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QR Codes โ€ข

How to Test a QR Code Before Printing It

A simple pre-print checklist to reduce the chance of distributing a QR code that is difficult to scan or points to the wrong place.

Scan the actual code

Do not rely only on looking at the pattern. Use a phone camera or QR scanning app and confirm that the destination is exactly what you intended.

Check the destination

A QR code can scan perfectly and still be wrong if the URL has a typo, points to an old campaign page or requires a login that customers cannot complete. Test the whole journey, not just the scan.

Test the final size

A code displayed on a monitor may work at a large size and fail when printed small. Make a sample at the intended size and test it from a realistic distance.

Test more than one phone

Different cameras and lighting conditions can behave differently. Testing on two devices is a simple way to catch problems before a large print run.

Try the related tool

If you came here because you need to do the calculation or create something now, you can use the matching KingToolsKit tool and then come back to the guide when you want the explanation.

Open the tool โ†’

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