How to add a logo to a QR Code without breaking it
Keep the logo small and simple, put it on a solid background, keep strong contrast, use a short link, and test the finished code on at least two phones. QR Codes can tolerate a covered center because of error correction, but only up to a limit.
Why a logo can work at all: error correction
QR Codes store extra data so that a damaged or covered part can still be read. There are four error correction levels, which recover roughly this share of the data:
| Level | Recovers about |
|---|---|
| L | 7% |
| M | 15% |
| Q | 25% |
| H | 30% |
A logo covers the center of the code, so tools that support logos use the highest level (H). That helps, but it is a safety margin, not a license to cover a third of the code.
Seven rules for a logo that still scans
- Keep it small. StyloQR sizes the logo to about 22% of the code's width. That is a much smaller share of its area, and a good place to stay.
- Keep it simple. A bold mark reads better than a detailed illustration or small text.
- Use a solid area behind it. A clean background (white or the code's background color) separates the logo from the dots.
- Keep strong contrast between the dots and the background. Dark dots on a light background is the safest.
- Shorten the link. A long link creates a denser code with smaller dots, which leaves less room for a logo.
- Do not stretch the image or print a small, low-resolution file. Export a large PNG or an SVG for print.
- Test it. Scan the final code with at least two phones, from the distance it will be read.
Adding a logo with StyloQR (free)
- Install the StyloQR Chrome extension and enter your link.
- In the Style tab, choose your image under Logo in the center.
- Pick your colors and shapes, then export as PNG, 4K PNG, SVG, or PDF.
The logo feature is part of the free plan. See also the QR Code with logo page.
When to skip the logo
If the code will be printed very small, placed far from the reader, or used on a curved or glossy surface, leave the logo out. A plain code is the most reliable.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a logo be on a QR Code?
Much smaller than people expect. Error correction at level H tolerates about 30% of the data being unreadable, but a logo that big leaves no margin for printing or camera problems. Keep it well below that.
Does a logo make a QR Code harder to scan?
It can, especially if the logo is large or the link is long. Test the finished code on more than one phone.
Try StyloQR free
Install the Chrome extension. Single QR Codes are free; Pro is a one-time $9.90 and adds batches, animation, history, and gradients.
Add to Chrome — it's free