Go large
Distance is everything on a poster — a code that looks big on your screen is often too small on a wall. Size up.
Where to use
Posters you can scan from across the room
A poster is seen from a distance and rarely touched. A big, high-contrast QR code lets people act on it from where they're standing — no need to walk up and squint.
- Scan from meters
- Editable link
- Big and bold
Poster QR size guide
Posters are scanned from a distance, so codes need to be far larger than on print you hold. The rule of thumb: minimum size ≈ scan distance ÷ 10.
| Context | Minimum size | Scan distance |
|---|---|---|
| A3 poster (indoor, close) | 5 × 5 cm | from ~1 m |
| A2 poster (wall-mounted) | 8 × 8 cm | from ~2 m |
| A1 / large-format | 12 × 12 cm | from ~3 m |
| Poster with a center logo | 8 × 8 cm (use higher error correction) | from ~2 m |
Note: Print a proof and test the scan from where people will actually stand, not from arm's length.
Who it's for
Posters that get a response
Event posters
Link to tickets or an RSVP from the wall or noticeboard.
Retail windows
Let passers-by open your shop, sale or catalog after hours.
Ad campaigns
Turn out-of-home placements into a measurable action.
Campus & noticeboards
Sign-ups, clubs and schedules students can grab on the go.
Wayfinding & venues
Maps, schedules or info at the point people need them.
Campaign tracking
Compare scans by location or poster design.
Poster QR code FAQ
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
Much bigger than on paper you hold — roughly 5 × 5 cm for a code read from a meter, and 8 to 12 cm for one seen from two to three meters. When in doubt, size up.
Why won't my poster code scan?
Usually it's too small for the viewing distance, or placed too high or too low. Mount it near eye level with clear space around it.
Can I use the same code across a whole campaign?
Yes — a dynamic code lets every printed poster share one destination you can update centrally, and track together.
Does a logo in the code hurt scanning at a distance?
It can, since it eats into the data area. If you add one, size the code up and use a higher error-correction level.
How high should I hang the poster?
Keep the code around eye level where possible. Codes placed above head height or near the floor are awkward to aim a phone at.
The print file is only half the job
- Size the code for distance, keep contrast high and put the action next to it in plain language.
- Preserve the quiet zone around the code.
- Avoid decorative changes that reduce foreground/background contrast.
- Scan a production proof with more than one phone before approving the full run.
- Match the destination to the placement. Common choices include Website, Event, Coupon.
Make your posters scannable from across the room
Create a poster QR code — sized for distance and editable long after it's on the wall.