QR code help
What is the quiet zone and why does my QR code need it?
The quiet zone is the blank margin around a QR code. The QR standard calls for four modules of clear space, about the width of four of the small squares. Cropping it, or letting text and images touch the code, is one of the most common reasons a printed code fails.
Common causes
- The design crops tightly to the squares.
- Text, a border or an image touches the code.
- A die-cut edge, fold or sticker overlaps the margin.
- The surrounding background is dark or patterned, so the margin is not truly blank.
How to fix it
- Add at least four squares of plain background on every side.
- Move text and graphics away from the code.
- Keep the code clear of folds, seams and cut lines.
- If the code sits on a coloured area, extend a light panel past the margin.
How to prevent it
Use the exported file as it is. Do not crop the white border to make it fit the layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is the white border part of the code?
Yes. The scanner uses the blank margin to find where the pattern starts.
Can the margin be coloured?
Only if it stays plain and clearly lighter than the squares.