You may be familiar with what QR Codes are. 

They are among the most popular tools, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.

You don’t need to learn rocket science to create one for yourself. This is how you can create your QR Code.

But as a marketer, you should create personalized QR Codes that are in sync with your brands.

So how would you do that? Well you can create a custom QR Code, which is basically a fancy QR Code with logo.

Unaware of them? Don’t worry! Let’s take a deep dive and learn how to make a QR Code with logo.

A website URL QR Code with logo

A QR Code with logo refers to a Quick Response (QR) Code that has been modified or personalized beyond its standard black-and-white appearance. 

Standard QRs are typically black squares arranged on a white background, but custom QRs allow for various design modifications better to suit branding, aesthetics, or specific use cases.

QR Code with a logo is like a fancy, branded shortcut. Instead of just being a plain square, it has your company’s logo in the middle. 

This makes it look more professional and helps people recognize your brand right away. It’s like a little billboard for your business that fits in the palm of your hand!

B. Elements that can be customized in a QR Code

1. Color

Colored QR Codes

The QR Code’s squares (modules) color and background can be customized. 

This customization can align the QR Code with a brand’s color scheme or simply make it more visually appealing.

2. Logo integration

Paypal QR Code

A QR with logo can include a company or brand logo within the code itself. 

This is done carefully to ensure that the QR Code remains scannable and that the embedded logo does not interfere with the code’s functionality.

3. Shape and style

QR Code of different shapes (how to make a custom QR Code)

The traditional square shape of a QR Code can be modified to include rounded corners or take on a different shape altogether. Stylistic elements can be added to make the QR Code visually distinctive.

4. Background and foreground

Custom Background QR Code

The background and foreground elements of a QR Code can be adjusted. This customization allows for greater flexibility in integrating the QR Code into various design contexts.

Customizing QR Codes goes beyond altering their appearance; it can also involve encoding different types of information, such as URLs, text, contact details, or other data, depending on the intended use.

A QR Code with logo is often used in marketing materials, product packaging, business cards, and other contexts where a branded and visually appealing QR Code can enhance recognition and engagement. 

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between customization and maintaining the QR Code’s functionality, ensuring that it remains scannable by various devices and QR Code readers.

Reasons to use a custom QR Code

Using a QR with logo offers several advantages in various contexts, primarily driven by branding, aesthetics, and improved user engagement. 

Here are some reasons why you should use logo on QR Codes:

1. Branding and identity

Brand consistency: QR Codes with logo allow businesses to maintain brand consistency by incorporating brand colors, logos, and other visual elements into the code. 

This helps reinforce brand identity and make the QR Code instantly recognizable.

Pro Tip: Use your brand’s color scheme to align the QR Code with your overall branding. This can help in creating a consistent visual identity.

2. Enhanced aesthetics

Visual appeal: Customization enables the creation of visually appealing QR Codes that can be integrated seamlessly into marketing materials, product packaging, or promotional items.

This can attract more attention and make the QR Code more memorable. You can even use QR Code frames.

3. Increased recognition

Stand out from the crowd: In a sea of standard black-and-white QR Codes, a custom-designed QR Code with logo stands out and is more likely to capture users’ attention. 

This increased recognition can lead to higher engagement.

Pro Tip: Ensure that the logo does not obstruct the essential parts of the QR Code and that it remains scannable.

4. Versatility and contextual integration

Tailored for specific use cases: Custom QR Codes can be tailored for specific campaigns, events, or product launches.

The ability to adapt the QR Code to different contexts makes it a versatile tool for communication.

5. Marketing and promotions

Promotional campaigns: A QR with logo can be used to create a visual connection with the marketing message. 

They can be integrated into advertisements, posters, and other materials to drive user interaction.

6. Unique design elements

Creative expression: A QR Code with logo allows for creative expression by incorporating unique design elements, such as shapes, patterns, and stylistic features. 

This can make the personalized QR Codes more exciting and memorable.

7. Embedding additional information

Beyond standard data: A QR Code with a logo can be designed to encode not just basic information like URLs but also additional details, such as contact information, social media links, or product details.

Depending on the intended use, you can even create templates that suit your needs.

8. Event and product branding

Event marketing: For events, conferences, or product launches, custom QR Codes with event branding can be used on tickets, badges, or promotional materials. This creates a cohesive and immersive experience for attendees.

In 2022, approximately 89 million smartphone users in the United States scanned a QR Code on their mobile devices, up by 26 percent compared to 2020. Source: Statista

How to make a custom QR Code

Now that you know the reasons for using a QR Code with logo, let us know how you can create QR Code with logo.

Note that In this guide, we’ll be using the Scanova QR Code generator to create QR Code with logo. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Scanova.

2. Select the prefered QR Code category  as per your need, such as Website URL, Google Maps, Social Media, and Vcard Profile 

Say you want to create a QR Code that redirects to your website. For doing so you have to select the Website URL QR Code from the list of QR Code categories.

3. Enter the URL of your website and click Continue

4. On the page that loads, name the QR Code and click Create QR Code

5. Next, you’ll see the QR Code preview and the Edit Design option. You can use it to customize your QR Code (or add a logo on QR Code)

Once you click on it, you will see two design options: Custom Logo Design and AI-Generated Design.

Choose Qr Code design type

To create a Custom QR Code with Logo in the center, follow these steps:

Click the Customize Logo Design option in the ‘Choose QR Code Design Type’ window. 

Custom logo design tabs

This will take you to the designing tool where you can customize your QR Code by adding a logo, changing color, pattern, and background color

By default, the Frame tab will be open. A QR frame seamlessly integrates into your creative designs and captures the audience’s attention. 

Moreover, it usually includes a call-to-action (CTA) to inform your audience about the functionality of the QR.

Select your preferred design from the “Suggested” or “All” and choose one according to your preference.

You can go to the Logo tab by clicking on it. Here, you’ll see two logo options:

Choose From Gallery:

Scanova offers many pre-saved logos and icons of famous brands and social media platforms. 

You can choose them by clicking on your preferred logo.

Upload Own Logo:

Click this option to upload your logo image in PNG, JPG, or JPEG format. The maximum size of the logo image to be uploaded here is 5 MB.

After uploading an image, you’ll see these design options:

  • Size: It allows you to increase or decrease the size of your logo within the QR Code
  • Remove Blocks Around Logo: If you turn it on, it will remove the data modules around your QR Code
  • Stroke: It allows you to add padding to the uploaded logo image. This way, you can clearly distinguish the logo from the data modules. You can also change the stroke color as per your wish

Note: The stroke feature only works with SVG images.

Add Text (as a logo):

Choose this option if you want to add text as a logo in your QR Code. Here you can change the text box size, color, and font of the text along with options such as bold and italics.

In the Eyes tab, you can change the pattern and color of the QR Code’s eyes. 

It even allows you to change the color of both outer and inner eyes separately.

In the Data tab, you will find options to change the pattern and color of data modules. You can also choose a gradient to add to your data modules.

Changing the background color:

In the Background tab, you can change the color of the background or even make it transparent

QR Code background

Pro Tip: Ensure there is enough contrast between the QR Code and its background. It is essential for its scannability.

In the Error Correction tab, you can select the error correction level for your QR Code with logo. 

Pro Tip: If you have added a logo, an appropriate level of error correction will be chosen automatically to ensure good scannability.

6. Once you finalize the QR Code design, click Done Editing

Now, you can go ahead and export your QR Code with logo by clicking on the Download button. 

A pop-up will appear, prompting you to sign-up for a 14-day free trial. Note that you’ll need to sign-up to be able to download your QR Code image.

Download QR Code export options offered by Scanova

7. Once you sign up, proceed to download your QR Code with logo. You’ll be asked to specify the size and format of the QR Code image to be downloaded. Once you enter these details, click Export 

Your QR Code will be downloaded. You should download the image in vector format (SVG, EPS) to add your QR Code to print material.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you scan the QR Code with a QR Code scanning application before printing it on your campaign material.

Here’s how different groups can use a custom QR Code with logo:

1. Businesses

In this way, sales promotion can be jump-started since customers can easily contact them for product specifications, promotions, and websites while at the same time identifying their interaction levels. 

2. Event organizers

Makes check-ins easy, and tickets and passes go digital. You can also share calendars and maps with your attendees. 

3. Restaurants and cafes

Adding to the convenience and ambiance of the dining, introduce digital menus, promotions, and a way to get customers’ opinions. 

4. Retail stores

Reduce points and rake systems of reward programs, describe products and services with details, and give special offers by scanning the code. 

5. Nonprofits and charities

Ensure your adverts make it easy for supporters to donate and get information on the cause with a simple glance. 

6. Artists and creatives

Mingle portfolios, sell products, and quickly engage the target market on social networking sites. 

7. Educators

Deliver notes, hand in their work, and offer fun-filled activities to the students. 

8. Real estate agents

Show the property features, photos, videos, and contact information to the potential buyers simultaneously. 

9. Healthcare providers

Increase patient satisfaction by facilitating access to patients’ electronic health records, appointment booking, and telemedicine through quick response codes. 

10. Travel and tourism

Contribute to improving tourists’ entertainment by providing fast and relevant data on sights, routes, and facilities.

F. How does Scanova stand out from other competitors

1. Unmatched features

Scanova's Brand Testimonial Review

High customization: Scanova stands out due to its customization options; you can add logos, change colors, and introduce unique frames that correspond to the brand. 

This type of level enhances the function and the aesthetics of the QR Codes you want to create. When it comes to a QR Code generator with logo, Scanova’s probably the best one.

Bulk QR Code generation: Need more QR Codes? Scanova also allows you to create them in batch, saving you a lot of time and energy.

Detailed analytics: Furthermore, by utilizing Scanova, you’ll be able to obtain detailed statistics for the QR Codes’ performance to get insights on their usage.

Variety of QR Code types: From URL, vCard, text, and e-mail to any type you want, Scanova is precisely what you are looking for. 

API Integration: The API integration of Scanova helps in quick and programmatic generation of QR Codes

2. Affordable and flexible pricing

Subscription plans: Currently, Scanova supports a freemium model, which, for a longer term, will attract users of different experiences as well as businesses of different sizes.

Free Option: Do you even need a Scanova? You can use the free tool to familiarize yourself with the application and get a better understanding of your requirements from paid plans.

Check out Scanova’s Free QR Code Generator Now!

3. Ease of use

G2 Review of Scanova

User-friendly interface: Through Scanova, QR Code creation and management is made simple and readily achievable even by persons with little or no technological skills. 

Quick setup: One of the main things, you know, is that setting up and generating QR Codes is extremely easy with Scanova. The whole process takes a very short time. 

4. Superior customization options 

G2 Testimonial of Scanova

Extensive Design Options: The customization options include logo inclusion, color options, and even frame creation. This means your QR Codes are easily seen and are as close to your brand as possible. 

Professional Appearance: When using Scanova, your QR Codes will be not only merely informative but also beautiful and branded, improving the overall outlook of your brand. 

5. Data privacy features 

Data privacy is, in fact, one of the prime concerns of any business and customers at large, more so in this present digital age. 

Scanova takes data privacy very seriously, which means that any user information collected via a QR Code has to be kept and handled securely. 

This platform abides by rigorous data protection regulations like GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001:2013, putting your mind at rest over how your customer’s data is handled.

Scanova's robust Security compliance

5. Exceptional Customer Support 

Email and Chat Support: Scanova offers accurate and friendly email and chat support to help with any inquiries or problems. 

Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Find guides, tutorials, and checklists to dive deeper and make the right use of every function of Scanova.

Scanova is trusted by many big brands like Amazon, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, etc.

G. Take a look at other QR Code generators

When choosing a QR Code generator, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the features offered by each provider.

Here are some pros and cons of various popular QR Code generator with logo:

1. Beaconstac

Pros:

  • Dynamic QR Codes with comprehensive analytics
  • Enterprise-level features and security
  • Wide range of customization options

Cons:

  • May be too costly for small businesses
  • Primarily targeted at larger enterprises

2. QR Monkey

Pros:

  • Offers free static QR Code generation
  • User-friendly interface
  • Basic customization options available

Cons:

  • Limited analytics compared to other providers
  • Lacks advanced features needed for more complex use cases

3. QR Stuff

Pros:

  • Supports a variety of data types
  • High-quality code generation
  • Easy-to-use interface

Cons:

  • Limited tracking and analytics features
  • Not as versatile in customization options

4. Me QR

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use for basic QR Codes
  • Offers basic tracking capabilities
  • Suitable for quick, uncomplicated projects

Cons:

  • Limited customization and design flexibility
  • Lacks advanced analytics and bulk generation options

5. Unitag

Pros:

  • Provides dynamic QR Codes
  • Feature for generating multiple codes simultaneously
  • User-friendly design interface

Cons:

  • Limited to dynamic codes only
  • Not as intuitive or feature-rich as some competitors

6. Flowcode

Pros:

  • Dynamic QR Codes with real-time analytics
  • High level of customization
  • Strong security features

Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to other tools
  • Free trial offers limited functionality

7. Canva

Pros:

  • Excellent design tools for integrating QR Codes
  • User-friendly interface
  • Flexible design options

Cons:

  • Limited editing and tracking capabilities for QR Codes
  • Not specialized in QR Code generation, so lacks advanced features

Scanova stands out with its freemium model, extensive customization options, and robust analytics for businesses looking for a comprehensive and flexible QR Code solution. 

It offers a versatile range of plans suited for both small and large enterprises, making it a well-rounded choice in the market.

To learn more about QR Code generators and choose the best for your business, read this guide.

Australia, the UK, and the UAE are among the top five countries with the highest QR Code creations in 2023. Source: persuasionnation

where to use custom QR Codes

You now know how to create your “personal QR Codes.” Here are the areas/places where you can use your custom QR Codes with logo.

1. Marketing materials

Business cards: Include a QR Code with a logo on business cards to link to your website, portfolio, or contact information.

Brochures and flyers: Embed QR Codes in promotional materials to provide quick access to additional information or special offers.

2. Product packaging

Labels and packaging: Integrate custom QR Codes on product labels to provide consumers with product details, user manuals, or promotional content.

3. Retail and point of sale

In-store displays: Use QR Codes on in-store displays to direct customers to product videos, reviews, or online purchasing options.

Receipts: Include QR Codes on receipts for customers to participate in surveys, promotions, or loyalty programs.

4. Events and conferences

Event tickets: Embed custom QR Codes on event tickets for seamless entry and to provide attendees with event details or exclusive content.

Conference badges: Print QR Codes on conference badges to facilitate networking or share presentation materials.

5. Digital and print advertisements

Print ads: Include QR Codes in print advertisements to link directly to product pages, promotional offers, or additional information.

Online ad campaigns: Use QR Codes in digital advertisements to drive traffic to specific landing pages or promotional content.

6. Business and office spaces

Office signage: Incorporate QR Codes on office signage to provide visitors with contact information, directions, or access to digital resources.

Employee IDs: Utilize QR Codes on employee IDs for secure access or to share internal resources.

7. Education and training

Textbooks and educational materials: Integrate QR Codes in textbooks for quick access to supplementary resources, quizzes, or video content.

Training manuals: Include QR Codes in training manuals to link to interactive content or online resources.

8. Restaurants and menus

 Menus: Implement QR Codes on menus to provide customers with access to detailed dish descriptions, nutritional information, or promotions.

Table tents: Place QR Codes on table tents for quick access to feedback forms or special offers.

9. Real estate

Property listings: Include QR Codes on property listings to link to virtual tours, additional photos, or contact information.

For sale signs: Add QR Codes to “For Sale” signs for potential buyers to access property details instantly.

10. Healthcare

Medical records and wristbands: Use QR Codes on medical records and patient wristbands for quick access to critical patient information.Prescription labels: Add QR Codes on prescription labels so patients can access medication details and instructions.

China, India, and Nigeria stand out as the top three nations with the highest QR Code usage among the countries that have embraced QR Code technology. Source: persuasionnation

Real life examples of brands using custom QR Codes

1. Unilever’s know your product campaign for Dove

Dove

The QR campaign named “Know Your Product” concentrated on using QR Codes in bus stands and metro stations. 

These QR Codes served as digital gateways, offering a range of information beyond the usual sales pitch. 

Upon scanning the QR Code with their smartphones or tablets, customers were directed to a dedicated webpage containing comprehensive details about the product’s ingredients, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact.

At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to transparency. From ingredient sourcing to rigorous testing procedures, Dove is devoted to sharing its narrative. 

Unilever facilitates access to this information, empowering individuals to make informed choices about the products they welcome into their homes.

The marketing approach extended beyond mere product promotion. Customers had the opportunity to engage directly with Unilever through a specialized website. 

They could share comments, pose questions, and even provide suggestions for improvements. By actively listening to and addressing customer concerns, Unilever fosters a sense of community and instills confidence in its relationship with its customers.

2. Starbucks’ loyalty program for customers

Starbucks

Starbucks, a globally recognized coffee brand, has a track record of employing inventive marketing strategies.

Their utilization of QR Codes in the loyalty program was a particularly effective technique. By scanning the code with their mobile devices, customers easily earn incentives and discounts for subsequent purchases. 

This seamless connection allows customers to engage with the brand and avail themselves of additional benefits.

In-store, Starbucks also implemented QR Codes to enhance the personalized experience. Customers could scan the QR Codes positioned next to each product to access detailed information about various coffee blends. 

Armed with this information and guided by their preferences, customers could make more informed decisions.

3. Pepsi’s Superbowl campaign

Pepsi

Pepsi has used QR Codes in its marketing strategy on multiple occasions. In a notable instance during Super Bowl LVI, Pepsi effectively integrated QR Codes into its promotional efforts. 

The company featured an advertisement concluding with a QR Code, encouraging viewers to scan it and access a dedicated Show app for augmented reality photo sharing.

By using a clear call-to-action and offering a unique incentive to those who scanned the code, Pepsi successfully captivated its audience in a novel and interactive manner. 

This not only sparked interest in their products but also provided valuable insights into consumer preferences and behaviors.

4. Love break lingo campaign by Nestle

Kitkat

Nestle’s Love Break Lingo campaign set a new standard for QR Code marketing, showcasing a clever integration of QR Codes onto their limited edition KitKat wrappers. 

This initiative aimed to resonate with young adults seeking a playful and interactive way to express their emotions.

Each KitKat wrapper featured a unique QR Code, and upon scanning, users were redirected to WhatsApp using the WhatsApp Business API

The scanned QR Codes unveiled a variety of messages, ranging from cute love notes to cheesy pick-up lines, adding delight and intrigue for customers. 

Using an AI chatbot, users could then craft personalized messages for their loved ones, selecting from categories like Bestie, Bae, Crush, Buddy, and more.

Nestle effectively transformed a simple chocolate bar into an enjoyable experience filled with laughter and romance through its innovative use of QR Codes. 

This approach highlighted how the integration of technology can enhance traditional marketing methods, creating memorable and engaging experiences.

What worked well for Nestle? They successfully connected with their audience on an emotional level by tapping into the universal language of love. 

Consumers eagerly sought out KitKats in anticipation of discovering hidden messages, adding an extra layer of enjoyment through the elements of surprise and anticipation.

5. HerShe campaign by Hershey’s

Hershey's

Hershey’s HerShe campaign serves as a remarkable example of effectively using QR Codes to engage and connect with customers.

Customers were prompted to scan QR Codes on Hershey’s bars, granting them access to inspirational videos. 

The videos featured successful women as part of a campaign dedicated to celebrating women’s empowerment.

This initiative proved highly effective by resonating with the emotions of the target audience. 

Given the strong sentiments surrounding women’s empowerment, Hershey’s adeptly tapped into this enthusiasm through their impactful HerShe campaign.

Moreover, Hershey’s enhanced the customer experience by using video content. 

Rather than simply reading about the success stories, customers had the opportunity to personally meet and hear from these extraordinary women, resulting in a more immersive and engaging interaction.

The number of smartphone users is forecasted to increase by 1.5 billion by 2029, an increase from the current number. Source: persuasionnation

Best practices: Custom QR Codes

Customizing QR Codes can be a great way to enhance their visual appeal while maintaining functionality. 

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when creating custom QR Codes:

1. Ensure scannability

The most important aspect is to ensure that the customizations do not compromise the QR Code’s scannability. Test the QR Code on various devices and with different QR Code scanners to confirm functionality.

2. High contrast

Maintain a high contrast between the QR Code and its background to ensure easy scanning. A good rule of thumb is to use dark colors for the QR Code on a light background or vice versa.

3. Choose appropriate colors

Use your brand colors wisely, ensuring they are aesthetically pleasing and do not interfere with the QR Code’s functionality. Vibrant and contrasting colors often work well.

4. Logo placement

If you’re adding a logo, place it strategically in the QR Code. The center is a common location, but be sure it doesn’t cover essential parts, especially the three squares in the corners that help with orientation.

5. Size matters

Your QR Code should be large enough to be easily scanned, even from a distance. However, avoid making it excessively large, as that might result in scanning issues.

6. Use high-quality images

If incorporating images or logos, use high-resolution graphics to maintain clarity. Low-quality images can hinder scannability.

7. Be mindful of encoding capacity

Remember that the more data you encode in a QR Code, the denser the pattern becomes. This can affect scannability, so balance customization with the amount of data you need to encode.

8. Avoid distortion

Avoid distorting the QR Code. Always maintain the square shape, as distorting it can affect scanning accuracy.

9. Test across devices

Test your customized QR Code on various smartphones, tablets, and QR Code scanning apps. Compatibility can vary, so ensure it works seamlessly on different platforms.

10. Provide a call-to-action (CTA)

If the QR Code leads to a website or specific content, include a clear call-to-action nearby to encourage people to scan the code.

11. Choose the right QR Code type

Depending on your use case, choose the right QR Code. There are various types for different purposes, such as website links, plain text, business cards, and more.

12. Backup with a standard QR Code

If the customized QR Code is for promotional or branding purposes, consider providing a standard QR Code as well. This ensures that individuals without a compatible QR Code reader can still access the information.

13. Legal considerations

Ensure that your customization adheres to legal standards and guidelines. Some industries or regions may have specific regulations regarding QR Code usage.

FAQs: Custom QR Code

1. What is a QR Code with logo?

A QR Code with logo is a special kind of QR that has your company’s picture, or logo, in the middle. It’s like a fancy dress-up for a regular QR Code!

2. Why should I use a QR Code with logo?

Using a QR Code with logo makes your code look more professional. It also helps people remember your brand because they see your logo.

3. Can I put any logo on QR Code?

Most of the time, yes. But it’s best if your logo isn’t too big or too complicated. The QR Code still needs to be easy to scan.

4. Will adding a logo make my QR Code harder to scan?

Not if you do it right. The logo should be placed in the middle of the QR Code and shouldn’t cover too much of the code.

5. Where can I use a QR Code with logo?

You can use QR Codes with logos almost anywhere! Think business cards, product packaging, posters, social media, and more.

6. How do I make a QR Code with logo?

There are many online tools that can help you make a QR Code with a logo. You start by visiting the Scanova website and either sign up or log in to your account. 

Choose the QR Code type based on your needs, such as URL or vCard, and input the relevant data. 

Optionally, customize the QR Code’s design by adjusting colors or adding a logo. 

Once configured, generate the QR Code and download the image to your computer. 

Testing the QR Code with a scanner is advisable to ensure accuracy. Finally, deploy and share the QR Code in your marketing materials or other relevant platforms.

Summing Up

Whether blending seamlessly with your brand, delivering dynamic content, or injecting innovation into materials, the customization journey is yours.

You’ve learned everything about QR Codes with logo. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.

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