Custom QR Code Design
Create visually stunning QR codes that strengthen your brand identity while maintaining perfect scan reliability.
Balancing Design and Functionality
The key to successful QR code design is finding the perfect balance between visual appeal and reliable scanning.
Visual Appeal
Create attractive, branded QR codes that catch the eye and reflect your brand's visual identity with custom colors and design elements.
Scan Reliability
Ensure your code works across all devices and environments with optimized design that maintains the necessary code structure and error correction.
Increased Engagement
Custom designed QR codes receive up to 35% more scans than standard black and white codes, driving higher engagement with your digital content.
Essential Design Elements You Can Customize
SmartQRForms Pro and Business plans allow customization of several QR code elements.
Colors
Modify your QR code colors to match your brand:
- Foreground color: The primary color of the QR pattern
- Background color: The space behind the pattern
- Gradient options: Create modern effects with color transitions
Best practices for color selection:
- Maintain high contrast between foreground and background
- Avoid light colors for the foreground pattern
- Test scan reliability after any color changes
- Consider where the QR code will be displayed (print vs. digital)
Standard
Brand Color
Gradient
Logo Integration
Add your brand identity with logo placement:
- Center positioning: Place your logo in the middle of the code
- Size considerations: Balance visibility without compromising scan function
- Background handling: Choose transparent or backed logo options
- Color coordination: Ensure logo colors complement the QR pattern
Best practices for logo integration:
- Keep logos simple and recognizable
- Use PNG format with transparent background
- Don't exceed 25% of the total QR code area
- Test thoroughly after adding your logo
QR Code with Center Logo
Shape and Style
Customize the appearance with style options:
- Corner styles: Rounded, square, or custom corner elements
- Pattern styles: Different dot shapes and patterns
- Edge treatments: Framing and border options
- Eye designs: Customized corner square elements
Best practices for style customization:
- Make incremental changes and test after each
- Maintain the basic structure required for scanning
- Ensure the three corner positioning squares remain identifiable
- Consider how styles will appear at different sizes
Square Style
Rounded Style
Custom Style
Design Strategy by Industry
Customize your QR codes to match your industry aesthetic and brand personality
Retail and E-commerce
For retail applications, consider:
- Using product colors in your QR design
- Incorporating shopping bag or cart icons
- Creating seasonal variations for campaigns
- Using shapes that complement packaging
Food and Beverage
Restaurants and food brands can:
- Use appetizing colors that reflect menu themes
- Incorporate food-related icons or symbols
- Create different designs for different menu sections
- Consider placement on menus and table tents
Professional Services
Law firms and B2B services should consider:
- Conservative, professional color schemes
- Clean, minimal designs that convey trust
- Incorporation of recognized industry symbols
- Higher error correction for business cards
Creative Industries
Design studios and agencies can:
- Push creative boundaries with bold designs
- Use vibrant colors and distinctive patterns
- Create animated QR codes for digital display
- Develop themed codes for different projects
Technical Considerations
When customizing your QR codes, keep these technical factors in mind to ensure reliability:
Error Correction Levels
Higher levels (M, Q, H) allow for more customization while maintaining scan reliability.
Size Requirements
Ensure minimum size requirements based on usage (print, digital, distance).
Quiet Zone
Always include sufficient white space margin around your QR code.
Device Compatibility
Test across multiple devices and scanning apps before wide distribution.
Error Correction Levels
| Level | Recovery | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | 7% | Basic QR codes with minimal customization |
| M (Medium) | 15% | Standard choice for most applications |
| Q (Quartile) | 25% | Moderate customization with logos |
| H (High) | 30% | Highly customized designs with logos |
Creating Branded QR Codes with SmartQRForms
Follow these steps to design your custom QR codes:
Log in to your SmartQRForms account
Access your dashboard with a Pro or Business subscription to unlock customization features.
Click "Create QR" in the dashboard
Select your QR code type and enter content. For branded QR codes, dynamic types are recommended for tracking performance.
Navigate to the "Customize" tab
Access the design tools to modify colors, add your logo, and select style options for your QR code.
Test scan functionality after each major change
Verify that your customizations maintain scan reliability before proceeding to the next step.
Download in SVG format for highest quality
SVG format ensures your QR code maintains quality at any size, perfect for both digital and print applications.
All customization features are available with Pro and Business plans
Common Design Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when customizing your QR codes
Over-customization
Making too many changes that compromise functionality and prevent successful scanning.
Poor contrast
Using colors that are too similar between foreground and background, making scanning difficult.
Excessive distortion
Warping the code beyond recognition through too much custom styling or pattern changes.
Tiny sizing
Creating codes too small to scan easily, especially when printed or displayed at a distance.
Missing calls-to-action
Failing to explain what the code does or why someone should scan it with accompanying text.
Lack of testing
Not checking functionality across multiple devices and scanning apps before public distribution.
Ready to Create Branded QR Codes?
Unlock custom QR code design features with our Pro and Business plans.
- Customizable colors to match your brand identity
- Logo integration for instant brand recognition
- Custom corner and pattern styles for unique designs
- High error correction to ensure scan reliability
- SVG format downloads for perfect scaling at any size
Before
After
Upgrade to access all customization features