How to put a photo or logo in a QR code
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A QR code has spare data built in, so it can still scan when a small part is covered. That is what lets you add a logo in the middle, or blend a photo into the dots. The trick is not to cover too much.
Why a code can have a logo at all
Every QR code stores its data more than once, in a clever way. This is called error correction. If part of the code is dirty, torn or covered, the phone can still work out the missing part.
There are four levels:
| Level | Can repair about |
|---|---|
| L (low) | 7% of the code |
| M (medium) | 15% |
| Q (quartile) | 25% |
| H (high) | 30% |
A logo in the middle “damages” part of the code on purpose. The higher the level, the bigger the logo can be. But a higher level also means more dots, so the code gets busier.
QRVivid switches to level H by itself when you add a logo or a photo.
How big can the logo be?
Keep it well under the limit. A logo that covers the whole 30% leaves no room for real damage, like a scratch or glare.
In QRVivid, the logo is 22% of the code width by default. You can set it from 12% to 30%. Smaller is safer. On a small print, like a business card, stay at the default or below.
Tips for logos:
- Use a simple, square logo. Fine text inside a logo will be too small to read anyway.
- QRVivid clears the dots behind the logo, so it sits on a clean patch.
- Never cover the three big corner squares. Phones use them to find the code.
Photo QR codes
A photo QR code works differently. Instead of covering part of the code, the photo shows through every dot. Each dot takes its colour from the photo, but is made dark or light enough for a phone to read.
Tips for a photo that scans well:
- Pick a photo with one clear subject, like a face, a pet or a product.
- Avoid very busy or very dark photos.
- Use a short link. Fewer dots means more of your photo shows.
- Print photo codes a little bigger than plain ones, at least 2.5 cm wide.
In QRVivid, the How much photo slider sets the balance. More photo looks nicer. Less photo scans more easily. If a photo makes the code hard to read, QRVivid uses a bit less photo and tells you.
Always test
Scan the final code with two phones, in normal light. If it is slow, make the logo smaller, use less photo, or make the dots darker.
Your photo stays private
QRVivid makes the code in your browser. Your photo and logo never leave your device.
Make your code
QRVivid is free, with no sign-up. Your code is made on your device, and the link goes straight into the code, so it never expires.