How to Add a Logo to a QR Code

Why Add a Logo to a QR Code?

Research consistently shows that branded QR codes perform better than generic ones. A logo creates visual trust — people recognize your brand and are more likely to scan. Branded QR codes have been shown to generate up to 3× more scans in print campaigns.

Beyond trust, a logo makes your QR code instantly recognizable. In a row of QR codes on a flyer, yours stands out if it has your brand mark at the center.

How Does a Logo Not Break the QR Code?

QR codes have built-in error correction — redundant data that allows them to be partially obscured and still scan correctly. There are 4 levels:

Level L — 7% of data can be damaged
Level M — 15% of data can be damaged
Level Q — 25% of data can be damaged
Level H — 30% of data can be damaged

QR Gen automatically uses Level H when you add a logo, ensuring maximum error correction so the code remains scannable even with a logo covering up to 30% of the pattern.

⚠️ Important: Keep your logo under 30% of the QR code area. Larger logos break error correction and the code may fail to scan.

Step-by-Step: Add Logo in QR Gen

Open QR Gen's Advanced Editor
Set your content type and enter the destination data
Click the "Logo" tab in the editor panel
Click the upload zone and select your logo file (PNG recommended)
Use the size slider to adjust — start at 25% and test scannability
Or choose a preset logo (Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.) from the library
Customize QR colors to complement your logo
Download as PNG (digital) or SVG (print)

Best Logo File Format

Not all formats are equal. Here's how they compare for QR code logos:

PNG (transparent background) — Best choice. Transparent background lets the logo blend naturally into the QR pattern.
PNG (white background) — Works but creates a white box around the logo. Less elegant.
JPG — Acceptable but no transparency support. Always has a background.
SVG — Excellent for sharp logos at any zoom level within the editor.

💡 Pro tip: Ask your designer for the logo as a transparent PNG. If you only have a white-background version, use a free background remover tool (remove.bg) first.

Logo Sizing Guidelines

The logo size slider in QR Gen controls what percentage of the QR area the logo covers:

20% — Minimum. Logo is small but clearly visible. Maximum scannability.
25–27% — Recommended sweet spot. Good logo visibility with excellent scan rate.
30% — Maximum safe limit. Logo is prominent but scan rate may drop on older devices.
Over 30% — Not recommended. Exceeds QR error correction capacity.

Color Pairing with Your Logo

Once your logo is added, adjust the QR code colors to complement it:

Use your brand primary color for the QR dots
Keep the background white or very light for contrast
If your logo has multiple colors, use the dominant brand color for the dots
Avoid very light dot colors (light grey, light blue) — they reduce scan reliability

Testing Your Branded QR Code

Before printing or publishing, test thoroughly:

Scan with iPhone built-in camera app
Scan with Android built-in camera app (most common scanner)
Test with a dedicated QR scanner app
Test from a printed version (not just screen — ink absorption can reduce contrast)
Test at various distances: 15cm, 30cm, 60cm

✅ Quick test rule: If it scans instantly at arm's length with iPhone's native camera, it'll work for 99% of users.