How to Brand a QR Code

Different colors can be used in a QR code as long as they contrast.

QR codes are a two-dimensional evolution of standard bar codes. They are able to encode information into a black-and-white matrix image that can be decoded by QR code readers on smartphones and electronic devices. Branding a QR code involves adding a logo, photo or other imagery to identify the person or company the code is associated with. Certain areas of a QR code must not be covered, otherwise the reader will not be able to identify it, but the center of a QR Code can include branding without detriment to the information encoded within the matrix.

Things You'll Need

• QR code reader
• Graphics package
• Logo or branding image

Instructions

1. Launch your computer's Web browser and navigate to an online QR code generator tool such as Good-Survey.com, RacoIndustries.com or The2DCode.com. Use a generator that allows you to set the error-correction level of your QR code.

2. Type the information you want to encode in the QR code into the relevant boxes in the generator.

3. Set the error correction setting to "H" in the drop-down menu. This is sometimes referred to as "High" or "30%" depending on the generator you are using. Setting the error correction to "H" slightly increases the size of the QR code but also increases its performance when part of the code is concealed by your logo.

4. Click the "Generate" button to create your QR code. Right-click the matrix image and select "Save Image" from the context menu. Save the QR code to a folder on your computer.

5. Launch your preferred graphics package on your computer. Drag and drop the QR code image into the graphics package's work space.

6. Drag and drop your logo or any other image you want to use to brand the QR code into the graphics package. Use the package's selection tools to cut out the logo. Click the "Edit" menu at the top of the screen and select "Copy."

7. Bring the QR code image to the foreground, click the "Edit" menu and select "Paste." The logo image is dropped on top of the QR code. Resize the logo so it sits in the center of the QR code. Ensure the logo does not cover the large squares in the corners of the code or the area along the sides of the code between the large squares.

8. Test the QR code using a QR code reader on a smartphone or other device to ensure it still works with your logo overlaid on top of the matrix. If the code does not work, reduce the size of the logo and test again. After the logo sizing is correct, click the "File" menu and select "Save As." Save the branded QR code image to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Branding can also be placed around the QR code, over the top of it or underneath it. This way, the logo does not cover any of the matrix and the error correction setting can be reduced to help you create a smaller QR Code image.

• QR Code generators are available that can automatically embed your logo in the center of a matrix image, such as QRilize.com, Paperlinks.com and the QR+Emoji app for smartphones.

References

• Content Developer: How To Customize QR Codes With Your Brand’s Identity
• Design@DeveloperWorks: Branding a Quick Response Code (QR Code) With a Custom Logo

Resources

• Good-Survey.com: QR Codes
• The 2D Code: QR Code Generator
• RACO Industries: QR Code Barcode Generator