We have received quite a few questions on how to add an image or logo to a QR Code. So, I thought I would take the time and create a step-by-step process on how I add an image to a QR Code.
I will start off by letting you know that even if you follow the steps below, the most important thing to do when adding an image to a QR Code is to TEST, TEST, TEST! You have to test the QR Code with the image in the middle multiple times (perhaps with different phones and readers) to make sure that your QR Code still works even with the image in it.
Step 1: (Plug alert!) Create your QR Code in QReate & Track. Download your QR Code and save it to your desk top.
Step 2: Open up your QR Code image in an image editing program such as Photoshop.
Step 3: Now that your QR Code is in Photoshop, you need to get your image/logo and place that image on a new layer.
Step 4: Drag your image/logo on top of your QR Code like the image below.
Note: Your image/logo will need a little white space around it. I took my logo into Illustrator and traced the logo and then turned it white. I placed that white version of my logo in Photoshop and then placed my logo on top of that. That way my logo had a nice amount of white, clean space around. (this makes it easier to scan).
Step 5: Resizing your image/logo in the QR Code. Only a certain percentage of a QR Code can be covered. This is where the testing part comes into play. You just have to keep resizing your image until the QR Code works when you scan it.
(My QR Code worked when my image was this size.)
So that is how you place an image/logo onto a QR Code.
Below are a few important tips to stay away from when adding an image/logo to a QR Code:
You can NOT cover the 3 large square corners. The highlighted boxes in the image below are area’s to stay away from when adding an image/logo to a QR Code. These boxes can not be covered at anytime, if they are covered the QR Code will not scan.
If you did want to put an image in one of the corners of a QR Code, rotate your QR Code so that the corner that does not have a black square is where you place your image. That way none of the squares are covered. But again, TEST, TEST, TEST. Testing the QR Code is the only way that you can be sure that it still works even with an image being a part of it.
Hope these tips were helpful. Now go dress up your QR Codes with a color or your company’s logo!
on January 5, 2011 at 11:08 am
Tweets that mention Adding an image to a QR Code « QReate and Track (by interlinkONE, Inc.) — Topsy.com said:
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michelle Jollymore. Michelle Jollymore said: [Blog Post] New on @QReateAndTrack.com "Adding an image to a QR Code" step by step directions. Give it a try! http://ilnk.me/image enjoy! [...]
on January 6, 2011 at 4:01 am
claude carat said:
très interessant, mettre son logo sur le QR code amène une valeur ajoutée
on January 18, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Adding an image to QR Code said:
[...] link: here top No Responses to “Adding an image to QR [...]
on January 25, 2011 at 9:35 am
Andrew H. said:
Thanks – helpful tutorial. Appreciate the warning about corner images.
on March 7, 2011 at 8:05 am
A Fancy Little QR Code « QReate and Track (by interlinkONE, Inc.) said:
[...] just for reference, a few months ago we posted a blog on how to add an image to a QR Code. Feel free to read that post if you need a refresher or want to try it out [...]
on April 6, 2011 at 8:33 am
Mothers Car Wax using QR Codes « QReate and Track (by interlinkONE, Inc.) said:
[...] [...]
on July 8, 2011 at 11:41 am
Justin said:
You could also use a “Stroke” effect in Photoshop to create the white space surrounding the image.
on July 8, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Michelle said:
Awesome suggestion Justin! Thanks for sharing.
on July 24, 2011 at 10:07 am
Luke said:
Nice tutorial man! Very helpful, thanks.
on July 26, 2011 at 7:02 am
Sheets Energy Strips using QR Codes « QReate and Track (by interlinkONE, Inc.) said:
[...] [...]
on August 3, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Christy said:
Great tutorial. Thanks!
on August 30, 2011 at 5:04 am
5 great tips on making your email newsletters shared (and more social media friendly) « Email & Outlook said:
[...] on any device! Don’t stop there: you can place your Vcard as a QR code next to your signature, embed your company logo inside them – the sky’s the [...]
on October 20, 2011 at 7:02 am
Boston Globe using QR Codes « QReate and Track (by interlinkONE, Inc.) said:
[...] on a Boston Globe newspaper box the other day and notice that the QR Code also has the Boston Globe logo in the middle of it as well as the QR Code being green instead of the standard black and white. Love creative QR [...]
on April 8, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Kelly Jones said:
Perfect post. Learn how to incorporate QR codes in your web apps to deliver quick information directly to your users’ mobile device http://blog.caspio.com/web_apps/4-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-your-web-apps/
on April 13, 2012 at 6:38 am
Lawrence said:
This was so easy! Many thanks.
on May 6, 2012 at 4:07 pm
EVE said:
For custom sizes and colors try this QR Code Generator, works inside Photoshop:
http://www.evenx.com/products/qr-code-generator