Overview
Once you have created and customized your QR code in QR Dex, the next step is downloading it for use in digital materials or print. This guide covers how to download your code, which file format to choose, and best practices for printing so your codes scan reliably every time.
How to Download Your QR Code
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Open your QR code.
Navigate to your dashboard and click on the QR code you want to download. This opens the detail view where you can see a preview of the code along with its settings.
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Click the download button.
Look for the Download button on the QR code detail page. Clicking it will present you with format options.
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Choose your file format.
QR Dex offers four download formats. PNG is selected by default -- click Show all file formats to see all options:
- PNG (Recommended) -- A raster image format that works well for digital use, social media, websites, and email. PNG files have a fixed resolution, so they may become blurry if scaled up significantly.
- JPG -- A widely compatible raster format with smaller file sizes. Good for digital use where transparency is not needed.
- WEBP -- A modern image format offering excellent compression with good quality. Ideal for web use where file size matters.
- SVG -- A vector format that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. SVG is the best choice for print materials, large-format signage, and any situation where you need a crisp result at varying sizes.
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Save the file.
The download will start automatically. Save the file to a location where you can easily find it for your design or print workflow.
Choosing the Right Format
If you are unsure which format to pick, here is a quick guide:
- For websites, emails, and social media: PNG is usually the simplest option. It is widely supported and works in virtually every context.
- For web optimization: WEBP offers the best balance of quality and file size for web use. It is supported by all modern browsers.
- For general compatibility: JPG is universally supported and produces smaller file sizes than PNG, though it does not support transparency.
- For print materials: SVG is strongly recommended. Because it is a vector format, your QR code will remain sharp whether it is printed on a business card or a billboard.
- For design software: SVG imports cleanly into tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Canva, and InDesign, giving you full control over placement and scaling.
Best Practices for Printing
Printing a QR code that scans reliably requires attention to a few important details. Follow these guidelines to avoid common problems:
Use High Resolution
If you are using a PNG file, make sure it is large enough for the intended print size. A low-resolution image will produce blurry modules that scanners struggle to read. For the best results, use the SVG format so resolution is never a concern.
Maintain the Quiet Zone
The quiet zone is the blank border around the outside of your QR code. This white space is not decorative -- it is required by the QR code standard so that scanners can distinguish the code from its surroundings. Keep a margin of at least four modules wide on all sides of the code. Do not crop or crowd the QR code against other design elements.
Meet the Minimum Size
QR codes need to be large enough for a phone camera to focus on and read the individual modules. As a general rule:
- The minimum recommended print size is approximately 2 cm x 2 cm (about 0.8 in x 0.8 in) for codes scanned at close range.
- For posters or signage scanned from a distance, increase the size proportionally. A common guideline is that the QR code should be at least one-tenth the expected scanning distance.
Ensure Good Contrast
QR codes scan most reliably when there is strong contrast between the foreground modules and the background. Dark modules on a light background is the standard. Avoid using similar shades for the foreground and background, and never invert the code (light modules on a dark background) unless you have tested it thoroughly.
Test Before Mass Printing
Always print a single test copy and scan it with multiple devices before sending a large batch to the printer. Test with at least two different phones and camera apps to make sure the code scans quickly and directs to the correct destination. This simple step can save significant time and cost.