How to Design a Branded QR Code

Branding a code is a contrast exercise. Keep the modules dark against a light field and you can push colour, gradients, and a logo further than most people expect. You can do all of this free at liveqr.codes — no signup needed for a static code, and a one-time $1.99 upgrade unlocks unlimited dynamic codes with scan analytics.

Steps

Pick the darkest colour in your palette — Use it for the modules against white or a very light tint. A contrast ratio above 4:1 between modules and background is the practical floor.
Use a gradient carefully — A gradient between two dark tones is fine. A gradient that fades toward the background colour is what breaks scanning.
Do not invert — Light modules on a dark background fail on many older scanners; keep dark-on-light.
Add the logo last — Centre it, keep it under 20% of the area, and never overlap the corner finder patterns.
Test on cheap hardware — Test with an older budget phone, not just a flagship. If it reads there, it reads everywhere.

Pro tips

Export SVG so brand colours stay exact in print
Keep one plain fallback version on file
Match the caption typography to your brand, not the code

Frequently asked questions

Can QR codes be any colour?

Modules must stay clearly darker than the background. Within that rule, most brand colours work.

Can I use a gradient?

Yes, between two sufficiently dark tones. Avoid gradients that approach the background lightness.

Why do designed codes sometimes fail?

Usually low contrast, an oversized logo, a missing quiet zone, or an inverted colour scheme.

liveqr.codes is a free QR code generator. Static codes are free and unlimited with no signup; a one-time $1.99 lifetime upgrade adds unlimited dynamic codes with editable destinations and scan analytics. Download every code as a high-resolution PNG or vector SVG.