How to design a QR code

QRhubly's free generator gives you real design control while keeping every code scannable. Here's every option and how to use it without breaking the scan.

Colors

• Single color — pick one foreground color for the dots over a background.
• Gradient — set two color stops and choose a linear or radial gradient across the code.

Scannability rule: keep strong contrast between the dots and the background. Dark dots on a light background is safest. Light-on-dark works but test it. Avoid low-contrast pairings (e.g. yellow on white) — scanners need to tell the modules apart.

Dot styles

Choose how the individual modules (dots) are drawn:

• Square (classic, highest compatibility)
• Rounded
• Dots
• Classy
• Extra-rounded

Styling is cosmetic — the data is the same — but very rounded styles slightly reduce the margin for error, so keep contrast high and test after styling.

Eyes (the three corner squares)

The three large corner markers are the "finder patterns" scanners use to orient the code. You can style them in two parts:

• Eye frame — the outer square of each corner marker.
• Eye center — the inner dot of each corner marker.

You can give the eyes their own color too. Keep them clearly visible and high-contrast — distorting or hiding the eyes is the fastest way to make a code unscannable.

Quiet-zone margin

The margin is the empty "quiet zone" around the code. Scanners need it to find the code's edges. Don't set it to zero, especially if you'll place the code on a busy background — a small margin dramatically improves reliability.

Transparent background

Turn on a transparent background (download as PNG or SVG) to overlay the code on any colored surface or photo. Make sure whatever it sits on still gives the dots strong contrast.

Center logo

Add a center logo (PNG or SVG) to brand the code. QR codes have built-in error correction, so a modest center logo doesn't stop it scanning — but keep it small and centered. Full guidance: How to add a logo.

Templates

Short on time? Start from one of QRhubly's curated templates (Spring, Cafe WiFi, Podcast, Happy Hour, Normal, Main Site, Goldish, Cherry) and tweak from there.

The golden rule

Design freely, then test before you print. Scan the final code with two or three phones (iOS and Android) from a normal distance. If every phone reads it instantly, you're good. If any phone struggles, increase contrast, reduce gradient intensity, enlarge the quiet zone, or shrink the logo.

FAQ

Why did my styled code stop scanning? Usually low contrast, too-large a logo, no quiet-zone margin, or over-styled eyes. See Why did my QR code stop working?.

Does styling change the data? No — the encoded content is identical. Styling only changes appearance.

Can I save my design? Yes, with an account your codes (and their styles) are saved to your dashboard.

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Next: How to add a logo · How to download a QR code