Does a QR code with brand colors scan as fast as a black one?

Under normal conditions, yes. With good contrast (minimum 3:1 ratio) and error correction level H, the scan speed is equivalent. The difference only appears in extreme conditions: low light, oblique angle or very low-quality printing.

Can I use white on black instead of black on white?

It works with most modern readers, but some industrial scanners only detect dark modules on a light background. For maximum compatibility, keep the dots darker than the background.

Does changing colors change the meaning of the QR code?

No. The meaning is encoded in the module distribution, not in its color. Changing colors, shapes or adding a logo does not modify the content of the code.

Do I need a Pro plan to customise the QR code?

Basic customisation of dot and background colors is free. Logo, gradients, advanced shapes and CTA frames require the Pro plan at €5.99/month.

custom-qrdesignbranding

How to Customise a QR Code with Your Brand Colors

A QR code can carry your brand colors and logo — with three rules to keep it scannable

12 de junio de 20265 min de lectura

A QR code customised with your brand colors scans just as reliably as a black-on-white one, as long as you respect the contrast ratio, the quiet zone and the error correction level. This guide explains what you can change and what you cannot.

What elements of a QR code can be customised?

You can change the dot color, background color, module shape, corner styles and add a central logo. The module distribution and size are fixed by the ISO standard.

The customisable elements in the QR code generator:

- Dot color: the main color of the QR. Any color that contrasts with the background works.
• Background color: the area surrounding the QR. It can be colored, but must contrast with the dots.
• Module shape: individual dots. Options: square, rounded, circular, diamond.
• Corners: the three positioning squares. They have their own color and shape.
• Central logo: an image in the center. Requires error correction level H (30%) and must occupy less than 20% of the area.

What CANNOT be changed: the module distribution (part of the ISO 18004 standard) and the minimum quiet zone margin.

What minimum contrast does a QR code need to scan reliably?

The minimum contrast ratio between dots and background is 3:1. Black on white gives 21:1. Dark dots on a light background always perform better than the reverse.

The QR reader detects the luminosity difference between dark modules and the light background. The higher the contrast, the faster and more reliable the scan.

Combinations that work well:
• Navy blue on white: 10:1 contrast
• Dark green on white: 8:1 contrast
• Black on yellow: 15:1 contrast

Problematic combinations:
• Light grey on white: below 3:1, fails in low light
• Light dots on dark background: reduces compatibility with older readers

To verify contrast before printing, use the WebAIM contrast checker tool with your brand colors.

How do you add a company logo to a QR code without breaking it?

Enable error correction level H (30%) before adding the logo. The logo must not exceed 20% of the QR area. PNG with transparent background gives the best result.

Steps to add your corporate logo:

1. Go to the QR code generator and choose your content 2. In customisation, upload the logo as PNG with transparent background 3. The system automatically activates error correction level H 4. Adjust the logo size (recommended maximum: 20%) 5. Download as SVG for printing or PNG for digital use

If the logo has a white background and the QR background is also white, the logo will blend in visually.

Logo customisation requires the Pro plan.

What download format should you use to print a custom QR code?

SVG for professional printing: vector-based, scales without losing quality. PNG at 2048px for digital or small print runs. Never JPG: compression deteriorates the edges.

Format matters especially for custom QR codes because colors and shapes have more detail.

SVG: the code is described mathematically. Perfect edges at any size. Works in Illustrator, InDesign and Figma. Use it for business cards, posters, packaging and banners.

PNG 2048px: sufficient for digital use and prints up to 15x15 cm at 300 DPI. For larger sizes, use SVG.

JPG: never for QR codes. JPEG compression deteriorates module edges and reduces the scan rate, especially in QR codes with rounded corners.

§CODIGO-QR.ES / PRO

Create your branded QR code

Pro plan at €5.99/month. Logo, brand colors, custom shapes and unlimited dynamic QR codes.

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Preguntas frecuentes

Does a QR code with brand colors scan as fast as a black one?: Under normal conditions, yes. With good contrast (minimum 3:1 ratio) and error correction level H, the scan speed is equivalent. The difference only appears in extreme conditions: low light, oblique angle or very low-quality printing.
Can I use white on black instead of black on white?: It works with most modern readers, but some industrial scanners only detect dark modules on a light background. For maximum compatibility, keep the dots darker than the background.
Does changing colors change the meaning of the QR code?: No. The meaning is encoded in the module distribution, not in its color. Changing colors, shapes or adding a logo does not modify the content of the code.
Do I need a Pro plan to customise the QR code?: Basic customisation of dot and background colors is free. Logo, gradients, advanced shapes and CTA frames require the Pro plan at €5.99/month.

Jose Flores

Fundador de codigo-qr.es · codigo-qr.es

Jose Flores es fundador de codigo-qr.es, herramienta de generación de QR dinámicos y códigos de barras creada en Barcelona en 2026. Especializado en soluciones digitales para pequeños negocios, desarrolla herramientas que permiten a restaurantes, comercios y profesionales digitalizar su comunicación sin infraestructura técnica propia.

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