{"id":9656,"date":"2024-08-14T12:57:56","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T11:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/?p=9656"},"modified":"2024-09-13T04:10:38","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T03:10:38","slug":"qr-codes-on-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/qr-codes-on-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Brand Guide: QR Codes on Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n Introduction\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

In the past decade of working with brands to get QR codes on packaging we\u2019ve seen it all. Products big, small, curved, metal, flexible – at every step of the way there are key nuances to getting QR codes \u201cright\u201d. This guide shares our accumulated insight for putting QR codes on product packaging, covering best practices for designing, printing, and implementing them for various product types and use cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\n QR code size and placement guidelines\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

The size and placement of your QR code significantly impact its effectiveness. Follow these guidelines to ensure your QR code is easily scannable.<\/p>\n

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  1. We recommend a minimum QR code size of 1cm by 1cm. <\/strong>Anything between 1cm x 1cm and 2cm x 2cm is workable. With improvements in QR code scanning technology, the old standard of 2cm x 2cm is outdated.<\/li>\n
  2. Place the QR code in a prominent location. <\/strong>Choose a location that is easily visible, accessible, and scannable to the end user.<\/li>\n
  3. Leave sufficient whitespace or \u201cquiet zone. <\/strong>Maintain a sufficient ‘quiet zone’ around the QR code to prevent scanning issues. This space helps the scanner distinguish the QR code from surrounding elements. Your QR code generator should do this for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n \n \"QR\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    \n QR code color and contrast guidelines\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

    While QR codes can have different colors and shapes, you should ensure a strong contrast between the QR code and its background. Dark QR codes on light backgrounds (or vice versa) work best.<\/p>\n

    Black and white QR codes are the gold standard for ease of scanning by a variety of different devices in different environments and lighting settings.<\/p>\n

    Inverted colors can be appealing but not all QR code readers can read them:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n \n \"qr\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    \n How to place icons in QR Codes\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

    Adding logos or graphics to the center of a QR code can enhance branding, but it must be done carefully to ensure the code remains scannable. Here are four pointers to do so:<\/p>\n

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    1. Keep the logo small:<\/strong> The logo or graphic should be small enough not to obstruct the key patterns of the QR code. Position it centrally but ensure it does not cover the three corner squares, which are crucial for scanning.<\/li>\n
    2. Maintain contrast:<\/strong> Ensure that the logo or graphic contrasts well with the QR code to prevent confusion during scanning. A dark logo on a light QR code background or vice versa is ideal.<\/li>\n
    3. Use a higher error correction level:<\/strong> Utilize high error correction levels (up to 30%) when generating the QR code. This allows for more of the QR code to be obscured while still being scannable. Your QR code generator<\/a> should do this for you dynamically if a logo is added.<\/li>\n
    4. Test the QR code:<\/strong> After adding graphics, test the QR code with multiple scanning apps and devices, and in different lighting conditions, to confirm that it remains functional.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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      \n QR codes under the cap\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

      Placement under the cap: Some brands use \u201cunder the cap\u201d QR codes to measure if a product has been consumed, which makes for a stronger loyalty program. These may incur costs and special processes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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      Example of a QR code placed under the cap for a loyalty program<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n \"screen-motul-sml\"\n\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n

      See case study<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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      \n QR code on a curved surface\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

      For placement of QR codes on products or surfaces which are curved, keep in mind that distortion caused by the curvature may impact ease of scanning of the QR code. Your QR code solution provider can provide guidance on this.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n \n \"qr\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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      \n Using QR codes on consumer products\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

      For consumer products, the primary use cases often include providing product information, promotional offers, and customer engagement opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Placement: QR codes should be prominently displayed on the front or top of the packaging, where they are most visible and accessible. This encourages consumers to scan them while making a purchase decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      Calls to Action: If targeting a use case with consumers, use clear and enticing calls to action (e.g., “Scan for a special offer!”) to motivate the consumer to engage with the QR code.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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      Example of QR codes for consumer products: Ferrara candy uses Scantrust QR codes for GMO ingredient disclosure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n

      \n\t\n\n \n \"Ferrara-Scantrust-0\"\n\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      \n\t\n\n \n \"Trolli\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n

      See case study<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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      \n Using QR codes on industrial products\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

      For industrial products, QR codes can provide operational instructions, maintenance guides, and safety information. But these QR codes may be subject to more wear-and-tear, or may need to satisfy multiple use cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Ensure that the QR codes can withstand wear and tear<\/b> given the anticipated use case and environment. QR codes are increasingly lasered onto surfaces for industrial use cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Consider all use cases for placement;<\/b> QR codes should be prominently displayed where both end-users and scanning equipment within the supply chain can reach it, depending on the QR code\u2019s use case. This is particularly important if the codes are serialized and\/or are being used for traceability. Consider if they are scannable during product operation or maintenance, ensuring they do not interfere with critical information or controls.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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      Example of QR codes for industrial products: VARTA uses QR codes for automotive battery traceability<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n \"Varta-scantrust\"\n\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n

      See case study<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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      \n Printing technology and QR codes\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n

      The success of your QR code also depends on the printing method and materials used. Consider the following factors when preparing your QR codes for printing:<\/span><\/p>\n

      Digital printing QR codes:<\/b> This method allows for quick turnaround times and the ability to print variable data, making it ideal for small batches or customized QR codes. However, challenges include ensuring consistent quality across prints and potential issues with color fidelity. Digital printing can also be slower for larger runs compared to offset printing.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Analog printing QR codes:<\/b> Offset or flexo are two common analog printing methods. These are known for producing high-quality prints at a faster speed for large volumes compared to digital printing. However, they are usually not suitable for variable data printing. scannability.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Hybrid printing QR codes:<\/b> Involves both digital and offset printing.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Lasering QR codes:<\/b> QR codes are increasingly being lasered onto plastic and metal surfaces. Lasering is particularly appealing for use cases on mechanical parts, such as in automotive or industrial applications, where wear and tear from usage would damage a printed or sticker-based QR code to the extent that it would no longer be scannable.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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      \n Key considerations for printing QR codes\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n