Protect the quiet zone
Leave clear margin around the code — about four modules — so text, seams and edges don't crowd it.
Where to use
A label that keeps talking
Print a QR code on your product label and shoppers can register, check authenticity, follow setup steps or see what's inside — long after the box is opened.
- Fits small labels
- Curve-friendly
- Editable content
Product label QR size guide
Shoppers scan a product from close up, usually 10–20 cm away. The rule of thumb: minimum size ≈ scan distance ÷ 10.
| Context | Minimum size | Scan distance |
|---|---|---|
| Small label or sachet | 1.5 × 1.5 cm | up to ~10 cm |
| Standard product label | 2 × 2 cm | up to ~15 cm |
| Curved bottle, jar or tube | 2.5 × 2.5 cm (use higher error correction) | up to ~15 cm |
| Outer carton or large pack | 3 × 3 cm | up to ~25 cm |
Note: Print a test label on the real material and finish, then scan it curved — gloss and curvature behave very differently from flat paper.
Who it's for
Labels that do more than a barcode
Retail products
Send shoppers to details, how-to videos or reorder links right from the shelf.
Cosmetics & personal care
Share ingredients, usage tips and shade matches without cramming the label.
Food & drink
Link to nutrition, sourcing and recipes — and update them without a reprint.
Electronics & appliances
Point to setup guides, manuals and warranty registration in one scan.
Authenticity & transparency
Let buyers verify a genuine product and trace where it came from.
Reorders & refills
Make it one tap to buy again or subscribe when a product runs low.
Product label QR code FAQ
How small can a QR code be on a product label?
About 1.5 × 1.5 cm on a small label scanned up close, and 2 × 2 cm for a standard label. On curved surfaces, go to 2.5 × 2.5 cm and raise the error correction.
Will a QR code scan on a curved bottle or jar?
Yes, if it's sized up and uses higher error correction. Keep the code on the flattest part of the curve and away from the seam, and it reads fine.
Does the QR code replace the product barcode?
No — the retail barcode (EAN/UPC) is for checkout. A QR code adds a link for shoppers: registration, instructions, ingredients or reorders. Keep both, with space between them.
Can I change what the label links to after printing?
Yes, with a dynamic code. Swap the destination — say from a launch page to a support page — and every printed label follows, no reprint.
Will glare from glossy packaging stop it scanning?
It can. A matte or spot-matte finish over the code, plenty of contrast and a clear quiet zone keep it reliable under store lighting.
What makes this placement work
- Prefer a flat, matte area and avoid shrinking the quiet zone. Use a dynamic destination for information likely to change.
- 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 Product, 2D Barcode, PDF.
Put a scan-ready code on every label
Create a product label QR code — small enough for the label, editable when the details change.