How not to screw up your QR code part 2: crap

In the previous lesson we talked about how you can get away with tweaking your QR code’s colors and design a little bit.  Well, because QR codes have a degree of error correction built-in, you can also block out part of the pattern with some other graphic and it’ll probably still scan.

Do yourself a favor, don’t.

Chances are you’ll overdo it and end up with a dud, but you’ll print it because you think it’s pretty.  (Looking at you again SET Japan.)  Even worse, your fan might think it’s some sort of weird art and not something they’re supposed to scan.

Let’s face it, you’re going to want to put your logo in there.  Fight that urge.  It’s been done, and it’s tacky.  Don’t put crap in the code.  Keep it high and tight.  No sideburns, no mistakes.

Check out our FAQ for more insight on QR code best practices.

  • Jay
    Are you a 'techie' or are you involved in marketing at all?
    QR codes look terrible, pimping them a bit is good fun for everyone and makes them look sexy.

    Yes if you don't test it well then even a tight wrong printed QR code is a dud!

    But do check, check and double check if you start pimping QR codes as not all phone camer's and QR code scanner software are created alike.
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