How to Print a QR Code on a Mug, Card or Invitation: Size, Color & File Guide

A QR code that scans perfectly on screen can fail completely when printed wrong. The good news: follow a few simple rules and it will work on any surface.

Which file should I use?

• SVG: vector format. Best for print shops, invitations, engraving and large prints — it stays sharp at any size.
• Transparent PNG: an image with no background. Ideal for placing on a mug, a T-shirt or a colored card design. The 2048 px and 4096 px options are plenty for print.
• PNG with a white background: the code inside a white box. If you're printing on a dark or busy background, that box saves readability.

Minimum size

Rule of thumb: about one tenth of the scanning distance. For a card or mug held in the hand, at least 0.8–1 in (2–2.5 cm); for fabric and curved surfaces 1.25–1.5 in (3–4 cm); for a sign on the wall, 4 in (10 cm) and up.

Color and contrast

The code should be dark and the background light. You can pick a color other than black — navy, burgundy, forest green — but very light shades such as yellow or pale pink reduce contrast. QRLivo's QR screen warns you when the color you choose is too light.

Keep the quiet zone

The empty margin around the code (four modules wide) is what lets a phone find it. Your downloaded files already include it — don't crop it, and don't let text or patterns spill over it.

Choosing a style

The "square" style gives the best readability — choose it for small prints. "Dots" and "rounded" are more decorative and work great from about 1.25 in (3 cm) and up.

Test before you print

Print the file at its real size on paper, or show it on screen, and scan it with two different phones. As long as your page is live, the code always leads to the same address — even if you edit the content later, there's no need to reprint.