Q: What size should I export for a printed flyer?
Rule of thumb: the printed QR side length should be at least 1/10 of the expected scanning distance. For a flyer held at arm's length (~50cm), that's a 5cm code. Export at 512px and let your design tool scale to the print size; QR codes are integer module grids and don't lose quality from enlargement. Always add a quiet zone (white margin) of at least 4 modules around the code — many scanners refuse to read codes butted against other content.
Q: Why does my code look different every time I edit?
Two reasons. (1) Adding or removing a few characters can push the encoded data into the next QR version, which bumps the grid size from say 33x33 to 37x37. (2) Each version has a fixed pattern of finder, timing, and alignment squares, but the data and mask bits shift based on content. The encoder also picks the optimal mask pattern (one of eight) to maximize scanability, which changes when the data changes.
Q: Can I color the QR code in my brand colors?
Yes, but keep the foreground darker than the background and maintain at least 60% contrast. Pure white background, dark foreground (any brand color) is safest. Avoid inverting (light foreground on dark background) — some older scanners only read the standard polarity. This tool ships black-on-white for maximum compatibility; bring the PNG into Figma or Illustrator and recolor if you need brand styling.
Q: Why does the URL in my QR code stop working?
The QR code itself never "expires" — it's just static data. But if you used a URL shortener (bit.ly, tinyurl) and the shortener account lapses, scanned codes start 404ing. For long-lived campaigns, encode your own permanent domain with a tracked path (example.com/qr/promo-2026), not a third-party shortener. Self-hosted redirects survive vendor outages and let you change the destination later without reprinting.
Q: How do I make a QR code that pre-fills a Wi-Fi password?
Use the format WIFI:T:WPA;S:<SSID>;P:<password>;; — or T:nopass for open networks. Escape special characters in the password with backslash (\;, \\). iOS and Android both prompt the user to join when they scan this format. WPA3 is not yet standardized in the QR Wi-Fi format; users with WPA3-only networks may need to fall back to manual entry.
Q: Is there a way to track scans?
Not at the QR layer — the code is just data. Track on the destination: encode a URL with a UTM parameter (?utm_source=qr&utm_campaign=spring2026) and read analytics on the server. For granular tracking, encode a one-off short URL per print run and resolve it through your own redirect service so you control the data and can change destinations later.