Designing QR codes that still scan

A branded QR code is not inherently a broken QR code. The failures come from spending the error-correction budget twice.

Error correction is a budget, not a guarantee Level H recovers roughly 30% of the symbol. A centred logo covering 20% of the area leaves only 10% of headroom for print defects, glare and motion blur. Cover less, or step up the correction level and accept a denser symbol.

Contrast beats colour Scanners read luminance, not hue. Dark modules on a light background is the rule; inverting it fails on many older readers. Keep at least a 40% luminance difference and never place a gradient that crosses the midpoint.

Protect the finder patterns The three corner squares and the small alignment squares are how a scanner orients the symbol. Style them by all means, but keep their proportions and contrast intact.

Test the way people use it - Print at final size and scan from the distance users will stand - Test under warm indoor lighting, not just a bright monitor - Try at least three phones, including one older Android device - Re-test after any change to substrate or finish, especially gloss laminates