Should You Create QR Codes in SVG? Recommended File Extensions for Different Uses

Features of File Extensions Used for QR Codes (SVG, PNG, JPEG, WebP)

QR codes are widely used as a means to easily convey digital information. In recent years, they have appeared in a wide variety of situations, including payments, business cards, flyers, websites, and within apps. The image format chosen to save and distribute the QR code varies depending on the intended use.

This section explains in detail the features of the main image formats used for saving QR codes (SVG, PNG, JPEG, WebP).

SVG Format QR Codes

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector image format that has the characteristic of not losing quality no matter how much it is scaled up or down. Since it is composed of text-based XML, it is extremely lightweight and easy to customize.

Features of the SVG format:

• Displays clearly at any size because it is resolution-independent.

• Small file size, making it suitable for web use.

• Easy to automate generation and adjust designs programmatically because it is an editable XML format.

• Can be saved with a transparent background.

Points to Note:

• May not be fully supported by some older browsers or systems.

• Requires specialized tools for advanced editing.

PNG Format QR Codes

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is one of the most commonly used image formats, capable of supporting transparent backgrounds and high-quality image storage. Its versatility makes it suitable for both printing and digital distribution.

Features of the PNG format:

• Can be saved without loss of quality due to lossless compression.

• Supports transparent backgrounds, offering high design flexibility.

• Suitable for printing purposes as it supports high resolution.

Points to Note:

• File size is somewhat larger compared to SVG.

• Image quality degrades when enlarged, making it unsuitable for large-format printing.

JPEG Format QR Codes

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the optimal format for photos and images with complex gradients, but its use for saving QR codes is often limited to specific situations.

Features of the JPEG format:

• Widely adopted and compatible with almost all devices.

• Small file size, effective in situations where lightweight files are required.

Points to Note:

• Image quality degrades due to lossy compression.

• Does not support transparent backgrounds.

• Fine details of the QR code may become blurry, potentially reducing scanning performance.

WebP Format QR Codes

WebP is a next-generation image format developed by Google that achieves both high image quality and light weight. It is particularly noteworthy for its use on the web.

Features of the WebP format:

• Achieves high quality with a smaller file size than PNG.

• Supports transparent backgrounds.

• Improves webpage loading speeds.

Points to Note:

• Not supported by some older browsers and applications.

• May not be suitable for printing purposes.

As you can see, there are many formats even among those in common use. Since choosing can be difficult, the next section will explain our recommendations based on use case.

Recommended File Extensions for QR Codes by Use Case (SVG, PNG, JPEG, WebP)

The optimal file extension differs depending on the situation in which the QR code is used. Below, we explain which format is suitable for specific scenarios. Choosing the correct format for each application enables efficient and effective operation.

When You Want a Transparent Background for Your QR Code

For scenes where a transparent background is required, SVG or PNG is optimal. These formats support transparency, which is a key feature that makes it easy to combine the QR code with other designs.

In the case of SVG: SVG is resolution-independent and does not degrade in quality when scaled, allowing for diverse design arrangements. For example, it is suitable for making the QR code background transparent on a website or in an app to combine it with brand colors or logos.

In the case of PNG: PNG is widely used in web and print design. It is particularly suitable when you want to make the QR code stand out in a poster or brochure design, as it allows for high-resolution saving with transparency.

Points to Note: JPEG and some WebP formats do not support transparent backgrounds, so these should be avoided.

Specific Examples:

• Business card design (SVG)

• Presentation materials (SVG)

• Images for social media posts (PNG)

• Images for email signatures (PNG)

Which Extension is Suitable for Printed Materials?

For printed QR codes, PNG or SVG is recommended. Printed materials require high resolution, so a format that can display fine details clearly is important.

In the case of SVG: Since SVG is composed of vector data, there is no worry about the image becoming blurry, even for large poster or banner printing. Furthermore, its ease of editing with design tools is also a plus.

In the case of PNG: Although PNG is a raster image format, if saved at a high resolution, it is perfectly adequate for medium-sized printed materials like posters and flyers. PNG is a suitable alternative, especially if your graphics software does not support SVG.

Points to Note: JPEG is not suitable because its quality degrades during printing due to lossy compression.

Specific Examples:

• Large posters and outdoor advertisements (SVG)

• Product packaging design (SVG)

• Smaller flyers and leaflets (PNG)

Which Extension is Suitable for Web Use?

When publishing a QR code on the web, SVG or WebP are excellent choices.

In the case of SVG: SVG is lightweight and does not degrade when scaled, making it ideal for websites that use responsive design. Another attraction is that web developers can edit it directly within the code.

In the case of WebP: WebP is designed to optimize webpage loading speeds. Its small file size allows it to be displayed quickly on many devices, including smartphones. WebP is particularly effective when image compression ratio is a priority.

Points to Note: PNG tends to have a larger file size, which can affect page load speed. On the other hand, JPEG's quality degradation poses a risk of affecting the QR code's readability.

Specific Examples:

• Responsive websites (SVG)

• Blogs and articles (WebP)

Is There a QR Code Creation Service that Supports SVG, PNG, JPEG, etc.?

A QR code creation service that supports SVG, PNG, JPEG, and WebP is QR STOCK.

• Free, no registration required, and available for commercial use

• Operated by a Japanese company

• Allows for detailed QR code design

• Download is available in SVG, PNG, JPEG, and WebP formats

It's free to use, so please give it a try.

How to Use

1. Access the QR code creation page.

2. Copy and paste the text you want to turn into a QR code.

3. Select the file extension and download.

[QR Code Creation Screen]

[Choose you file extention]

As you can see, you can easily select a file extension and download the QR code.

Summary: The Recommended Extension for QR Codes is SVG or PNG

The appropriate file extension for saving a QR code changes depending on the purpose. The features of each are summarized as follows:

• SVG: Combines high versatility and ease of editing, making it ideal when background transparency and scaling are required.

• PNG: Supports high resolution and background transparency, suitable for printed materials and design purposes.

• JPEG: Not very suitable for saving QR codes, but can be used in some applications or when minimizing file size is the top priority.

• WebP: Mainly used for web and in-app display, convenient when you want to balance image quality and light weight.

When utilizing QR codes, choose the optimal format for each situation.

For example, SVG or WebP are mainstream for digital use, while SVG or PNG are common for printing.

By understanding the characteristics of each and selecting the appropriate format, you can maximize the effectiveness of your QR code.