How to Add a Logo to Your QR Code

Brand your QR codes with a custom logo in the center. Learn how to add logos while maintaining scan reliability.

3 min read

Updated: December 2024

Tutorial
Logo
Branding
Intermediate
What You'll Create

A branded QR code with your logo in the center. QR codes have built-in error correction that allows them to work even with a logo covering part of the pattern.

3 min
Intermediate
Free

How Logos Work in QR Codes

QR codes include error correction - extra data that allows them to be read even when partially damaged or obscured. This is what makes adding logos possible: the logo essentially "damages" part of the code, but error correction compensates.

Our generator uses the highest error correction level (30% damage tolerance) when you add a logo. This means up to 30% of the QR code can be covered and it will still scan.

What Makes a Good QR Code Logo

✓ Good for QR Logos
  • Simple, bold logos

  • High contrast colors

  • Square or circular shapes

  • PNG with transparency

  • 10-20% of QR size

✗ Avoid
  • Complex, detailed logos

  • Light or faded logos

  • Wide horizontal logos

  • JPEG with white background

  • More than 25% of QR size

Preparing Your Logo

Before uploading, optimize your logo for best results:

  • Use a square version of your logo if possible

    Square logos center perfectly in QR codes

  • Export as PNG with transparent background

    Transparency lets the QR pattern show through edges

  • Keep it simple - use your icon/mark, not full wordmark

    Text in logos often becomes unreadable at small sizes

  • Minimum 100x100 pixels

    Smaller images will appear pixelated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Your QR Code First

Start by selecting your QR code type (URL, WiFi, vCard, etc.) and entering your content. The logo will be added on top of this QR code.

Tip: Complete the content first - changing QR type later won't remove the logo, but best practice is content first.

Open the Style Tab

Click on the "Style" tab in the generator. Scroll down to find the Logo section. This is where you'll upload and configure your logo.

Tip: The logo feature works with any QR code type.

Upload Your Logo

Click the logo upload area or drag and drop your logo file. Supported formats are PNG and JPG. The logo will appear in the center of your QR code preview immediately.

Tip: PNG with transparent background works best. Square images are ideal.

Adjust Logo Size

Use the size slider to adjust how large your logo appears. The size is a percentage of the total QR code area. We recommend keeping it between 15-20% for best scannability.

Tip: Smaller is safer - a 20% logo is very visible but won't affect scanning much.

Choose Logo Shape

Select how your logo should be displayed: "Square" adds square padding, "Circle" makes it circular (great for round logos), "Original" uses your logo's actual shape.

Tip: Circle shape can crop corners of square logos - preview before finalizing.

Set Logo Background (Optional)

If your logo needs more visibility against the QR pattern, enable the logo background option. This adds a solid color behind your logo.

Tip: White background usually works well to make logos pop against dark QR codes.

Test Your QR Code

This step is critical! Scan the preview QR code with your phone. The logo covers part of the QR pattern, so you must verify it still scans. If scanning is slow or unreliable, reduce logo size.

Tip: Test on both iPhone and Android. Some cameras are more tolerant than others.

Download Your Branded QR Code

Once scanning works reliably, download your QR code. SVG format preserves logo quality at any size. PNG is good for web use.

Tip: If you'll print at various sizes, download SVG for the best quality.

Troubleshooting

QR code won't scan with logo?
  • 1. Reduce logo size to 15% or smaller
  • 2. Add a white background behind the logo
  • 3. Simplify the logo (use icon only)
  • 4. Increase QR code print/display size
  • 5. If nothing works, skip the logo - function over form
Pro Tips for Logo QR Codes
  • Match logo colors with QR customization for a cohesive look
  • Circle shape works great for round logos and app icons
  • Test in the environment where it'll be used (lighting, distance)
  • For print, always test a printed sample before large runs
Ready to Brand Your QR Code?

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