QR Codes are an essential tool for marketing. But plain black-and-white QR Codes just don’t grab much attention anymore.
A well-designed, custom QR Code, on the other hand, can enhance your brand and drive more scans.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative QR Code design ideas and learn essential QR Code design rules that you need to follow to get the best results.
You’ll also learn how to create a custom QR Code.
Let’s get started!
A. QR Code design ideas to level up your business & marketing
1. Starbucks QR Codes with logo
Starbucks puts QR Codes on its cups and in its ads. Customers can scan them to pay for their beverages using the Starbucks app.
Customers can also use these same QR Codes to claim discount coupons or enroll in loyalty programs to earn rewards.
The QR Code design idea behind it is that branding is important. Starbucks personalized its QR Codes by placing its logo within them.
This made the QR Codes immediately recognizable and made customers curious to scan them.
Pro Tip: Always include a logo in your QR Codes so people can recognize them with your brand instantly.
2. McDonald’s colored QR Codes
McDonald’s printed QR Codes on its food packages. These QR Codes did all sorts of things, from providing discounts to menus and special offers.
What we can learn from this is that a colored QR Code that matches your theme blends seamlessly with your brand identity.
It looks more appealing and intentional to the audience. This means that you should add brand colors for better engagement.
Rather than the standard black-and-white, McDonald’s aligned its QR Code colors with its brand colors. This resulted in a smooth and aesthetic design.
Pro Tip: Personalize QR Codes with your brand colors to boost aesthetics and get more scans.
3. Coca-Cola’s AI-powered QR Codes
Coca-Cola rolled out AI-enabled QR Codes on its limited-release beverage packaging in 2023.
Scanning these QRs redirected consumers to an AR experience featuring a futuristic view of their surroundings.
The design idea was to turn a simple ad into an interactive experience. Coca-Cola’s campaign was not about scanning—it was about curiosity and engagement.
The QR Code had an interesting call-to-action (CTA) to get users to engage with the AI feature.
Pro Tip: Always pair your QR Codes with clear, action-driven CTAs like “Scan to See the Future!”
4. Pepsi’s Super Bowl halftime QR Code ad campaign
The famous beverage giant Pepsi displayed a QR Code during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.
This QR led people to an exclusive app where users can see behind-the-scenes videos and buy merchandise.
With The Weeknd as the Super Bowl halftime show entertainer, they maximized their marketing and sales by reaching a wide audience.
It also launched limited-edition cans featuring Beyoncé, where QR Codes provided behind-the-scenes content from her world tour.
The design idea was to utilize high-visibility placement. The QR Code was displayed during a high-traffic time (Super Bowl) and on product packaging, where it could not be avoided.
It was designed in such a way that it made the audience curious about what it held. The exclusivity and minimalistic design made them effective.
Pro Tip: Put your QR Code where people naturally glance—in ads, packaging, or even TV screens.
5. Volkswagen’s QR Code camouflage
In 2023, Volkswagen wrapped its future electric vehicle with a zoomed-in QR Code pattern.
It gave a high-tech and futuristic design to the car.
Volkswagen placed functional QR Codes on the hood and sides for people to scan.
The entire QR Code camouflage theme cleverly concealed the vehicle’s overall QR Code design.
At night, the neon pattern glows, which makes the car stand out on the highway and captures the attention of passing drivers.
Pro Tip: Make QR Codes a part of your design. Rather than putting a square QR Code on a poster, add it to the product design.
6. Mahindra’s metaverse QR Code ad
Mahindra & Mahindra Group’s real estate arm, Mahindra Lifespace, introduced India’s first home-buying experience on the Metaverse.
This was done during the launch of Bastion at Mahindra Citadel. A drone show with 400+ drones displayed a QR Code in the sky.
The audience could scan this QR Code and enter the metaverse where they could look at future properties and even interact with the elements inside these futuristic homes.
Pro Tip: Make your QR Codes stand out. The QR Code campaigns that make much noise are unique and tech-driven. They resonate with the audience.
7. L’Oréal Paris’ Times Square QR Code billboard
L’Oréal placed a gigantic QR Code billboard atop Sephora in Times Square, which triggered an AR experience introducing a new hair oil product.
The design idea was of large-scale QR Code marketing. The oversized QR Code was placed high, yet it was very easy to scan from a distance, proving that QR Codes don’t have to be small.
Pro Tip: If you’re using QR Codes on large displays, ensure they are high resolution and scannable from a distance.
8. IKEA’s QR Code shopping experience
IKEA uses QR Codes in catalogs and stores that link to assembly instructions. They utilize QR Codes for extra information and to smooth out the customer experience.
Rather than clogging print ads with texts or instructions, IKEA employed simple QR Codes to maintain clean design while delivering more information in digital form.
Pro Tip: Keep your QR Code simple so it does not overburden the overall design. Also, make QR Codes functional and resourceful for the audience.
9. Cadbury’s white QR Codes
Cadbury applied white QR Codes to billboards and television commercials to market small businesses. Scanning these QR Codes redirected customers to local shops’ WhatsApp stores.
Cadbury applied light QR Codes against dark backgrounds. The high contrast made scanning easy while blending naturally within the ad’s design.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel obligated to use black QR Codes…reverse the colors when necessary for increased visibility.
10. Kia’s robo dogmented reality QR Code
Kia also used white QR Code campaigns to enable people to engage with Robo Dog. This Robo Dog was an AR experience that revolved around an adoptable virtual pet.
The design idea here was to make the ad design visually appealing with QR Codes. Kia created white QR Codes against dark surfaces for the ultimate contrast and best scanning.
11. Toronto art fair’s handcrafted QR Codes
Rather than generic squares, the Toronto Art Fair employed QR Codes created as artwork themselves, with such words as “fantastic” and “expressive” included within them.
QR Codes can be integrated into the art. Rather than using QR Codes as distinct from the design, incorporate them into imagery for a unified experience.
“Functionality was a critical element in allowing art and technology to come together on this project.
Omar Morson, creative director and head of design at The Local Collective
12. IKEA’s giant QR Code bag display in NYC
IKEA put a bold 19-foot frakta bag with a QR Code displayed on it in Houston, Chicago, and New York this summer. It was scanned more than 3,500 times.
When onlookers scanned this QR Code, it revealed an augmented reality experience with special offers for Ikea products.
13. Vogue’s QR Code cover
Vogue caught up with the trend using a chic QR Code. Vogue Singapore’s September 2021 print cover had a QR Code.
When people scanned this QR Code, it revealed two animated digital covers based on Vogue’s global September theme of “new beginnings”. Each of these digital covers was auctioned as individual NFTs.
The QR Code design idea was to display the QR Code as classy. Stylish QR Codes suit high-end brands. The QR Code was minimalist and sleek, keeping Vogue’s upscale tone.
Pro Tip: Make QR Codes classy and sophisticated for luxury brands.
B. Static vs. Dynamic: Which one should you pick for your display idea?
Both Static QR Codes and Dynamic QR Codes exist for different applications and are geared to suit different demands. Let us break it down:
1. Static QR Code
Once generated, the content of these QR Codes cannot be altered or revised. They are ideal for permanent data that will not change.
For basic applications such as Wi-Fi passwords, product labeling, business cards, or e-invitations, go for static QR Codes.
And, because it is a standard QR Code, it doesn’t provide scan tracking and analytics so it’s usually suitable for individual use or a one-off project.
2. Dynamic QR Code
Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, are easily editable—you can change the destination link or content at any time without reprinting the QR Code.
These QR Codes can monitor scans. You can get information about scan locations, devices, and user activity, which makes it best suited for marketing.
Dynamic QRs work best for business promotions, lead generation, digital menus, and interactive campaigns.
Which one should you choose? Well, since dynamic QR Codes can be customized to suit your designs and themes better, they are great for personalized and custom designs.
C. Things to keep in mind while creating a QR Code for display
A well-planned custom QR Code is not merely about appearance—it must also be scannable. Your QR Code display idea should be easy on the eyes and branding-consistent.
1. Use high contrast to improve scanning
Dark QR Codes against light-colored backgrounds are most effective. They can scan easily and give users a smooth interaction experience.
Don’t use low-contrast combinations such as red against black or blue against dark green—such colors are tough to scan.
Also, make sure your QR Code has clear-cut edges. This will help you avoid any scanning errors in the future.
2. Avoid over-customization
Adding logos, colors, and patterns to your QR Codes makes them look cool, but don’t overdo it because the QR Code might end up losing its scanning ability.
Don’t distort the basic structure of the QR Code to compromise its readability. You can always have an artsy QR Code design without functionality loss.
3. Maintain a clean border (Quiet Zone)
It’s important to ALWAYS maintain a white space (aka quiet zone) around your QR Code. This makes your QR Code clearly distinguished from surrounding elements.
On a cluttered background, your QR Code could blend in and become hard to read. Ideally, the ratio of 1:4 (white space at least four times the size of one QR module) will help it scan easily.
4. Always test your QR Code before printing
Before printing or displaying your colorful QR Code, scan it using different devices and QR Code readers.
It’s important to check if it works under various lighting conditions and from different angles. Also, make sure it leads to the correct landing page, digital menu, or promotion page.
You don’t want your audience to end up in unwanted places because of QR Codes that represent your brand.
5. Use a strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
A plain QR Code without context may not encourage people to scan. Add a clear CTA like:
- “Scan to Get 10% Off”
- “Scan for Exclusive Access”
- “Scan to Shop Now”
Position the CTA near the QR Code display to guide users on what to do with the QR Code and what to expect from it.
6. Consider placement & sizing
If you’re using a QR Code on billboards, posters, or magazines, make it large enough to be scanned from a distance. Display them in areas of high footfall and visibility,
Don’t put QR Codes on curved surfaces or shiny backgrounds that might influence scanning.
If it’s for packaging, receipts, or product labels, position it where customers tend to glance.
Pro Tip: A well-crafted QR Code design leads to more engagement, increased scan rates, and a smooth user experience.
D. How to create QR Codes with custom design?
Now that you know the dos and don’ts of QR Code design, let’s explore how to create a custom QR Code with branding, logos, and colors.
For this guide, we’ll be using Scanova’s QR Code generator, which is a good option for you.
Step 1: Sign Up for Scanova
Go to Scanova’s QR Code generator sign-up page and sign up for a 14-day free trial.
Step 2: Select the type of QR Code and input the data
On the page that loads, you can choose from various QR Code categories based on your needs:
- Website QR Code – Directs users to a webpage or landing page.
- Business Card QR Code (vCard QR Code) – Stores contact details for easy sharing.
- Social Media QR Code – Links to multiple social media profiles.
- Event QR Code – Used for RSVP forms and ticketing.
- Menu QR Code – Ideal for restaurants to display digital menus.
- Coupon QR Code – Used for coupon or loyalty points redeeming
Once you’ve selected your preferred category, enter the data that needs to be encoded in the QR Code in the input fields.
For example, if it is a website URL QR Code, copy-paste the URL in the input field and click Create QR Code.
Step 3: Customize your QR Code design
On the next page, name your QR Code and click Create. Now, here comes the interesting part: with Scanova, you can personalize your QR Code with:
1. Logos & Branding – Add your company logo or custom brand image inside the QR Code.
2. Color & Patterns – Change the QR Code’s foreground and background colors to match your brand’s identity.
3. Custom Data Patterns & Eyes – Select unique QR Code eye styles and data patterns for a distinctive look.
4. Frame & CTA – Add a call-to-action (Scan to Know More, Scan to Win, etc.) to encourage scans.
You can click on the Edit Design option to make your QR Code display idea more compelling.
Step 4: Download the QR Code in high-quality
Once you’re satisfied with your design, you can download your QR Code in multiple formats:
- PNG or JPG – Best for websites, social media, and digital use.
- SVG, EPS, or PDF – Ideal for large-scale printing, ensuring high resolution.
Step 5: Test your QR Code for functionality
Before using your QR Code, test it on different devices and QR Code scanners. Make sure it scans effortlessly from various angles and distances.
Why should you choose Scanova’s QR Code generator? Well, it offers easy-to-use customization tools for personalized QR codes. Plus, you get a dynamic QR Code option to edit your QR Code’s destination without reprinting.
You can also get detailed analytics to track scans, locations, and user engagement. And most importantly, you get high-quality downloads for both digital and print marketing.
Start creating custom QR Codes with Scanova today and make your QR Codes stand out!
E. FAQs: QR Code Design Ideas
1. Can I create a QR Code in any shape?
Yes, but make sure the QR Code remains scannable. Test before finalizing.
2. What colors should I avoid?
Avoid light colors like yellow or pastel tones. Use dark colors on a light background.
3. What is the best format for printing QR Codes?
Use SVG or EPS for high-quality printing without pixelation.
4. Can I track scans on a QR Code?
Yes, but only with Dynamic QR Codes. They allow analytics tracking.
5. Are there any free tools for creating QR Codes?
Yes! You can use Scanova’s free QR Code generator to create QR Codes for free. If you want more from your QR Codes, you can check out their affordable plans and pricing here.
Final Thoughts
A custom QR Code is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a brand asset.
Whether you need a colorful QR Code, a branded QR Code display idea, or a creative QR Code design, customization can help you engage more users.
Want to create your own custom QR Code? Start for free with Scanova today!