How to Make a Custom QR Code with Logo: A Complete Guide

QR codes have emerged as one of the most effective tools for O2O marketing and omnichannel user engagement. From Starbucks to Walmart, global brands have implemented a custom QR code with logo in their business and marketing strategies. 

A QR code (quick response code) is a matrix barcode that contains digital information. You can use QR codes to share a wide range of information with your consumers, such as URLs, multimedia, PDFs, contact details, etc.

However, most QR codes look similar — square-shaped and black and white. By customizing your QR codes and adding a logo, you can improve branding, engage your users, and get more scans. 

Here’s a detailed guide to creating a custom QR code with a logo, along with its uses and best practices.

Why create a custom QR code with logo?

Millions of QR codes are in circulation, but they all look pretty much the same. What if there was a way to make your QR code unique and recognizable so your users would scan it?

A custom QR code with a logo resolves this hurdle. 

A custom QR code with shapes, colors, and patterns instantly stands out from the crowd. It becomes catchy, encouraging people to scan it.

Adding a logo to your QR code makes it brandable.

Users can recognize that the QR code belongs to your brand, resulting in consistent branding and more scans. 

Hence, a custom QR code with a logo is more compelling and engaging, and it can give you a significant competitive advantage. 

How to create a custom QR code with a logo?

QRCodeChimp lets you create a custom QR code with a logo for free. Follow these steps to make a QR code with QRCodeChimp.

Note: You can head to the Solutions tab and use the QR code solution of your choice. For this guide, we’ve used the URL QR code.

Step 1:

Visit qrcodechimp.com. 

Step 2:

Go to the ‘Basic Information’ section, and fill in the ‘URL or Text’ field. Enter the URL for which you want to create a custom QR code. Be sure to check the ‘Make dynamic’ box to make a dynamic QR code. 

Note: Dynamic QR codes are trackable, and you can also change the URL linked to them without reprinting. 

Learn more about static vs. dynamic QR codes.

Step 3:

Go to ‘Design, Color, and Decorate QR Code.’ Use QR shapes, colors, patterns, effects, and other customization options to make your QR code unique and compelling. 

Step 4:

In the same section, go to ‘Logos.’ Select a logo from the default list of logos or add your own by clicking on ‘Add Your Own Logo.’ You can adjust the size and position of your logo using logo scaling, background scaling, and positioning settings.

Step 5:

Click on ‘Save QR Code’ to give your QR code a name and save it. Your custom QR code with logo is now saved on your dashboard. Download the QR code by clicking on ‘Download Large Size’ and selecting the file format and size. 

Best practices for creating a custom QR code with a logo

Now that you know how to create a custom QR code with a logo, let’s look at some best tips to make your QR code scan-worthy. Follow these best practices to make a perfect custom QR code with a logo that gets more scans.

Place your QR codes strategically

Though QR codes are versatile and have several use cases, they’re not for everyone. Be sure to lay out a clear strategy about using QR codes and how they’ll integrate into your marketing objectives. 

For instance, if you offer services (like spa, salon, etc.), you can put up a custom QR code on your billboard and link it to the booking page on your website. This way, people can view your ad, scan the code, and book your services. 

Use shapes and colors to give your QR code a compelling look

A custom QR code should look different. Since people see hundreds of QR codes daily, you must ensure your QR code stands out and grabs their attention. The best way to make your QR code appealing is by using shapes and colors. 

Our team has also created several premade QR code designs keeping the best color combinations and scannability in mind. Choose from them or design your custom QR code from scratch.  

Use the right size and color combination

Next, you want to make sure your QR codes are easy to scan. People should be able to scan your OR code in one attempt. If they have to try multiple times, it’ll lead to a bad user experience. 

Here are a few ways to make your QR codes easy to scan:

• Your QR code should be of the right size — neither too big nor too small. Ideally, a QR code should be at least 0.8 x 0.8 inches, and you can increase its size as per your requirements.
• Choose the right colors for your QR code. There’s a reason why the initial QR codes had black and white colors — the two colors are the most contrasting. Though modern-day QR code generators allow you to create colored QR codes, be sure to maintain high color contrast. If the color contrast is low, your QR code may not be easily scannable.
• Avoid using inverted colors, as it can impact the scannability of your QR code. You shouldn’t opt for a dark background and light QR code, as it could cause scanning issues.  

Follow this guide to improve the scannability of your QR codes.

Use CTAs to increase scans

Adding a call to action (CTA) to your QR code, stating what people should do and what they’ll receive, can help you get more scans. When printing your custom QR code, add a short description like “Scan to get directions” or “Scan for a surprise” to get more scans.

Note: QRCodeChimp offers 150+ stickers with CTAs to make your QR codes actionable. 

Create dynamic QR codes

Last, make your QR codes dynamic. The information linked to your QR code may change after printing the code. If you make a dynamic QR code, you can change the details without reprinting the QR code. Also, a dynamic QR code is trackable so that you can view real-time scan data and analytics. 

Uses of custom QR codes in business and marketing

QR codes are highly versatile, and you can use them for various purposes. Let’s look at some applications of QR codes in business and marketing.

Direct users to website/landing page

One of the critical uses of QR codes is to redirect users to a website or landing page. You can include a QR code on your business cards, newspapers & magazines, billboards, product packaging, print ads, etc., and link them to your website. 

Here’s an example of Walmart using QR codes for its Virtual Toy Store. Users could scan the code to reach the website and order a toy. 

Share crucial information

QR codes allow you to share a wide range of useful information with your users and audience, such as:

• Contact details
• Map directions
• PDFs and documents
• Images, GIFs, and videos

This makes QR codes an effective tool for sharing information and educating your users. For instance, you can create a virtual contact card by placing a vCard Plus QR code on your business card. People can scan the code to get your personal and contact details. 

Promote social media profiles

You can create a social media QR code to promote your social media profiles and increase your followers. Here’s an example from Jennifer Lesley Design, an Etsy seller, using a QR code to increase social media followers. 

Share app download links

A custom QR code with a logo is also effective at promoting your app and increasing its downloads. An app download QR code allows people to scan the QR code, visit the app download page, and download the app. 

Starbucks does a great job at promoting its mobile app using QR codes. 

Share coupons and discount codes

You can also use a custom QR code with a logo to share a coupon or discount code with your customers. They can scan the QR code to access the coupon code and use it at your store. Here’s an example of Target offering a QR code gift card to its users. 

Wrap Up

QR codes are widely used for marketing and customer engagement. With omnichannel customer engagement being the norm, several brands have implemented QR codes to leverage O2O marketing. A custom QR code with a logo can make your QR codes visually appealing and align them with your brand.

If you’re looking for an effortless way to create a custom QR code with a logo, QRCodeChimp can help. Our solution allows you to make custom-shaped QR codes with a logo and track their scans with in-depth analytics.