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Guides for codes that work first time

Plain, practical advice: what to put in them, how big to print them, and how to make sure people can scan them.

How to make a Wi-Fi QR code that actually connectsWhat goes inside a Wi-Fi QR code, the characters that break it, and how to share your network so guests connect first time.

Which barcode should I use?A plain guide to EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ITF-14, Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec, and when each one is wrong.

How big should a QR code be?The 1:10 distance rule, the quiet zone, minimum sizes for cards and posters, and why some codes never scan.

Do QR codes expire? Static vs dynamic, explained honestlyStatic QR codes never expire; dynamic ones stop working when the service or trial behind them ends. How each works, what you give up, and the middle path.

Getting codes to print properlyVector versus PNG, CMYK colour shift, ink spread, gloss reflections, curved surfaces and a pre-print checklist.

QR codes for restaurant menus that guests actually useWhat a menu QR code should open, why the link must be one you control, and how to design table cards that scan in dim light.

QR code colours, logos and contrast: how far can you go?How phones read a QR code, which colour pairs work, how big a logo can be, and why the blank margin matters more than you think.

Why won't my QR code scan? A checklistWork out whether the problem is reading the code or what is inside it, then fix contrast, size, margins, glare, links and Wi-Fi details.

Instagram QR codes for small businessesTurn "are you on Instagram?" into a two-second scan: getting the handle right, where to put the code and what to write next to it.

WhatsApp QR codes: let customers message you in one scanHow click-to-chat codes work, the phone number format that trips people up, pre-filled messages, and keeping your number private.

Contact card QR codes for business cards and badgesWhat goes inside a vCard QR code, which details to include, how big to print it on a business card, and how to test it on different phones.

Event QR codes that add the date to your guests' calendarsWhen to use a calendar code or a link, getting the time right, writing a title people will recognise, and designing the poster.

QR codes for weddings: RSVPs, directions, Wi-Fi and photosWhich wedding codes are worth printing, where they go, how to match them to your stationery, and the one rule that keeps them working.

QR codes on flyers and posters: placement, size and getting scansPoint the code at one action, tell people why to scan, size it for the real distance, place it where people can reach and measure what worked.

Product barcodes for small brands: what shops expectWhy the number matters more than the bars, when you need GS1, one number per variation, and printing EAN-13 barcodes on packaging.

Asset tags and stock labels: a simple system that worksPlan your numbers, choose between Code 128, QR and Data Matrix, make a batch, pick labels that last and keep a register.

QR codes people can trust: avoiding fake-code scamsHow QR code scams work, how to make your codes hard to cover or fake, and simple checks to share with your customers and staff.

A good code deserves a good print.

Keep it dark on light

Scanners look for contrast. A dark code on a white or pale background reads fastest. Light codes on dark backgrounds confuse some older phones, so Codeshed warns you if you try one.

Leave white space around it

The clear border around a code helps the camera find its edges. Don't print text or pictures right up against it.

Print it big enough

A common rule of thumb is about 1 cm of code width for every 10 cm people will scan from. A code on a table 30 cm away works at around 3 cm; a poster read from 2 metres needs about 20 cm.

Test before you print lots

Codeshed test-scans every QR code as you design it and only shows green when it reads back exactly. Before a big print run, scan a test print with two different phones too.

Row	Field	What to fix
3	Website link	Enter a valid website address.
18	Website link	This value is missing.

Row	Reason
3	Website link: enter a valid website address.
18	Website link: this value is missing.
41	The QR code did not pass its test scan.

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Guides for codes that work first time

A code is a small thing. Keeping it free is a big thing.

A good code deserves a good print.

Keep it dark on light

Leave white space around it

Print it big enough

Test before you print lots

Guides and answers

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