Customizing your QR code to match your brand's style can make it more recognizable and appealing to your customers. With Short QR's QR code generator, you can easily create unique and eye-catching QR codes. In this guide, we'll explain the different style settings available on Short QR and how to customize your QR code. Let's get started!

Choosing a QR Code Style

Short QR offers three distinct styles for your QR code: Square, Dots, and Round. To select a style, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Short QR account.
  2. Navigate to the "QR Codes" tab on the dashboard.
  3. Click on "Create a New QR" or select an existing one from your dashboard.
  4. In the "Style" section, you can choose multiple icons to change the style of your QR code completely.
  5. Preview the selected style in the QR code preview window.
Custom styles

When you're making a QR code, it's important to keep things simple so that your customers can easily scan it with their phones. Avoid going overboard with the styling, and stick to a clean and straightforward design. Remember, the goal is to make it easy and hassle-free for your customers to scan!

Customizing the Foreground

You can choose between a flat color or a gradient for your QR code's foreground. Here's how:

  1. In the "Custom Color" section you can set the "Foreground color", and select either "Color" or "Gradient."
  2. If you choose "Color," click on the color picker to select your desired color. Ensure the color isn't too light unless you have a dark background color. You can also adjust the transparency of the background here.
  3. If you choose "Gradient," select a gradient style from the dropdown menu. Preview the different styles and choose one that suits your preferences.
  4. Use the two-color pickers to select the first and second colors of your gradient-style QR code. Adjust the transparency of the background if needed.
foreground color

Customizing QR Code Eyes

Control the color of the larger squares in the corners, also known as the QR code eyes, by following these steps:

  1. Set the "Custom Eyes Color" dropdown to "Yes" to edit the colors of the QR eyes or "No" to use the default colors you set as the Foreground colors.
  2. If you've chosen a gradient foreground and set custom eye colors to "No," the QR eyes will also have the gradient effect.
  3. If you've set custom eye colors to "Yes," use the color pickers to edit the inner and outer colors of the QR eyes.
custom eyes color

Adding a Logo to Your QR Code

Incorporating your brand's logo into your QR code can make it more recognizable and visually appealing. To add a logo to your QR code on Short QR, follow these steps:

  1. In the "Add a logo" section, click on "Upload Logo."
  2. Navigate to the "QR Codes" tab on the dashboard.
  3. Choose the logo file from your computer (preferably in PNG or JPEG format) and click "Open."
  4. The logo will be added to the QR code preview window. Adjust the size and position of the logo as needed.
Add a logo

Now you've successfully added a logo to your QR code, making it more visually appealing and aligned with your brand's identity.

Common Mistakes and Best Practices

When customizing QR codes, it's essential to strike a balance between creativity and functionality. In this section, we'll discuss some common mistakes to avoid and best practices to follow when creating custom QR codes.

  • Avoid overly complex designs: While it's tempting to create intricate and unique designs, remember that the primary purpose of a QR code is to be easily scannable. Overly complex designs can hinder the scanning process and frustrate users. Keep your design simple and ensure that it doesn't compromise the QR code's functionality.
  • Test the custom QR code before deployment: Before using your custom QR code in marketing materials or products, it's crucial to test its scannability. Scan the code using multiple devices and scanning apps to ensure it works seamlessly. This step can save you from potential issues down the line.
  • Consider the size and placement of the QR code: When incorporating your custom QR code into designs, make sure it's large enough to be easily scanned. Additionally, consider its placement on the material, ensuring it's not obstructed or distorted in any way.
  • Maintain sufficient contrast: A common mistake when customizing QR codes is not maintaining enough contrast between the code and its background. This can make it difficult for scanning apps to recognize the code. Ensure that there's a clear contrast between the QR code's colors and the background to facilitate easy scanning.
  • Use dynamic QR codes for easy updates: Dynamic QR codes allow you to change the destination URL without altering the code itself. This feature is particularly useful for updating campaigns or correcting errors without having to reprint or redistribute materials. Make sure to use dynamic QR codes when customizing to take advantage of this flexibility.
  • Monitor and analyze QR code performance: To make the most of your custom QR codes, track their performance using our built-in analytics tools. This data can provide valuable insights into user behavior, location, and device usage, helping you optimize and adjust your campaigns accordingly.

By keeping these best practices in mind and avoiding common mistakes, you can create custom QR codes that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and effective in driving user engagement.

Custom QR Code Use Cases

Custom QR codes can be utilized in various ways to enhance user engagement and streamline information sharing. In this section, we'll explore some popular use cases for custom QR codes across different industries and platforms.

  • Marketing campaigns: Custom QR codes can be incorporated into print, digital, and social media marketing campaigns. By adding your brand's logo and colors, you create a cohesive and memorable experience for users. QR codes can direct users to websites, promotional offers, or exclusive content, encouraging interaction and increasing conversion rates.
  • Product packaging and labels: Including custom QR codes on product packaging and labels can provide customers with additional information, such as product usage instructions, ingredients, or even promotional offers. This not only enhances the user experience but also helps in building brand loyalty.
  • Business cards and promotional materials: Custom QR codes on business cards or promotional materials can make it easier for potential clients or customers to access your contact information, website, or portfolio. This seamless experience can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from competitors.
  • Event tickets and invitations: Incorporating custom QR codes into event tickets or invitations can simplify the check-in process and provide attendees with essential information, such as event schedules, maps, or special offers. This can enhance the overall event experience and demonstrate your attention to detail.
  • In-store promotions and displays: Custom QR codes can be used in physical stores to offer discounts, and product information, or even facilitate contactless payments. By integrating QR codes into your in-store experience, you can create a seamless and efficient shopping experience for customers.
  • Educational materials: Custom QR codes can be added to textbooks, worksheets, or other educational materials to provide students with additional resources, such as video tutorials, quizzes, or supplementary content. This can create a more interactive and engaging learning experience.

These are just a few examples of how custom QR codes can be used across various industries and platforms. By incorporating custom QR codes into your marketing and communication strategies, you can create a more engaging and memorable experience for your target audience.

Customizing your QR code on Short QR, including adding a logo, is an effective way to make your QR codes stand out and align with your brand's style. By following this guide, you'll be able to choose a QR code style, customize the foreground, adjust the QR code eyes' colors, and add a logo to your QR code. Start creating unique and recognizable QR codes on Short QR today!