How to Add a Logo to the Center of a QR Code
As QR codes become more common, you may be looking for ways to make yours stand out from the crowd. A popular and effective method is placing a logo right in the center of the QR code.
A QR code with a logo can significantly increase brand awareness and add visual appeal. However, it's crucial to consider scannability and design best practices when adding one.
This article will walk you through the benefits of adding a logo to your QR code, explain the specific methods to do it, and introduce two recommended tools.
If you want to easily create a unique QR code, this guide is for you.
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Benefits of Adding a Logo to the Center of a QR Code
While QR codes are incredibly useful, the standard black-and-white version can sometimes clash with the aesthetic of your materials.
That's when you should consider placing a logo in the center. Here are the main benefits of doing so.
Boost Brand Awareness
By incorporating a logo, you can leave a strong brand impression on anyone who scans your code.
The visual cue of the logo helps users subconsciously remember your brand, increasing the likelihood they will engage with your services or show interest in your products again.
This is especially important for differentiating your brand on social media, websites, and advertisements.
Emphasize Trust and Originality
Unlike a generic QR code, one with a logo stands out as original and more trustworthy.
When users see a logo, they are more likely to perceive the QR code as official and legitimate, making them feel safer to scan it.
In an age where users are cautious about scams and spam, building trust is essential.
For instance, a QR code for a restaurant or online shop that features its logo will give users the confidence to access it.
A QR code with a logo offers numerous advantages, from enhancing brand value to ensuring credibility.
Next, let's look at the important points to keep in mind when adding one.
Is It Safe to Put a Logo in the Center of a QR Code?
You might be worried, "If I put a logo in the middle, will the QR code become unreadable?"
The short answer is: as long as you follow the correct steps and precautions, a QR code with a central logo will most likely be scannable without any issues.
However, there are a few key points to understand.
Logo-Centric QR Codes Used by Major Social Media Platforms
To see that placing a logo in the center is perfectly fine, just look at the QR codes generated by the official apps of major platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
.png&w=3840&q=75 "Instagram and TikTok Official QR Code example")
As you can see, these major social media apps embed their logos directly in the center of the QR codes they generate. And, of course, they scan perfectly!
How Can a QR Code Still Be Read with a Logo? Understanding "Error Correction"
The reason a QR code can be read even when it's partially smudged or obscured is due to its built-in "Error Correction" feature. When a QR code is generated, redundant data is added to it that allows scanners to reconstruct the original information.
There are four levels of error correction (L, M, Q, and H). The higher the level, the more of the code's data can be damaged (or covered by a logo) while remaining scannable.
Level L: Can correct up to ~7% data loss.
Level M: Can correct up to ~15% data loss.
Level Q: Can correct up to ~25% data loss.
Level H: Can correct up to ~30% data loss.
In-depth Guide to QR Code Error Correction: From Basics to Application
Generally, Level M or Q is recommended when adding a logo.
As long as the logo covers an area within the tolerable range of the error correction level, a QR code reader can still restore and read the information.
The center of the QR code is a relatively safe area to cover because it is far from the critical patterns needed for scanning (like the finder patterns in the corners).
Key Precautions When Adding a Logo to a QR Code
Here are some tips to ensure you don't run into trouble when creating a QR code with a logo.
Ensuring Scannability
While adding a logo improves the design, it can potentially harm scannability. The error correction feature allows a QR code to be read even if up to 30% of it is obscured, but placing a logo in the center uses up some of this tolerance from the start, so caution is needed.
Logo Position
The logo must be placed in the center of the QR code.
This is because a QR code relies on the "finder patterns"—the eye-like squares in the corners—to orient itself for reading.
How QR Codes Work: A Deep Dive into the Patterns and Principles
We tested what happens when a logo covers these patterns versus when it doesn't.
The QR code was unreadable when the logo covered a finder pattern.
We also found that readability suffered if the smaller "alignment pattern" (the small square usually in the bottom right) was obscured.
Feel free to test this with your own phone. This clearly shows that the logo belongs only in the center.
Choosing a QR Code Generator
Since a QR code with a logo is more complex than a standard one, using a specialized generator is the most efficient approach.
Good tools will allow you to customize the logo's position, size, and color, helping you create a code that balances both scannability and design.
For example, a good tool can produce a highly customized code like this:
This example was created with the free QR code generator QR STOCK. It's a tool that requires no registration, is free to use, and automatically adjusts the size of your embedded image to stay within the limits of the error correction level.
How to Add a Logo to a QR Code
Here are two free tools you can use to create a QR code with a logo. Despite being free, they offer high-quality customization options, so be sure to give them a try.
The Definitive QR Code Creator | QR STOCK
Our first recommendation is QR STOCK. It's a free, browser-based tool that requires no registration and allows you to both create and read QR codes. You can use official SNS logos or your own custom images, adjust the error correction level, customize the dots of the QR code, and use the final product for commercial purposes.
The biggest advantage of this tool is that it automatically adjusts the logo size to fit within the error correction limits. It is also operated by a Japanese company, ensuring peace of mind.
How to Use:
Go to the QR code creation page.
Enter the URL or text you want to encode.
Select an image from the "Add a logo to a QR Code" option.
Adjust the image size as needed and download it using the "Download" button.
Checklist for a QR Code with a Central Logo
As we've discussed, a QR code with a logo has design benefits but also functional points to watch out for. Here is a final checklist to run through before using your logo-embedded QR code.
Image Type and Size for the Logo
Be mindful of the image type you use for your logo. If you want the logo to have a transparent background, you will need a PNG file.
Guide to Select QR Code Extention
Guide to Transparent QR Code Backgrounds
Also, pay attention to the image size. Since QR codes are used on both web and offline print materials, ensure your QR code is exported at a sufficiently large size.
What is the Right Size for a QR Code?
Adjusting the Contrast Between the QR Code and Logo
Pay attention to the color scheme of your QR code and logo. Enhance visibility by creating contrast—for example, a white logo on a black QR code. If the logo doesn't stand out, the entire code might appear blurry or be difficult to scan.
Performing a Scan Test
Always perform a scan test after creating your QR code with a logo.
Use multiple devices, such as different smartphones and QR code readers, to confirm that it can be read smoothly.
This is especially critical if you have adjusted the size or colors, as these can impact performance.
For online QR code validation, free tools like these are recommended:
ONLINE QR CODE SCANNER(from Image / by Launching Web Camera)
Summary: Strengthen Your Branding by Adding a Logo to Your QR Code
Placing a logo in the center of your QR code is an excellent way to boost brand awareness, enhance credibility, and improve your design. However, to maintain scannability, it's vital to balance the logo's size, position, and contrast.
By using a proper generation tool, high-quality logo images, and performing thorough testing, you can create a professional and effective QR code.
A QR code with a logo can be used in various places—business cards, flyers, social media—to leave a lasting impression on a wider audience.
Use this guide to customize your QR code and strengthen your branding with a unique and original design.
Design-Customizable QR Code Creation Tool | QR STOCK
