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Printing QR Codes

Get your QR codes from screen to physical world. This guide covers printing options, materials, and best practices.

Quick Print​

Print directly from your browser:

  1. Click QR Code on your tag
  2. Click Print
  3. Choose printer and settings
  4. Print
  1. Click QR Code → Print
  2. Review the preview
  3. Adjust settings:
    • Size
    • Copies
    • Layout
  4. Send to printer

Download for Professional Printing​

For professional print services:

  1. Download SVG format
  2. Provide to your print service
  3. They can scale to any size

Standard Sizes​

SizeDimensionsUse Case
Small2cm × 2cmBusiness cards, small labels
Medium3cm × 3cmProduct labels, badges
Large5cm × 5cmSignage, posters
Extra Large10cm × 10cmBanners, large signs

Custom Sizes​

  1. Download SVG format
  2. Resize in design software
  3. Maintain square aspect ratio

Paper Labels​

Good for:

  • Indoor use
  • Short-term applications
  • Cost-effective bulk printing

Considerations:

  • May fade in sunlight
  • Not water-resistant
  • Easy to apply

Vinyl Labels​

Good for:

  • Outdoor use
  • Products that get wet
  • Long-term durability

Considerations:

  • More expensive
  • Weather-resistant
  • UV-resistant options available

Metal Labels​

Good for:

  • Industrial equipment
  • High-durability needs
  • Professional appearance

Considerations:

  • Most expensive
  • Very durable
  • Permanent mounting

Direct Printing​

Print directly onto:

  • Product packaging
  • Equipment surfaces
  • Signage materials

Printer Types​

Office Printers​

Standard inkjet/laser printers:

  • Good for prototypes and testing
  • Print on label sheets
  • Affordable and accessible

Label Printers​

Dedicated label printers (Zebra, Brother, DYMO):

  • High-volume printing
  • Consistent quality
  • Various label materials

Professional Print Services​

For large quantities or special materials:

  • High quality
  • Many material options
  • Bulk pricing

Resolution​

  • Minimum: 300 DPI
  • Recommended: 600 DPI
  • Best: 1200 DPI

Higher resolution = better scanning reliability.

Color Mode​

  • Standard: Black on white
  • Grayscale: Works well
  • Color: For branded QR codes

Margins​

Include "quiet zone" around the QR code:

  • Minimum: 4 modules wide
  • tagd-ai exports include proper margins

Label Sheets​

Standard Sizes​

Common label sheet layouts:

  • 30-up: 30 labels per sheet (2.625" × 1")
  • 10-up: 10 labels per sheet (2" × 4")
  • 6-up: 6 labels per sheet (4" × 3.33")

Compatible Brands​

Works with:

  • Avery
  • Staples
  • Office Depot
  • Generic labels

Templates​

  1. Download QR code
  2. Insert into label template
  3. Duplicate for all labels
  4. Print on label sheets

Testing Prints​

Before Mass Printing​

Always test first:

  1. Print a single copy
  2. Let ink dry completely
  3. Test scan with multiple phones
  4. Verify content is correct

Test Conditions​

Test scanning under:

  • Normal lighting
  • Low light
  • Bright sunlight
  • Different distances

Quality Check​

Verify:

  • Sharp edges on modules
  • Consistent contrast
  • No smearing or bleeding
  • Proper size

Common Issues​

Ink Bleeding​

Problem: QR modules blur together Solutions:

  • Use higher quality paper
  • Reduce ink density in settings
  • Let dry before handling
  • Use laser instead of inkjet

Low Contrast​

Problem: Hard to scan Solutions:

  • Use pure black ink
  • Use pure white background
  • Check printer ink levels
  • Clean print heads

Size Too Small​

Problem: Won't scan reliably Solutions:

  • Increase print size
  • Use higher resolution
  • Simplify QR code (fewer characters)

Color Issues​

Problem: Color QR codes don't scan Solutions:

  • Ensure sufficient contrast
  • Avoid red/pink for code
  • Use dark colors on light background
  • Test before printing

Material Guidelines​

Indoor Use​

Recommended:

  • Paper labels
  • Standard vinyl
  • No special coating needed

Outdoor Use​

Recommended:

  • UV-resistant vinyl
  • Laminated labels
  • Weatherproof materials

Industrial Use​

Recommended:

  • Metal tags
  • Heavy-duty vinyl
  • Chemical-resistant materials

Food/Medical​

Recommended:

  • FDA-compliant materials
  • Washable surfaces
  • Appropriate adhesives

Application Tips​

Surface Preparation​

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Remove dust and oils
  3. Ensure it's dry
  4. Apply at room temperature

Placement​

  • Flat surfaces work best
  • Avoid curves if possible
  • Ensure good lighting
  • Position for easy scanning

Adhesive Selection​

  • Permanent for long-term
  • Removable for temporary
  • High-tack for rough surfaces
  • Low-tack for delicate surfaces

Next Steps​