How to Add a Logo to a QR Code
Adding a logo to a QR code is one of the most effective ways to increase brand recognition and scan trust. People are more likely to scan a code they recognize as belonging to a legitimate brand. However, covering too much of the code will break it. This guide covers how to do it correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Logo
Use a simple, high-contrast version of your logo. A square or circular icon version works best. Remove complex backgrounds. Save as PNG with a transparent background.
Generate Your QR Code
Create the base QR code using the generator on this page. Choose the highest error correction level available (H or Q) — this lets the code survive with up to 30% of its area obscured.
Overlay the Logo in the Center
Using an image editor (Canva, Photoshop, Figma, or even Google Slides), place your logo in the center of the QR code. The center is the safest area to cover because of how QR error correction works.
Size the Logo to Under 20% of the QR Code Area
The logo should cover no more than 15-20% of the total QR code area. For a 4 cm QR code, the logo should be about 1-1.5 cm. Going larger risks making the code unscannable.
Test Thoroughly
Scan the logo-enhanced QR code on at least 3 different devices (different phones, different distances, different lighting). If any device fails, reduce the logo size.
Try It Now — Create Your QR Code
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Pro Tips
- Use high error correction (H level) when adding a logo. Without it, the logo will break the code.
- Keep the logo simple — a full wordmark will be too small to read at QR code sizes. Use an icon or monogram instead.
- Add a small white padding (quiet zone) around the logo to improve contrast with the QR modules.
- Never cover the three large corner squares (finder patterns) of the QR code — they are essential for scanning.
- A circular logo works better than a square one because it covers fewer QR modules relative to its visual size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the QR code can I cover with a logo?+
With high error correction (level H), up to about 30% can be damaged or obscured. In practice, keep your logo under 20% of the total area to maintain reliable scanning across all devices.
Will a logo break the QR code?+
It can, if the logo is too large or covers critical areas (the three corner squares). Keep it small, centered, and test on multiple devices before printing.
What error correction level should I use?+
Use level H (High, 30% recovery) when adding a logo. Level Q (25%) also works for smaller logos. Levels M and L do not have enough redundancy to support a logo overlay.
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