10 Common Mistakes When Making QR Codes and How to Avoid Them

In a digital-first world, QR codes are back in the spotlight as one of the most dynamic and resourceful tools in marketing, customer engagement, logistics, and even education. QR codes, considered to be a short-lived trend, have re-emerged as a relevant solution to meet user behavioral needs, especially in a world with touchless transactions, contactless menus, and mobile-first campaigns. They work as a bridge between the physical and digital experience; users can engage by scanning codes to access websites, download mobile applications, make payments, or display rich media content, with the simple and easy action of scanning.

However, creating a QR code is not as easy as it looks you should avoid those mistakes when making QR codes. There are plenty of free tools and generators available online, but many people and businesses make simple mistakes when designing, deploying, or testing the QR code. A QR code that doesn’t scan, or leads to a dead link, can instantly lose trust and credibility.

Whether you’re printing QR codes on packaging, flyers, billboards, or embedding them into digital campaigns, you need to know what may go wrong and how to do it right. In this blog post, we will explore the 10 common mistakes to make when using QR codes, and we will explain easy-to-follow solutions for ensuring your QR codes work effectively!

How to Avoid Mistakes When Making QR Codes

There are certain mistakes that can be avoided and taken care of while making QR codes. Let’s have a look at them!

Using Low-Resolution or Blurred QR Codes

One of the most common mistakes when it comes to QR code creation is using low-resolution or blurry images. For example, users will often start by downloading their QR code in supported file formats like .jpeg or .png, then resize or compress that image multiple times, which will eventually cause some quality issues. Poor-quality images can look fine on the screen as well, but are usually difficult or impossible to scan once printed or used in real life.

Frustrated users are unlikely to be successful scanning their favorite QR codes. As a result, it really defeats the whole purpose of the QR Code in the first place for whatever use case – whether the QR code was created to direct people to a website, offer a discount or mentoring service, share contact information, etc. To avoid this situation, we suggest creating QR codes as high-resolution image formats but preferably in vector files like SVG, EPS or PDF.

Vector files are scalable without losing clarity and are therefore perfect for people and companies to use in an evolving digital and print world. Regardless of the file option you choose, always print out your QR codes at the actual size and continue to look professional and be scannable in as many different use cases and media prints.

Embedding QR Codes with Broken (or Temporary) URLs

A related mistake is to embed a QR code with a broken or temporary URL. This can happen when you link to sponsored or campaign pages that get removed as soon as the promotion or campaign is over, or to content that is syndicated on platforms like Medium or social media platforms that could change the URL at any time.

A QR code that connects customers to a 404 error page is a total fail, and it may affect the brand credibility. This is especially complicated with print pieces, you get a dead QR code, and you can’t change or fix once it has been distributed.

To avoid this situation, we recommend using a dynamic QR code or a URL shortener that allows for redirects. This means you can separately change out the URL you want to share with the QR code, without having to change out the printed QR code. Lastly, link to content as evergreen or permanent as possible when embedding QR codes, and audit your QR codes regularly to test the links over time. These recommendations will help ensure you provide value to your customer with the QR codes long after they have been distributed.

Poor Contrast and Color Selection

Poor contrast and under-considered color selections are design flaws that can make QR codes impossible to use no matter how good looking they may be. Designers create QR codes that revolve around brand aesthetics that may use light foreground colors like yellow or pastel colors or gradient fills to create a flashy QR code.

Some designers even reverse the classic black-on-white QR code to create a white QR code on a dark background. For the most part, most QR scanners rely on significant contrast between the dark code modules of a QR code and the light background to be able to read it. Lack of contrast will usually hinder the scanning process resulting in failed reads and user frustrations.

To be sure to make QR codes readable, try to maintain maximum contrast. Also, try to avoid patterned or image based backgrounds because they have the potential to mess with the QR code module positioning. It is a best practice to always test the final design across a variety of devices and scanning apps to indicate a QR code can be read consistently.

Making QR Codes Too Small 

Size matters when it comes to QR codes because they are usable much, much smaller than we think. It’s common to see QR codes printed too small so that they become unscannable, often seen on brochures, business cards, receipts, etc. Small prints can often lead to failure when the user is using a device that has a low-quality camera, or if they are in an environment that doesn’t have good lighting.

On the other hand it is just as common to see QR codes that are so big that they can either be distorted, or they can be larger than someone’s identification of the code. Like you often see on billboards. Some bigger signage can feel intimidating or visually unidentifiable.

A study on QR code size can often struggle on deciding where the user should stand in order for the scanning angle and distance to be appropriate. Wherever possible, we are hoping for ease of access and practicality. The minimum QR code size recommended for printed materials is generally 1 inch x 1 inch (2.5 x 2.5 cm), this type of size has been invariable for hand held items.

Beyond this, scaling will depend on the desired scanning distance. Codes on advertisement walls, windows and doors will be driven largely by the desired distance of view. Developing fake models and drafts or print previews can be very useful to understand the optimal positioning and sizing of components to create a tone that is accessible, found and usable.

Over-Styling or Over-Branding the QR Code

When it comes to aligning QR codes with brand identity and visual color, some designers over-style or over-brand their QR Codes such as using large logos, adding gradients, where people will use decorative patterns, and changing the square-pixel format to rounded or completely custom shapes.

Designing a QR code with customization can create a QR code that blends aesthetically with the design or attracts the viewer’s attention, but customization can reach a point where this can become a detriment to the QR code function. The structure must remain as intended to scan the code accurately. If designers stray too far away from the original intended design, they may jeopardize the core data matrix of the QR code, which ultimately leads to readings that are difficult or impossible for a scanner to read.

If designers are going to manipulate the QR Codes, they must pay attention to using a good design tool, and if they want to make aesthetic changes to an existing QR code, they must leave the code more to scannability and preserve the basic content of the code. If designers want to put a logo, it must be small and in the center of the code. Whatever the designer does, they must always test their stylized QR Code on many reader devices to make sure it works the same as any standard-issue QR Code.

Skipping QR Code Testing Prior to Launch

One of the easiest but potentially most expensive mistakes to make during the QR code process is skipping QA (Quality Assurance) testing before publishing or printing the code. It’s easy to think there’s nothing to fix here if the design looks right, and the link destination seems correct, but many problems that become apparent when using it in real-life scenarios won’t look problematic on-screen.

Whether it’s due to different smartphones, camera types, different QR code scanning apps, setbacks because of photo-taking conditions for a QR code. You have effectively eliminated the possibility of these issues, and surely you don’t want to launch a QR code that’s unreadable or that results in an unexpected experience. This not only affects the user experience but also damages their brand credibility.

The fix for this scenario is simple, you must test your QR code using many devices including both iOS and Android phones, native camera apps and third-party scanning apps. And don’t just use your phone; test it using friends and family. Involve as many people with different phones and apps as possible. Ensure your testers use the QR code in various conditions. We also suggest you use testers who were not involved in the design. Doing pre-launch testing should give you confidence that your QR code will consistently perform when you need it to.

Performance Tracking

Many users make and use QR codes without any tracking or performance data, basically making them static, one-way tools. While the code may perform awesome when it takes a user from point A to point B, if you don’t set up tracking, you have no way of knowing how your QR code performed.

You won’t know how many people scanned it, when or where they scanned it, or what actions they took after accessing it. With this access banned from you, measuring ROI, evaluating future campaigns, or providing evidence to stakeholders of why continued QR use in future programs is justified, becomes next to impossible. To really tap into the power of QR codes, tracking needed to be seized from the outset. You would be able to use dynamic QR codes to edit links and have scan analytics.

Combine your QR URLs with UTM parameters and Google Analytics or any proprietary system you have at your disposal and can measure users behavior and further engagement beyond the act of scanning QR code. By reviewing performance, you can tweak your message, adjust your design, placement, and destination landing page.

Making QR Codes Hard to Access

The placement of a QR code can determine whether it is scanned or simply ignored. One of the more common mistakes is placing QR codes in hard-to-reach places, or impractical locations, such as, on fast-moving vehicles, rooftops, the floor, or locations that have no WIFI, or cellular data coverage.

In those instances, the users did not have enough time or distance, or signal strength to finish scanning, effectively making the QR code useless. Not only does bad placement create barriers to build engagement, but it poorly demonstrates a brand’s knowledge of how users interact. To maximize effectiveness and visibility, QR codes should be placed at eye level, with adequate lighting and minimal distractions.

When considering placement, think about the behavior of your audience: Where the audience member is standing? How long are they likely to be in that location? Are they likely to have internet access? Placement should always be designed with the user in mind; placing codes in a way that makes it easy and convenient and consistent with how users scan codes whether that is the angle, distance, etc. A properly placed QR code should increase interaction likelihood and make for a better user experience.

Lack of a Specific Call to Action

One of the most common errors is deploying a QR code without any context or description, just a square code on a flyer, sign, or screen. Some users may be curious and scan it, but if the scan doesn’t provide context or an idea of ‘why’ they should scan it in the first place, many people will ignore it. People need a reason to take action, and not giving a CTA on a QR code is a lost opportunity.

Not having direction will not only lead to lower scans but can also give an impression of laziness or confusion. Each time you use a QR code, always provide a short, simple, direct call to action that tells the user exactly what they are going to get by scanning the code. For example “Scan to watch the trailer”, “Get a 20% discount off your first order”, “Sign up for our loyalty program”, creates immediate context and sets an expectation.

You can also include images or any visual elements such as arrows, icons, or text bubbles to draw attention to the QR code. Regardless of what you choose for your CTA, it should be relevant to the audience you intend on reaching and it should be related to the content you are delivering through the code. A call to action will ultimately support interaction and help ensure the QR code does what it was intended to do.

Not Using Dynamic QR Codes When Appropriate

Another significant but often underrated mistake is using static QR codes for campaigns that are long term and/or changing, where the destination link might be subject to change as time goes on. Once a static QR code is printed and passed out, it will always point to that URL. So, if that link changes, or there is an issue with it; it’s public!

The QR code cannot redirect traffic from a broken link, and your QR code is useless! This could force you to re-issue all of that content with program costs associated, and possibly impact your brand. This could also slow down or reduce effectiveness of your campaign. What you should be doing is using dynamic QR codes, that allow you to change the URL destination even after the code has been printed, posted, delivered, scanned, or published!

Dynamic QR codes have other benefits too, including scan tracking, geolocation data and device statistics. You will also be able to monitor your engagement levels in real time. If your QR code will be live for any length of time for a product or campaign, dynamic codes are not simply a convenience, they’re a necessity. Always choose a QR platform that supports dynamic codes with these capabilities; providing you the luxury of making adjustments, updates and enhancements to your efforts without starting over.

Final Wrap Up

In a time when digital contact has never been so easy, QR codes can be a useful tool, assuming the user knows how to use them properly. But as we have seen, there are many basic mistakes that can be made that can ruin the opportunity, waste time and efforts, and affect user trust. Fortunately, most everything on this list has a simple solution: the right format, placement, dynamic codes with easy to follow instructions, tracking identification, and testing.

Now is an ideal time to audit your QR codes, do they scan easily? Does the content it links to point to the right area? Are they being tracked and tested? By understanding and learning from the below errors, you can make better use of QR technology and create streamlined, rewarding experiences for your audience.

To ensure you get the best results, use reputable QR code generators that provide high-quality exports, dynamic options, and integrated analytics. Always test your codes on multiple devices and in different lighting conditions.

FAQs

1. What is the worst thing you can do in making a QR code?

A frequent error is the creation of low-resolution or blurry QR codes that become unreadable while being printed or scaled. These will invariably produce failure scans and poor scanned experiences.

2. How can I ensure my QR code remains scannable?

Some ways to ensure scannability are to use high contrast colors, light background and dark code, limiting embellishments, test the code on multiple devices, and print in vector formats.

3. What is the advantage of using a dynamic QR code vs. a static QR code?

When you utilize dynamic QR codes, you can change the destination URL and track analytics long after the codes have been printed and distributed. A dynamic QR code works well with posters and long-term marketing campaigns.

4. Where should a QR code be placed for best scan results?

In general, place your QR codes where users will see them at eye level in bright, well-lit spaces with adequate time and connectivity to scan the code. Do not place QR codes on moving objects or in remote areas where users do not have internet access.