How to Create a Free QR Code With Your Logo and Brand Colours

A plain black-and-white QR code does the job, but a branded one with your logo and colours looks professional and earns more trust — which means more scans. The catch is that adding a logo and changing colours can stop a code from scanning if you do it carelessly. This guide shows you how to design a branded QR code for free and keep it perfectly scannable, so it works every time someone points their phone at it.

Why brand your QR code?

People are cautious about scanning random codes. A QR code that carries your logo and matches your brand colours signals that it is legitimate and yours, not a sticker someone slapped over the real one. On menus, packaging, posters and business cards, a branded code looks intentional and polished — and that small boost in trust translates directly into more scans and better results from your campaign.

How to create a branded QR code

1. Open the generator. Go to the free QR Code Generator.
2. Enter your destination. Add the URL, text or contact details the code should open.
3. Set your colours. Choose foreground and background colours that match your brand — keeping strong contrast.
4. Add your logo. Upload your logo to sit in the centre of the code.
5. Download. Export as PNG for screens, or SVG for crisp printing at any size.

The golden rule: contrast and error correction

Two things keep a decorated QR code scannable. The first is contrast: the code modules must be clearly darker than the background. Dark-on-light works best; light-on-dark can work with enough contrast, but inverted or low-contrast colour pairs often fail. The second is error correction. QR codes can rebuild missing data up to a point, and the highest error-correction level lets you place a logo over the centre without breaking the code — because the surrounding modules carry enough redundancy to compensate. A good generator raises error correction automatically when you add a logo.

Choosing the right format

• PNG — perfect for websites, emails and social media.
• SVG — a vector format that stays razor-sharp at any size, ideal for print, posters and packaging.
• PDF — handy for print-ready sheets and labels.

For anything that will be printed large, always use SVG so the code never looks pixelated.

Common mistakes that stop codes scanning

• A logo that is too big — keep it small enough that most of the code is intact.
• Low contrast colours — pale codes on busy backgrounds confuse scanners.
• No quiet zone — leave clear space around the code; crowding it breaks scanning.
• Printing too small — a code needs enough physical size to be read from a normal distance.

Always test before you print

Before committing a code to hundreds of printed menus or packages, test it. Scan it with at least two different phones, in the lighting where it will be used, and from the distance people will actually stand. A minute of testing prevents an expensive reprint. It is also worth checking the destination link works and points exactly where you intend.

Conclusion

A branded QR code is a small design touch that pays off in trust and scans — as long as you respect contrast, use high error correction for logos, and test before printing. Design yours in minutes with the free QR Code Generator, export it as SVG for crisp printing, and give your campaigns a professional, scannable finish.

Static vs dynamic QR codes

It helps to know the difference between static and dynamic QR codes. A static code encodes the destination directly, so it never expires, has no scan limits and does not depend on any third-party service staying online — but the destination cannot be changed once printed. A dynamic code points to a short redirect that you can edit later, which is convenient but relies on an ongoing service (often paid) and can stop working if that service disappears. For most branding, packaging and print use, a static code is the safer, cost-free choice: it will keep working for years with no account and no risk of a subscription lapsing. The codes generated here are static, so they are yours forever.

Frequently asked questions

Will adding a logo stop my QR code from working?

Not if you use high error correction, which lets the code rebuild the area covered by a centred logo. Keep the logo modest in size and the code will still scan reliably.

Can I use my brand colours?

Yes, as long as there is strong contrast between the code and its background. Dark modules on a light background scan most reliably; avoid pale or low-contrast combinations.

What format should I use for printing?

Use SVG for print. It is a vector format that stays sharp at any size, so your code looks crisp on everything from business cards to large posters.

Do these QR codes expire?

No. The codes generated here are static and never expire. They are created in your browser with no account, scan limits or ongoing fees.