In a nutshell: Fancy QR Codes do more than just look good. They grab attention, build brand trust, and boost scans by blending design with function.
They let you match your brand colors, add a logo, and choose shapes that stand out, without losing the code’s scannability.
This guide covers what makes a QR Code “fancy,” how to design one that fits your brand, tools to create them, and best practices to ensure they still work flawlessly.
A. What are fancy QR Codes?
Fancy QR Codes are visually enhanced variants of the standard black-and-white QR Code.
In contrast to plain and dull traditional QR Codes, fancy QR Codes come with brand logos, color schemes, background patterns, and even shapes that resemble your brand’s look.
These artistic designs make the code both more user-friendly and still scannable. Fancy QR Codes perform the same task—connect to URLs, documents, or applications—but do it with greater attractiveness and memorability.
These codes are not merely decorative. A study by Scanova found that QR Codes with design elements are scanned 80% more than standard ones.
Another Statista report indicates that more than 94 million smartphone users in the United States scanned a QR Code in 2023, and figures are likely to grow even higher in 2025.
This growing trend proves consumers are more likely to engage when the code looks good.
Fancy QR helps you turn a simple black-and-white box into a branded experience. They allow you to express creativity while delivering key information or digital access.
B. How to create a fancy QR Code (Step-by-step guide)
1. Go to Scanova.
2. Choose the type of QR Code you want on the page that loads. Choosing the type of QR Code would depend on what you would like your QR Code to link.
Do you want it to be a URL, image, or interactive video? Scanova leaves it up to you to choose your preferred category by offering many options.
3. Fill in your details. For example, if it were a Website URL QR Code, paste your website and click “Continue.”
4. Then, on the next page, give your QR Code a catchy name or something you can remember it by, and then click “Create QR Code.”
5. You get a preview of your QR Code. Now, this is where magic happens! You can now edit it by choosing “Edit Design.“
6. Click “Edit Design” and let your creativity roam free! You will see all the recommended designs once you click on them. You can also select the AI-Generated Design option.
Once clicked, you will be redirected to the design page, where you can enter a prompt to generate the QR Code. This option lets you change the look of your QR Code.
Think of whatever you want for your QR Code and enter it in the form of a prompt. Then, click on Generate and wait for the AI to generate the design.
If you are happy with the results, click on download, select your preferred file format, and export the design.
If you want to add your inputs to the design, follow these steps:
Let’s check out how to customize your QR Codes according to your use case. Scanova requires you to sign up for a free trial of their paid plans to use customization options. Check out the pricing details here.
I. Add a unique logo for a personal touch
The best way to do this is to include your business or occasion’s logo in the QR Code to reinforce branding.
You can access the “Custom Logo Design” option to upload your logo in PNG, JPG, or JPEG formats.
Do you prefer text? You can create a text-based logo directly.
You can resize your logo, add a stroke for better visibility, or remove data modules for a creative twist.
A branded QR Code with logo ensures your QR connects to your business/aesthetics and builds user trust.
II. Choose colors and patterns that match your theme
Make your QR Code visually appealing by aligning it with your brand’s theme or event colors.
You can use the “Continue Editing” option to adjust the colors of the “Eyes” and data modules.
You can even add gradients for a modern, sleek effect that catches the eye. The “Eyes” tab also allows you to customize patterns, making the QR Code even more attractive.
This feature ensures your QR Code blends seamlessly into your designs, gift cards, or resume.
III. Opt for transparency (optional)
Many users make the QR Code’s background transparent for a clean, seamless look.
The “Make Transparent” option in the Background tab allows your QR Code to blend naturally with flyers, posters, or digital screens.
This approach is ideal for creating a polished and professional design.
IV. Explore different shapes and borders
You can go beyond the standard square QR Code to make it unique. Use the “Suggested” or “All” tabs from the Frames option to select shapes and borders that suit your design.
Rounded corners, creative borders, or custom shapes can add flair to your QR Code and attract more scans.
These features make your QR Code a centerpiece of your promotional materials, ensuring it stands out while aligning with your brand identity.
Once you are done with that, follow the next step to download your high-resolution QR Code:
7. Test your QR Code for perfect scans using various devices and scanners before downloading. You would not like this masterpiece lost in sea!
8. Click that fabulous “Download” button, and your dynamic QR Code is ready.
9. When you click download, you then get to choose what format is best suited for your needs, say PNG or JPG
10. Click on “Export.” Your fancy QR Code is now ready for use.
C. Key features: QR Code fancy
Fancy QR Codes come loaded with features that give you a creative edge:
1. Branding options
Fancy QR Codes enable you to break free from black-and-white visuals.
You can place your logo in the center or corner of the QR Code, apply your brand color scheme, and even adjust the code’s module shapes and eyes to fit your brand identity.
This makes your code integrate seamlessly into your current marketing materials and stand out immediately.
2. Custom shapes
Why use squares when you can make a difference? With stylish custom QR Code designs, you can convert to circular, hexagonal, or even bespoke dot patterns.
This lends your QR Code a unique visual appeal that turns heads without affecting scannability.
3. Background options
Get your QR Code to blend in with your poster, flyer, or product packaging.
You can set gradient backgrounds, upload pictures, or even have transparent backgrounds to integrate them into your design layout easily.
It’s visual harmony—without the tech headaches.
4. Error correction
Fancy designs mean more visual elements, and that’s where error correction comes in.
These QR Codes support higher error correction levels (up to 30%), so even if a logo covers a portion of the code or gets slightly damaged, it can still be scanned successfully.
Style and function go hand-in-hand.
5. Tracking and analytics
If you opt for dynamic fancy QR Codes, you unlock powerful tracking features.
You can track how many individuals scanned the code, where they were, what device they used, and even when the scan occurred.
This information assists you in refining your marketing strategy according to user behavior.
6. High-resolution formats
Fancy QR Codes are made for quality.
Whether you put them on a website, a billboard, or a package, they are available for download in high-resolution versions such as SVG, EPS, or PDF.
That makes them sharp and legible, big or small.
7. Editable content
Printed the QR Code, but need to change the URL? No problem. Dynamic fancy QR Codes enable you to change the destination link without reprinting.
Their flexibility makes them ideal for extended campaigns or cases where circumstances could change.
iPhones and Android phones have built-in QR scanners in their camera apps. No need to download anything extra. Source: oppizi
D. How fancy QR Codes can boost your brand image
First impressions matter, and in marketing, they matter most. A stylish QR Code makes an impression when you catch someone glancing at your ad, flyer, product, or business card.
Consider the following: would you be more inclined to read a plain, black-and-white box or a branded, logo-filled code that’s part of a considered brand experience?
1. First impressions matter
In advertising, you get one shot at capturing attention and have only seconds to do so. A stylish QR Code isn’t merely functional; it’s your design handshake.
When someone views your ad, flyer, product label, or business card, a clean, nicely designed QR Code immediately creates a good impression.
It indicates that your brand is refined, considerate, and professional.
2. Plain vs. polished: What would you scan?
Picture two QR Codes sitting next to each other—the plain black-and-white box and the colorful, logo-branded one that seems to blend with the design it sits among.
People will naturally be drawn to the nicer one. Why?
Because design influences perception. A fancy QR Code is an intentional part of your brand, not just a tech add-on.
3. Design signals you care
Customizing your QR Code’s color, shape, and logo sends a message: design matters here.
This informs your audience that you respect their experience, and if your QR Code is nice, chances are your product is too.
It’s a little thing that speaks to a bigger dedication to quality.
4. Builds trust and brand consistency
A good-branded QR Code appears to be home.
If your code shares your brand’s colors and even incorporates your logo, it instills confidence that it’s secure and authentic in the eyes of the user.
It confirms your brand identity and gains the confidence, particularly with new customers scanning your code for the first time.
5. More memorable, more recognizable
We remember what stands out. A colorful or uniquely shaped QR Code is far more likely to stick in someone’s mind than a generic one.
And the more someone remembers your brand, the more likely they are to return. Brands with strong visual elements consistently see up to 3.5x higher brand recognition.
6. Curiosity drives scans
People are naturally curious when they see something creative. A visually striking QR Code makes users wonder, “What’s behind that?”
This curiosity often leads to higher scan rates. According to recent studies, users are twice as likely to scan a visually appealing QR Code than a plain one.
7. Why brands are making the switch
From fashion and drink brands to event marketers and delivery apps, companies from all industries are adopting fancy QR Codes.
They’re not seeking functionality but paying for improved engagement, branding, and outcomes. It’s an easy adjustment that creates a significant effect.
E. Best use cases for fancy QR Codes
Fancy QR Codes work across a wide range of industries and applications. Here’s where they shine the most:
1. Retail
In retail, presentation and packaging are everything. QR Codes can be placed on product labels or shopping bags to transmit styling advice, care instructions, or special promo codes.
A branded QR Code adds value and improves the unboxing experience while driving repeat buys at the moment of sale.
2. Food & beverage
Labels can only say so much, but a QR Code can. Fancy QR Codes on bottles, jars, or boxes can connect to recipe videos, stories of where the ingredients were sourced, or time-limited promotions.
With packaging design that fits the product’s branding, the QR Code is an extension of the package, not an add-on.
3. Events
Whatever your event—festival, corporate conference, wedding—fancy QR Codes have their place on posters, invites, lanyards, and tickets. Audience members can use them to RSVP, see agendas, download festival maps, or look at speaker bios without diminishing the visual appearance of your event and keeping its brand intact.
4. Restaurants
Menus are becoming digital, but nobody wishes to scan a dull black-and-white code in a bistro or luxury lounge.
Impressive QR Codes enable you to present mobile menus, reservation sheets, or feedback, all encapsulated in a design that goes well with the décor and atmosphere of your restaurant. It is functional, hygienic, and chic.
5. Real estate
Fancy QR Codes on “For Sale” signs, brochures, or property listings let buyers scan and instantly view virtual tours, pricing info, or agent contact details.
With branding that matches your real estate firm, you gain professionalism and instant access—no app download required.
6. Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies may utilize branded QR Codes on patient handouts, prescription bags, or posters.
Patients can scan to view medication instructions, post-treatment care videos, or appointment booking pages.
The clean, customized design adds clarity and trust to crucial medical information.
7. Education
Schools, colleges, and edtech platforms can put sleek QR Codes on brochures, classroom doors, or event banners.
Students can scan to download course materials, complete admission forms, or view campus maps.
A specially designed QR Code assists in creating a contemporary, tech-savvy image for your institution.
8. Beauty & fashion
Brands in this space thrive on visual storytelling. Fancy QR Codes on packaging, store displays, or influencer kits can connect to makeup tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, or digital lookbooks.
The design can be aligned with your aesthetic, chic, minimalist, bold, or glam—so it feels like an extension of your brand, not a utility.
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F. Real-life examples of brands using fancy QR Codes successfully
Let’s take a closer look at how brands are using fancy QR Codes to drive real engagement:
1. Starbucks
Starbucks uses fancy QR Codes in its mobile app for payments and loyalty rewards. These QR Codes aren’t just functional.
They are created in the brand’s iconic green and bear the Starbucks logo.
Scanning at the counter or earning stars, the experience is premium, polished, and unmistakably “Starbucks.” The visual consistency supports brand identity while providing speed and convenience.
2. Nike
Nike maximally leverages product real estate by adding QR Codes onto shoes, clothes labels, and packaging. In most cases, the codes come in brand-conforming colors and shapes.
By scanning, they direct customers to campaign films, limited release drops, care notes, or virtual try-ons.
It maximizes the brand storytelling offline and generates an interactive shopping experience straight from the product.
3. L’Oréal
L’Oréal elevates the customer experience with elegant QR Codes printed on the packaging itself.
The codes connect to video tutorials, influencer-guided how-tos, and customized skincare tips. The QR Codes are made to fit the aesthetic and feel of each product range.
Whether minimalist for skincare or colorful for makeup, the codes blend seamlessly into the unboxing experience.
4. Burger King
Burger King executed a much-remembered TV advertising campaign with bouncy, branded QR Codes.
It was a creative, engaging, and quirky code, bouncing around on the screen, inviting people to scan it. In return, viewers were offered Whoppers for free.
The gutsy and frivolous design spoke volumes about the playful nature of Burger King’s personality and exhibited how QR Codes can make a passive medium such as television active.
5. Zara
Fashion store Zara employs stylish QR Codes on clothing labels and tags within its stores. Consumers can scan for current inventory, check size availability, or receive styling tips. The QR Codes complement Zara’s minimalist and sleek branding.
They provide helpful information without breaking the store’s sophisticated look. It’s a harmonious integration of fashion and technology.
6. Spotify
Spotify created a custom visual format that resembles a waveform but works like a QR Code. These stylized codes allow users to share songs, albums, or playlists instantly.
They are used within the app and printed on merchandise or artist posters.
Designed to match Spotify’s sleek interface, these QR Codes feel like a natural extension of the brand and make music sharing feel fun and straightforward.
The largest QR Code on record was created by Audi, which measures a whopping 159 square meters (that’s 1711 square feet, for the non-metrically inclined). Source: waspbarcode
G. Tips for designing an effective fancy QR Code
Want your fancy QR Code to shine? Follow these best practices:
1. Balance style with function
While going all-out with colors, shapes, and logos is tempting, never sacrifice scannability. A fancy QR Code still needs to be instantly recognized by any scanning app.
Use a QR Code generator that lets you test your design before finalizing. Always scan it using multiple devices and apps to be sure it works smoothly.
2. Stick to brand guidelines
Your QR Code should be a natural extension of your branding. Use your brand’s official color palette, logo, and even typography if your tool allows it.
This visual consistency builds trust and makes your QR Code feel intentional, not just functional. Think of it as a tiny billboard for your brand.
3. Keep a quiet zone
The “quiet zone” is the blank space surrounding your QR Code. It may seem like wasted space, but scanners must properly detect the code.
Avoid placing design elements or text too close to the edges. Aim for a quiet zone at least four wide modules (tiny squares).
4. Contrast is key
Using dark foregrounds (the actual QR pattern) on light backgrounds to get the most out of them. Cancers such as red against pink or blue against black can decrease readability.
High contrast helps your QR Code be easily readable, printed, or otherwise.
5. Size matters
Size matters, especially in print. A QR Code that’s too small can be challenging to scan. Generally, go no smaller than 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches) on printed materials.
If you expect people to scan from a distance, like on a poster or banner, increase the size accordingly.
6. Use dynamic QR Codes
Static QR Codes are permanent, but dynamic QR Codes give you flexibility. You can change the destination URL later, even after printing.
They also offer analytics like scan count, location, and device type. Go dynamic if you want your QR Code to do more than look good.
7. Include a call to action
Don’t assume people will scan just because the QR Code is there.
Tell them why they should. Phrases like “Scan to Shop,” “Scan for 10% Off,” or “Scan to Watch the Video” add context and urgency. A well-placed CTA can significantly increase scan rates and engagement.
H. Common mistakes to avoid when designing fancy QR Codes
Even a great idea can fall flat with poor execution. Watch out for these errors:
1. Too much customization
Adding logos, custom patterns, and brand colors is excellent, but going too far, your QR Code may stop functioning.
Scanners can’t detect the code properly if you cover or modify too many of the critical modules (like the three-position markers in the corners). Always work within the boundaries of what your QR generator allows, and use high error correction to accommodate light customization safely.
2. Wrong color choices
One of the biggest reasons QR Codes fail to scan is bad color choices. A light-colored foreground on a light background, like yellow on white, looks nice but is nearly invisible to most scanners.
Use a dark foreground (like black, navy, or dark green) on a light background for best results. And avoid color combinations that blend too closely.
3. Using low-resolution files
Your fancy QR Code might look sharp on screen, but if you export it in low resolution and then print it on a flyer or product label, it can appear blurry or pixelated.
This can make it unscannable. Always export your QR Code in high resolution (300 DPI or SVG format) to ensure it holds up in print and large displays.
4. Linking to long URLs
A lengthy URL creates a denser, more complex QR Code with more dots. This can lead to slower scan times and reduced readability, especially after adding design elements.
Instead, use a URL shortener or, better yet, opt for a dynamic QR Code. Dynamic codes simplify the design and let you update the URL later without reprinting.
5. Placing on curved or textured surfaces
QR Codes work best on flat, smooth surfaces. The code can warp or distort when placed on curved bottles, textured packaging, or fabrics.
This distortion affects how scanners read the pattern. If you must use a curved surface, keep the QR Code small, flat, and positioned where the surface curves the least.
6. Skipping the testing step
Never assume your QR Code works just because it looks good. Always test it on multiple devices and apps, especially Android and iOS.
Also test it in different lighting conditions, at various distances, and on both print and screen. A simple test phase can save you from costly reprints or a failed campaign.
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Final thoughts
Fancy QR Codes are here to stay. They’re more than just pretty designs—they’re tools that drive interaction, enhance branding, and improve user experience.
A fancy QR Code can grab attention, win trust, and boost conversions. Whether you’re a startup or a global brand, investing in better QR design is an easy win.
So, make your next QR Code fancy and your brand unforgettable.