How we verify this guide
Before this page is included in the public guide directory, its examples are compared with the payload produced by the linked QRFlow generator and with the export and scan-readiness controls available in the current build. Camera, lighting, paper, print size, and destination apps can still change the result, so important print runs should always be tested on the final material and real devices.
Recommended templates
URL QR Code
Convert a website link to a QR code instantly, then download a clean SVG or PNG.
Redirect QR Code
Create a redirect QR code for campaigns, menus, packaging, posters, and any QR that may need a controlled destination path.
Business Card QR Code
Create a business card QR that saves a vCard, then check contact density, print size, quiet zone, and the real camera flow before ordering cards.
WiFi QR Code
Create a guest WiFi QR locally—enter the SSID and password once, then scan-test on iPhone and Android before you print or share it.
YouTube QR Code
Turn the right YouTube destination into a QR code, then check the scan flow before using it on posters, packaging, slides, or merch.
Instagram QR Code
Create an Instagram profile QR on desktop/web and download PNG or SVG for cards, packaging, posters, creator kits, or quick sharing.
Use cases & print ideas
Matching pages that explain where this QR type works best before you open the generator.
Error correction is why a QR code can still scan when it’s a bit dirty or blurred. But there’s a catch: higher correction usually makes the QR denser, which can hurt scanning if you print small.
What L / M / Q / H means#
These are common QR error correction levels. You can think of them as “how much damage the QR can tolerate”. Higher levels tolerate more damage, but typically increase complexity/density.
| Level | Practical meaning | When to use |
|---|
| L | Lowest tolerance, often lowest density | Clean screens, large QR, short payload |
| M | Balanced (good default) | Most use cases |
| Q | Higher tolerance, usually denser | Prints that may get worn / slightly blurry |
| H | Highest tolerance, often densest | If you expect damage or add a logo (print larger) |
The trade-off (this is why scans fail)#
- Higher correction → more modules → denser QR → needs larger print and sharper edges.
- If you print small (business cards/table tents), density matters more than tolerance.
- If your payload is long (UTM, long URLs, big vCard), density increases fast. Prefer a shorter destination first.
Practical picks (fast rules)#
- Business cards (20–25mm): start with M. If the print is glossy/low quality, increase size before jumping to H.
- Posters/signage: Q is fine if you print large; H can work but print bigger and test.
- QR with a logo: you may need Q/H, but the more important factor is size + quiet zone + sharp SVG print.
- WiFi / vCard: payloads can get dense — keep fields minimal and print larger if needed.
Make it scan reliably (checklist)#
- Keep the payload short (see: Short URL strategy).
- Use SVG for print (see: SVG vs PNG).
- Keep quiet zone + high contrast (see: Contrast & quiet zone).
- Test on iPhone + Android before mass printing.
Use 20-25 mm (0.8-1.0 in) for most business cards. Includes minimum size guidance for short URLs, larger sizing for vCards, quiet zone rules, and a card dimensions chart.
How to add a QR code to a business card (visiting card) in Canva: generate the right QR (vCard vs URL), download SVG/PNG, keep a quiet zone, and export for print.
Canva QR code generator: create a URL QR in Canva, or generate vCard/WiFi/social QR codes with QRFlow and upload — plus print-ready export tips.
Short answer: usually yes for print. SVG stays sharp when resized, while PNG is fine for screens if exported large enough and never upscaled.
Why quiet zone is non-negotiable, how to choose colors that scan, and what backgrounds (patterns, gradients) break QR detection.
How big should a QR be on posters and signs? Use a simple distance→size table, plus placement and glare tips for real-world scanning.
Quick answers
Common questions
Which level should I start with?
Use level M as the default and size up if scans are slow.
When should I use level H?
Only if you expect damage or add a logo, and print larger.
What size should I print for reliable scans?
Use 20-25 mm for business cards and scale up for posters or distance scans.
Which download format is best for print?
Use SVG for crisp edges at any size. PNG is best for screens only.
Try it now
Generate QR codes locally in your browser — no uploads.