Custom QR codes that still scan

A branded code out-scans a plain one — people trust marks they recognise. But every design choice spends some of the code's error budget. The rules that keep custom codes scannable:

Colour: contrast is the law

Any colours work if the pattern is clearly darker than the background. Navy on cream, brand-green on white — fine. Yellow on white, grey on grey — dead. Keep roughly a 3:1 lightness gap (the maker warns live). And never inverted: light pattern on dark breaks older readers.

Shapes: patterns and eyes

Rounded, dots and classy module styles all scan fine — they reshape modules without moving them. Same for eye frames and eyeballs. Shape is the safest customisation there is; go as soft as the brand wants.

Gradients

Safe when both ends of the gradient stay dark against the background. A gradient running into a pale tone at one corner quietly kills that corner. Both gradient stops dark = both free and safe here.

Logos

The centre logo works because of error correction — level H lets 30% coverage survive. The logo tool caps size at a safe ratio and clears modules behind the mark. One rule: always test-scan after adding a logo.

Round and shaped codes

"Circular QR codes" are square codes staged in round artwork — the finder squares must stay intact and square. Put the code in a white circle inside your round sticker; never distort the grid itself. (Sticker printing guide.)

The test that settles everything

Old phone, average light, real distance, printed proof. Thirty seconds. The design survives or it does not — rules above tell you why. More on failure modes: QR code not scanning.