Free QR code with logo: create a branded QR fast

What is a “free QR code with logo”?

A QR code with logo is a normal QR code with a brand mark (your logo) placed in the middle. It’s popular for menus, posters, business cards, product packaging, and event signage because it looks more trustworthy than a random black square.

“Free” usually means you can:

• Create the QR code image without paying
• Download a file you can use on print and web
• Embed your logo (without a watermark)

The catch: as soon as you add a logo, you’re covering part of the QR pattern. That’s why you need a few simple rules so it still scans reliably.

Why people specifically want QR codes with a logo

In real life, people don’t scan QR codes just because they exist—they scan when they feel confident it’s legit. A logo helps with:

• Trust: “this code is from the brand I expect”
• Recognition: consistent branding across posters, tickets, and social posts
• Higher scan rate: especially on crowded designs (flyers, menus, event backdrops)

If your use case is events, QR is especially powerful because it gives you a single, repeatable action: scan → open → do the thing. For example, QR for guests to find photos is covered in our guides for weddings and marathons.

How to make a free QR code with logo (step-by-step)

The fastest path is to generate the QR code directly in your browser and download the final file for print or web.

After uploading the logo, adjust the logo size slider. As a general rule, keep it under ~40% so the QR remains scannable (always test on real phones).

Then choose your colors and styles:

• Dots color: keep it dark (deep navy/black) for maximum scan reliability
• Background: keep it light (white or near-white)
• Corner styles: fun for branding, but avoid ultra-low contrast

Finally, download the file format you need:

• SVG: best for print (scales without becoming blurry)
• PNG: best for web and quick sharing (WhatsApp, Instagram, email)

Design rules so your logo QR code scans instantly

Most “QR not scanning” issues come from design choices, not the QR generator. Use these practical rules:

1) Keep the logo small and centered

• Best practice: keep the logo around 20–35%
• Upper limit: try to stay under ~40%
• Placement: center is safest; don’t cover the corner “eyes”

2) High contrast (dark code on light background)

Cameras struggle with low contrast. If you want branded colors, keep the QR pattern dark enough and the background light enough. When in doubt, go with black/dark navy on white.

3) Respect the quiet zone (blank margin)

QR codes need a clean border area around them. Don’t place your QR directly on top of busy patterns, photos, or gradients—give it breathing room.

4) Avoid “cute but risky” tweaks

• Don’t: make the background transparent and place it on textured designs without testing
• Don’t: invert colors (light dots on dark background) unless you test widely
• Don’t: add a big shadow that blends the edges

Print sizing rule (so it scans from real distance)

A simple, reliable guideline for print is:

QR size (cm) = viewing distance (cm) ÷ 10

• Business card (20–30cm): 2–3cm QR code
• Table tent/menu (30–60cm): 3–6cm QR code
• Poster/standee (1–2m): 10–20cm QR code
• Stage screen (3–6m): 30–60cm QR code

If you’re printing large, download SVG so the code stays sharp at any size.

Which download format should you use (PNG vs SVG vs JPEG vs WebP)?

You’ll usually pick based on where the QR will live:

• SVG: print design files (Illustrator/Figma/Canva imports), large signage, banners
• PNG: websites, email signatures, WhatsApp share, social posts
• JPEG: documents where you need compatibility (but avoid compressing too much)
• WebP: web performance optimization (smaller file size)

If you’re not sure, choose SVG for print and PNG for web.

Common reasons a logo QR code doesn’t scan (and fixes)

If your QR code looks great but won’t scan, try these fixes in order:

1. Reduce logo size: bring it down to ~25–35% and retest.
2. Increase contrast: darker dots, lighter background.
3. Increase physical size: print bigger, or put it closer to where people stand.
4. Use SVG for print: avoid blurry screenshots.
5. Remove busy backgrounds: give the QR a clean white box behind it.
6. Test multiple phones: camera/scanner behavior varies.

Pro tip: always test scan the final version from the actual material (printed menu, poster, screen slide), not just your laptop.

High-intent use cases (where branded QR codes work best)

Here are a few “high scan” placements we see working consistently:

• Restaurant menu QR: add your logo so it feels official (especially in crowded dining areas)
• Event signage: registration desk, stage screens, photo booth backdrop
• Business cards: “scan to save contact” or “scan to book a call”
• Product packaging: warranty registration, how-to video, reviews page
• Flyers/posters: promo link + trackable short URL as a backup

If you want a clean, print-ready QR image quickly, start here: QR code generator.

Privacy note: does the logo upload go to a server?

For our generator, the QR creation runs in your browser (the page itself states “All processing happens in your browser”). Your logo file is processed locally on your device.

FAQ

How do I make a QR code with logo for free?

Use a generator that supports logo embedding. Enter your URL/text, upload your logo, keep the logo size reasonable, then download the QR as PNG or SVG. Our free tool is here: QR code generator.

What’s the best logo size for a QR code?

Start around 20–35%. If scans fail, reduce the logo size. Always test scan on real phones, especially after printing.

Should I download PNG or SVG?

Use SVG for print (sharp at any size) and PNG for web (easy to share and embed).

Why is my QR code not scanning after adding a logo?

The logo may be too large, the colors may be too low-contrast, or the printed size may be too small. Reduce the logo size first, then increase contrast and print size.

Next steps

1. Create your branded QR in the free QR code generator
2. Download SVG (print) and PNG (web)
3. Test scan on multiple phones before mass printing

If you’re planning QR-based experiences for an event (photo sharing, selfie search, participant flow), you can create your event or contact us.