QR codes and barcodes
In order for readers and scanners to correctly capture and read QR codes and barcodes, they must be correctly set up in the artwork.
Create codes with a code generator an save them as high-resolution vector file
You will find various suppliers who create QR codes or barcodes in the Internet, e.g., QRCode-Monkey, ZINT, or BarCode Generator.
When selecting the code generator make sure that you will be able to download your QR code or barcode as a vector file (e.g., EPS or AI). With this file type the contours do not fray when printed, and the codes can be read correctly by readers/scanners.
As an alternative, you can also integrate the codes as an image file, such as PNG or JPG, into your artwork – but you need to make sure that you have a high resolution so that you do not get frayed contours. Otherwise, image files often have a printing result that cannot be captured by readers/scanners.
QR code (left) and barcode (right)
Ideal colour combination: black code on a white background
For best readability by optical readers such as scanners or smartphones, a strong contrast between the code and the background.
Codes in other colours are possible, however, they will be more prone to errors. For example, most scanners work with red light, therefore “seeing” colour contrasts differently than the human eye (i.e., for scanners looks “white”, while green seems very dark).
Size of the QR codes or barcodes to be printed
In general, the codes on the print products must not be too small.
For QR codes, we recommend minimum dimensions of 2 x 2 cm. This fits the handy marketing objects such as business cards or flyers. On larger print products, the codes should be printed in larger dimensions. As a rule of thumb, you could memorise: the ratio between the perception/scanning distance and the size of the QR code is 10:1.
For barcodes, please observe the industrial standards and legal regulations, such as standards like ISO/IEC 15416 and ISO/IEC 15421.