You can place a logo in the center of a QR code as long as you leave enough of the pattern readable. QR codes include error correction that rebuilds missing data, so a small, centered logo usually scans fine. Add one in the QR code generator under the logo options.
Why a logo can break a code
A QR code stores data across the whole grid. Cover too much of it, or place a logo over the three corner squares, and a scanner can no longer read it. The fix is to keep the logo small, keep it centered, and raise the error-correction level.
Steps to add a logo safely
- Create your code and add your content.
- Open the logo options and upload a PNG, JPG, or SVG.
- Keep the logo around 20 to 30 percent of the code, centered and away from the three corner markers.
- Raise the error correction to a higher level so the code tolerates the logo.
- Download and test with several phones before printing.
Best practices
- Use a simple logo with a clean background.
- Keep strong contrast between the code and its background.
- Do not make the code modules so light that they blend in.
- Always test after adding the logo, and print with a quiet margin.
How much can a logo cover?
As a rule of thumb, keep the logo under about 30 percent of the code area at the highest error-correction level. Beyond that, scanning gets unreliable. When in doubt, make the whole code larger rather than squeezing the logo.
Frequently asked questions
What error-correction level should I use with a logo?
The highest level gives the most tolerance, so the code still scans with an image on top.
Which logo format is best?
An SVG or a high-resolution PNG with a clean, ideally transparent background.
My code stopped scanning after I added a logo.
Shrink the logo, keep it centered, raise the error correction, and increase the contrast, then test again.