Common QR Code Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

QR codes are simple to generate, which is exactly why so many end up broken, unreadable, or just plain confusing. Here are the mistakes worth watching for.

Printing it too small

A code that scans fine on a phone screen can be far too small once printed on a poster meant to be viewed from a distance.

Skipping the test scan

It only takes a few seconds to test a code before it goes to print, yet this is the step most often skipped — right up until hundreds of flyers turn out unscannable.

Low contrast colors

Matching a code's colors to a brand palette is great, until the contrast gets so low that cameras can't distinguish the modules from the background.

No context or call to action

A bare code with no explanation gives people no reason to scan it. Always pair it with a short line explaining what they'll get.

Linking to a dead or unfinished page

Nothing kills trust faster than a code that leads to a broken link or a "coming soon" placeholder. Always confirm the destination is live before publishing.