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January 05, 20262 min readqrgrowth

QR design: contrast rules that keep scans reliable

Branding is great until your QR stops scanning. Use these contrast and color guidelines to stay safe.

The quick idea

QR code performance is rarely “random.” It’s usually a chain of small, fixable problems:

  • physical scan reliability (print + contrast + quiet zone)
  • redirect hygiene (no chains, no weird blockers)
  • landing speed + message match
  • measurement (UTMs + one clear conversion event)

A practical checklist

[ ] High contrast (dark on light). [ ] Quiet zone (don’t cram it into a corner). [ ] Short redirect chain (ideally 1).

[ ] Landing page loads fast on 4G. [ ] Clear next action in the first screen. [ ] UTMs on every campaign.

Next reads

QRShuffle: generate QR codes with editable links (change destinations later). https://qrshuffle.com/signup

Quick checklist

Test on iOS + Android. Use high contrast (dark code on light background). Keep a clear quiet zone.

Avoid long redirect chains. Add UTMs if you care about attribution.

Related reads

Try QRShuffle

If you're printing QR codes for posters, packaging, menus, or events, use editable links so you don't have to reprint.

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