Overview
The shape of the modules in your QR code, meaning the individual dots or squares that make up the pattern, has a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your design. QR Dex lets you choose from several shape styles so your QR code matches the aesthetic of your brand, campaign, or printed material.
Whether you prefer a classic look with sharp square modules or a softer, more modern feel with rounded dots, changing the shape is quick and easy.
How to Change the Module Shape
Follow these steps to change the shape of your QR code modules:
- Open the QR code editor by creating a new QR code or editing an existing one from your dashboard.
- Locate the QR Code Shape dropdown in the editor.
- Open the dropdown and select a shape style. The available options are Rounded, Square, and Dots.
- The live preview of your QR code will update to reflect your selection.
- Once you are happy with the look, click Save QR Code.
Available Shape Styles
QR Dex offers several module shape styles, each giving your QR code a distinct visual character:
- Rounded softens the edges of each square module with rounded corners. This is the default style and creates a friendly, modern appearance while keeping the overall structure familiar.
- Square is the classic QR code look. Each module is a sharp-edged square, which gives the code a clean, traditional appearance and is the most universally recognized style.
- Dots replaces each square module with a circle. This style gives the QR code a modern, design-forward appearance and works especially well in creative and consumer-facing contexts.
How Shape Affects the Visual Feel
The shape you choose communicates something about your brand, even at a glance:
- Rounded modules feel modern, approachable, and friendly. They are a good fit for consumer marketing, event materials, and most general business use.
- Square modules feel professional, technical, and straightforward. They work well for corporate materials, documentation, and formal contexts.
- Dot modules feel creative and design-conscious. They work well for consumer brands, social media, and visually-driven campaigns.
There is no wrong choice here. Pick the shape that best aligns with the tone and context where your QR code will appear.
Tips for Choosing a Shape
- Simpler shapes tend to scan more reliably. Square and rounded modules closely match the standard QR code specification that scanners are built to read. While all shapes offered in QR Dex are designed to be scannable, square and rounded styles offer the widest compatibility across devices.
- Consider your print size. If your QR code will be printed small, such as on a business card or product label, simpler shapes will maintain clarity at smaller sizes. Dot-style modules can lose definition when printed very small.
- Match your other design elements. If your brand uses rounded buttons and soft UI elements, rounded or dot modules will feel cohesive. If your design language is sharp and geometric, square modules are the natural choice.
Test After Changing
After changing your QR code shape, always test scannability before printing or distributing. Scan the code from the live preview with at least two different devices. Pay special attention if you are combining a non-standard shape with custom colors or a logo, as multiple customizations together can sometimes reduce scan reliability. If you run into any issues, try switching back to a simpler shape or increasing the size of your QR code.