Why a logo works inside a QR code
QR codes ship with built-in error correction — up to 30% of the pattern can be covered or damaged and the code still decodes. A centered logo simply "spends" part of that budget. Done right, you lose nothing in scannability and gain instant brand recognition: people scan codes they trust, and a logo signals who's behind the code.
How to make a QR code with a logo that still scans
- Keep the logo under ~20% of the code area. That leaves error-correction headroom for print imperfections and glare.
- Use high error correction (H). QRolling sets this automatically when you add a logo.
- Give the logo a background. A small white pad behind the logo separates it cleanly from the modules.
- Never cover the three corner squares. Those finder patterns are how cameras locate the code — they're off-limits.
- Test at print size. A logo QR that scans on-screen at 500px can fail on a 2cm sticker. Print a sample, scan with iPhone and Android.
Colored QR codes: brand colors, not just the logo
The logo carries identity; colors carry it further. In the [generator](/) you can color the body, corners, and background separately, and switch the module shapes and corner styles for a custom-shaped code. One rule: keep dark-on-light contrast. A brand-blue QR on white scans fine; white-on-brand-blue (inverted) fails in many camera apps.
For full visual integration — the QR blended into a product photo or poster art — try the Artistic mode on the [home generator](/).
Where branded QRs outperform plain ones
- Packaging and labels — the logo reassures buyers that the code is official
- Business cards — a vCard QR with your logo looks intentional, not generic
- Posters and ads — brand recall even for people who don't scan
- Menus and table tents — matches the rest of your brand design
How to add a logo to a QR code in 4 steps
Create the QR content
Pick a type on the QRolling home page — link, WiFi, vCard, or any other — and fill in the content.
Upload your logo
In the Design step, upload a PNG or SVG of your logo. A square or circular mark works best in the center.
Match your brand colors
Set body and corner colors to your palette. Keep the background light for contrast.
Test-scan and export
Scan the live preview with a real phone, then download SVG for print or PNG for digital.
Frequently asked
Does adding a logo make the QR code less reliable?
Not if it stays under about 20% of the area and error correction is set to high — the format is designed to tolerate exactly this kind of coverage.
What logo file format should I upload?
SVG or a transparent PNG works best. Transparent backgrounds let the white pad behind the logo blend cleanly with the code background.
Can I put the logo somewhere other than the center?
Center is the safe zone. Corners are occupied by finder patterns the camera needs; off-center placement risks covering critical data regions.
Can I use the WhatsApp or Instagram logo in the middle?
Yes, and it is a common choice when the code leads to a WhatsApp chat or an Instagram profile — the platform icon tells people where the scan goes before they scan it. Keep it inside the same 20% of the area as any other logo, and check the platform brand guidelines first if the code is going on packaging or paid advertising.
Is the logo feature free?
Yes — logo upload, brand colors, and clean SVG/PNG export are all free, with no watermark added.
Can I make a colored QR code, or does it have to be black and white?
Any colors work as long as the pattern stays darker than the background behind it. Body, corners, and background are set separately, so a two-tone or fully colored QR is fine. What breaks scanning is inverted colors — a light pattern on a dark background is refused by many camera apps — or two shades that sit too close together.
Do logo QR codes work when printed small?
Down to about 2×2 cm, yes, if contrast is high and the logo respects the 20% rule. Below that, drop the logo — data density wins over branding at tiny sizes.
Read next
Need a different QR type? Browse all 48 QR types on the home page.