A QR code with a logo in the centre significantly strengthens your brand identity and builds trust with users who might hesitate to scan an anonymous code. The good news is that QR codes include an error correction mechanism that can tolerate up to 30 per cent of the surface being obscured, leaving ample room for a well-sized logo.
Understanding error correction
QR codes use four error correction levels: L (7 %), M (15 %), Q (25 %) and H (30 %). To embed a logo, use level H which tolerates up to 30 per cent data loss. This means you can place a logo covering roughly 20 per cent of the total code surface while keeping a comfortable safety margin for readability across all scanner types.
Design rules to follow
Centre your logo in the middle of the QR code and surround it with a white buffer zone of a few pixels. The logo should be simple and high-contrast: avoid highly detailed logos or colours close to the module colours. A square or circular logo works better than a wide rectangular one. Always test the result on at least five different devices before committing to print.
Step-by-step creation
Start by generating your QR code at error correction level H. Export it in SVG format to maintain vector sharpness. Open the file in a graphic editor such as Canva, Figma or Illustrator. Place your logo in the centre, adjust the size so it covers no more than 20 per cent of the surface, and add a white background behind the logo to create a clean contrast with the surrounding modules.
Common mistakes to avoid
Never cover the three finder patterns (the large squares) located in the corners of the QR code, as these are the essential landmarks the scanner uses to detect and orient the code. Do not use a transparent logo without a white background because modules showing through the logo create visual noise that disrupts reading. Finally, do not reduce the overall code size to compensate for the added logo: maintain the recommended size for your medium.