How to Put a Logo in a QR Code Without Breaking Scanability

A logo can make a QR code look more recognisable, but it also covers part of the symbol. The design should therefore be built around the scanner first, not the logo.

Start with a clean base QR

Generate the QR code with a strong foreground and background contrast before adding any branding. Confirm that the plain version scans correctly, then introduce the logo.

Keep the logo modest

The center of the symbol contains data modules, so a larger logo hides more information. Start with a small logo and increase its size only when a real scan test still succeeds across the devices and surfaces that matter to you.

Choose a logo with simple internal detail. A complicated image placed over a dense QR can reduce the visual separation between the logo and the code around it.

Use contrast and spacing carefully

Keep the logo visually distinct from the QR modules. A small background margin around the logo can help separate it from nearby modules, but the surrounding QR still needs enough visible structure to decode correctly.

Do not rely on color alone for branding. A dark pattern against a light background is generally easier to distinguish than two similar tones, especially when the printed result is viewed under uneven lighting.

Use error correction as part of the design

Higher error correction can provide more tolerance for missing or damaged modules, which is useful when a logo occupies part of the code. It is not a substitute for keeping the logo small and the overall design legible.

Test the final export

A QR that scans inside an editor may behave differently after export, resizing, compression, or placement in a printed design. Always test the exact file that will be published or printed.