Adding a Logo to a QR Code Safely

You have probably seen QR codes with a small logo in the centre. It is possible because of error correction, but there are limits.

Why it works

A QR code can lose part of its area and still be read, because it stores extra recovery data. A logo placed over the centre covers some modules, and the scanner rebuilds them from the recovery data.

The rules

• Keep it small. A common guide is to cover no more than about 10 to 15 per cent of the code.
• Use a higher error-correction level such as Q or H when adding a logo.
• Keep it in the centre, away from the corner squares.
• Never cover the three finder patterns.
• Keep the quiet zone around the code clear.

A worked idea

If you use level H, the code can recover up to about 30 per cent damage, but that should be treated as a limit, not a target. Leave plenty of margin.

Design tips

• Use a plain background behind the logo, often a white square with a small border.
• Keep the logo simple. Complex artwork adds visual noise.
• Avoid changing the module shapes too far from squares.

Test properly

A code that works on your phone may fail on another. After adding a logo:

• scan on several phones, including older ones
• scan at different distances
• scan printed copies, not just the screen

When to skip the logo

If the code will be printed very small, or holds a lot of data, skip the logo. Reliability matters more than decoration.

Tips

1. Add the logo last.
2. Use a high correction level.
3. Test before printing.

QR Code Scanner lets you scan and check a code straight away, so you can confirm a designed code still works.

Scan and create QR codes and barcodes with QR Code Scanner →