Adding Logos to QR Codes Safely – Brand Your Codes Without Breaking Them
Adding your company logo to QR codes increases brand recognition by up to 50% while maintaining full scannability—if done correctly. QRTracker.io makes it easy to safely embed logos using built-in error correction technology. This guide explains the science behind logo placement, optimal sizing guidelines (under 30% of code area), file format requirements, and comprehensive testing procedures to ensure your branded QR codes scan perfectly on all devices.
Understanding QR Code Error Correction
QR codes contain redundant data that allows them to function even when partially obscured. This is called error correction:
| Error Correction Level | Max Damage Tolerance | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% can be obscured | Clean environments, no logo |
| M (Medium) | ~15% can be obscured | Small logos, general use |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% can be obscured | Medium logos, outdoor use |
| H (High) ⭐ | ~30% can be obscured | Large logos, branded codes |
QRTracker uses Level H (High) error correction by default, allowing you to safely place logos covering up to 30% of the QR code's center area. This is the sweet spot for balancing brand visibility with scanning reliability.
Key Insight: The 30% rule isn't just a guideline—it's based on the mathematical error correction capacity of QR codes. Exceed 30% and scanning reliability drops dramatically.
Step 1 – Prepare Your Logo File
Before uploading your logo to QRTracker, optimize it for QR code integration:
File Format Requirements
- PNG with Transparent Background (Recommended): Allows logo to blend seamlessly with QR code
- SVG (Vector Format): Perfect for logos with simple shapes, scales infinitely
- Avoid JPG: Compression artifacts and white backgrounds interfere with QR code patterns
Resolution & Size
- Minimum: 500×500 pixels (for small QR codes)
- Recommended: 1000×1000 pixels or higher
- For Print: 2000×2000 pixels at 300 DPI
Design Simplification
✓ Good Logo Characteristics
- • Simple, bold shapes
- • High contrast
- • Solid colors (no gradients)
- • Clear, readable design
- • Transparent background
✗ Problematic Logo Features
- • Intricate fine details
- • Low contrast colors
- • Complex gradients
- • Thin lines or small text
- • White or solid backgrounds
Step 2 – Upload Logo in QRTracker Generator
Adding your logo is simple with QRTracker's built-in logo placement tool:
- Navigate to the QR Code Generator
- Enter your destination URL and enable tracking if desired
- In the customization panel, click "Add Logo"
- Upload your prepared logo file (PNG or SVG)
- QRTracker automatically centers the logo and applies safe default sizing
Pro Tip: QRTracker's logo engine automatically detects logo boundaries and applies a subtle white border (padding) around your logo to prevent interference with QR code data modules.
Step 3 – Adjust Logo Size (The 30% Rule)
Logo size directly impacts scanning reliability. Follow this scientifically-validated sizing guideline:
Safe Zone: 15-25% of QR Code Area
Recommended for most use cases. Provides strong brand presence while maintaining 95%+ scan success rate.
Caution Zone: 25-30% of QR Code Area
Maximum safe size. Brand visibility is excellent but scan rate drops to 85-90%. Test thoroughly before deployment.
Danger Zone: Over 30% of QR Code Area
NOT RECOMMENDED. Exceeds error correction capacity. Scanning becomes unreliable (under 70% success rate). Likely to fail in poor lighting or with certain phone cameras.
How to Measure Logo Size
QRTracker displays a real-time percentage as you adjust the logo size slider. Aim for:
- Digital Use (websites, emails): 20-25% is ideal
- Print Use (posters, business cards): 18-22% for maximum reliability
- Outdoor/Distance Scanning: 15-20% for best results in challenging conditions
Step 4 – Verify Center Placement & Avoid Corner Markers
Logo placement matters as much as size. Here's what you need to know:
⚠️ Never Cover These Areas:
- Three Corner Squares (Position Detection Patterns): These help scanners locate and orient the code. Covering them breaks scanning entirely.
- Timing Patterns (Alternating Lines): Run between corners, help determine QR code size
- Format Information: Small patterns near corner squares containing error correction data
Safe Placement Zone: The center of the QR code, roughly the middle 30-40% area, is completely safe for logo placement. QRTracker automatically centers your logo in this zone.
Good News: You don't need to manually calculate this! QRTracker's logo engine automatically places your logo in the safe center zone and prevents overlap with critical QR code structures.
Step 5 – Test on Multiple Devices (Critical Step!)
Never deploy a QR code with a logo without comprehensive testing. Follow this testing protocol:
Device Testing
Test on iPhone
- • Native Camera app
- • Third-party scanner apps
- • Older iPhone models (if possible)
Test on Android
- • Google Lens
- • Native camera apps (Samsung, Pixel)
- • Budget Android phones
Environmental Testing
- Lighting Conditions: Test in bright sunlight, indoor lighting, and low light
- Angles: Scan from directly in front and at 30-45° angles
- Distances: Try close-up (15cm) and from arm's length (60cm)
- Print Test: If using for print, print ONE test copy at actual size before mass production
What Constitutes a "Successful" Scan?
- ✓ Scans within 1-2 seconds
- ✓ Works on first try (no repeated attempts needed)
- ✓ Succeeds on 95%+ of test scans across devices
- ✓ Works in various lighting conditions
If scans are inconsistent or slow: Reduce logo size by 5-10% and test again. Repeat until you achieve 95%+ scan success rate.
Common Logo Problems and Solutions
Problem: QR Code Scans Sometimes, But Not Always
Causes:
- • Logo is too large (over 30%)
- • Logo has low contrast with QR code
- • Logo contains intricate details that interfere with data modules
Solutions:
- • Reduce logo size to 20-25%
- • Increase contrast (darker logo on light QR code or vice versa)
- • Simplify logo design (remove fine details)
Problem: Logo Looks Blurry or Pixelated
Cause: Logo resolution is too low for the QR code size
Solution: Use higher resolution logo (minimum 1000×1000 pixels). Export from vector format if available.
Problem: Logo Has Visible White Box Around It
Cause: Logo file has white background instead of transparency
Solution: Re-export logo as PNG with transparent background. Use image editor to remove background if needed.
Problem: Logo Interferes with Corner Markers
Cause: Logo size is too large or QRTracker's automatic centering failed
Solution: Reduce logo size significantly (under 25%). If problem persists, regenerate QR code. Logo should never reach corner squares.
Logo Integration Checklist
- ✓ Export logo as PNG with transparent background (or SVG)
- ✓ Minimum resolution: 1000×1000 pixels
- ✓ Simplify complex logo designs
- ✓ Upload logo in QRTracker generator
- ✓ Keep logo size between 15-25% of QR code area
- ✓ Verify center placement (avoid corner markers)
- ✓ Test on iPhone and Android devices
- ✓ Test in multiple lighting conditions
- ✓ Print test copy before mass production (if printing)
- ✓ Achieve 95%+ scan success rate before deployment
For more QR code design guidance, see our complete guide: How to Design a Custom QR Code. If your branded QR code isn't scanning reliably, check out: Why Won't My QR Code Scan?