QR code help
Why does my QR code look different or scan worse when printed?
Screens use RGB light and printers use CMYK ink, so colours shift and thin or mixed-ink blacks can blur at the edges. Use a single solid black for the squares where possible, avoid thin registration-sensitive colours, and print a proof.
Common causes
- RGB colours converted to CMYK became dull or lower contrast.
- A rich black made from four inks misregistered and blurred edges.
- The paper absorbed ink and softened small squares.
- The proof was printed from a screenshot.
How to fix it
- Use the vector PDF for print. The workspace A6 PDF uses CMYK black for the code squares, with crop marks and 3 mm bleed.
- Prefer one solid black or a dark single-ink colour.
- Choose coated or smooth paper for small codes.
- Ask the printer for a hard proof and scan it.
- For certified colour-managed production, a printer-specific profile workflow is still needed.
How to prevent it
Never approve a print run from the screen preview alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a coloured code?
Yes, if the squares stay much darker than the background. Test the proof.
Why do thin lines blur?
Tiny misregistration between inks softens edges, which small squares cannot tolerate.