A plain black-and-white QR code works, but a QR code with your brand logo looks more intentional, more trustworthy, and more likely to be scanned. The good news: adding a logo to a QR code takes less than a minute and requires no design software.

Why Branded QR Codes Get Scanned More

Research into QR code behaviour consistently shows that branded QR codes — those with logos, custom colours, or recognisable design elements — receive higher scan rates than plain ones. People are more willing to scan a QR code that looks like it comes from a trusted brand than a generic black square.

How to Add a Logo to Your QR Code

  1. Go to QR Stats and fill in your QR code content (URL, WiFi, contact, etc.).
  2. Scroll to the Add Logo section in the form.
  3. Upload your logo file. PNG format with a transparent background works best. JPG also works.
  4. Adjust the logo size using the slider. The safe range is 10% to 30% of the QR code area.
  5. Generate and download your logo QR code.

Logo Size: Why 30% is the Maximum

QR codes use error correction — built-in redundancy that allows them to still be scanned even if part of the code is obscured. The maximum error correction level (Q) can handle up to 30% of the QR code being covered. This is why QR Stats limits logo size to 30%: it keeps your QR code reliably scannable no matter what.

If your logo is complex with lots of fine detail, keep it at 20% or below for maximum compatibility.

Logo File Formats and Requirements

  • Best format: PNG with transparent background (so the QR code shows through, not a white box)
  • Also supported: JPG/JPEG
  • Maximum file size: 2MB
  • Recommended dimensions: At least 200×200 pixels — larger logos scale down better than small ones scale up

Colour Tips for Logo QR Codes

For the best results, ensure strong contrast between your QR code colour and background. Common mistakes:

  • Using a light coloured QR code on a white background — too low contrast, unreliable scanning
  • Using a very dark background colour with a dark QR code — same problem
  • The safe rule: QR code modules should be at least 40% darker than the background

Black QR code on white background remains the most reliable combination. Custom colours are fine as long as contrast is maintained.

Always Test Your Logo QR Code Before Printing

After adding a logo, scan your QR code on both an iPhone and an Android device before printing. Some logos or colour combinations can reduce scannability. If the scan feels sluggish, reduce the logo size by 5% and test again.