code

QR codes work by being scanned with a smartphone camera. If the code is blurry or has a low resolution, the camera may not be able to recognize it.

How to Avoid It?

  • Use high-resolution images (at least 300 dpi for printing).
  • Save the QR code in PNG or SVG format to prevent pixelation.
  • Avoid image compression, especially if you use the code on a website or print it on a banner.

2. Overly Complex or Cluttered QR Code

QR codes can contain different types of information: links, text, contact details, Wi-Fi settings, etc. The more data included, the more complex the code looks, making it harder to scan.

How to Avoid It?

  • Use short URLs. Instead of a long link like "https://www.example.com/products/new-collection-2024", shorten it with a URL shortener or use a dynamic QR code.
  • Don’t add unnecessary elements that make scanning harder (logos, decorative features, excessive coloring).

3. Incorrect Color Choices

QR codes are typically black on a white background. Many designers try to make them stylish by changing colors, which can lead to scanning issues.

How to Avoid It?

  • Avoid light colors for the QR code itself. Cameras struggle with yellow, pink, and pastel shades.
  • Ensure proper contrast between the code and the background (a dark code on a light background is ideal).
  • Avoid gradient coloring, as it may distort the QR code.

4. Lack of Sufficient Margin Around the QR Code

A QR code should have enough clear space around it (also known as “quiet zone”). Without this, scanners may not recognize the code.

How to Avoid It?

  • Leave at least a 4-module wide white margin around the QR code.
  • Do not place the QR code too close to other graphical elements.

5. Using an Inverted (Reversed) QR Code

An inverted QR code (light code on a dark background) may look stylish, but most scanners struggle to read it.

How to Avoid It?

  • Stick to the standard dark QR code on a light background.
  • If you must experiment, test it on multiple devices first.

6. Printing on Unsuitable Surfaces

Printing QR codes on curved surfaces (bottles, cups) or reflective materials (glass, metal) can make them difficult to scan.

How to Avoid It?

  • Use matte surfaces for printing.
  • If printing on a curved surface, make the QR code larger to compensate for distortion.

7. Dynamic QR Code Without Regular Checks

Dynamic QR codes allow you to change the content without generating a new code. However, if the server stops working or the link changes, the code becomes useless.

How to Avoid It?

  • Use reliable services to generate dynamic QR codes.
  • Regularly check if the code is still functional.

8. No Testing Before Launch

One of the main reasons a QR code may not work is that no one tested it before deployment.

How to Avoid It?

  • Before printing or publishing, test the QR code on various devices (Android, iOS, app-based scanners, built-in cameras).
  • Use multiple popular QR scanners to check functionality.

9. Using Non-Standard Formats

Some services create QR codes in non-standard formats that may not be supported by all scanners.

How to Avoid It?

  • Use common formats: PNG, SVG, PDF.
  • Avoid exporting in JPG, as it may degrade quality when resized.

10. Excessive Customization

QR codes can be customized by adding logos, changing colors, or rounding corners. However, if done incorrectly, scanners may not recognize them.

How to Avoid It?

  • If adding a logo, ensure it doesn’t cover important parts of the QR code.
  • Make minimal changes to preserve the structure of the code.

Conclusion

QR codes are a powerful tool, but only if created correctly. The most common mistakes include poor quality, incorrect colors, overly complex structures, and lack of testing. To avoid issues, always check your QR code before use, follow design recommendations, and use reliable generators.

Want to create a high-quality QR code hassle-free? Try our online QR code generator —fast, easy, and error-free! 😉