Qivo practical guides
Which QR code settings should you choose?
Good settings work together: content length, physical size, contrast and design all affect the result. Start with a simple code that scans reliably, then make changes gradually.
For a normal link, start with M, square finders, a dark code on white, and a four-module margin.
Error correction levels L, M, Q and H
Error correction adds redundant information that helps recover damaged data. A higher level can increase code density, so H is not automatically the best choice for every use.
The percentages below describe approximate codeword recovery. They do not mean you can safely cover the same percentage of the image with a logo.
| Level | Approximate recovery | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| L | About 7% | Clean codes without a logo; test the intended conditions |
| M | About 15% | A practical starting point for most simple layouts |
| Q | About 25% | Where scuffs or dirt are possible |
| H | About 30% | Applied automatically by Qivo when a logo is used |
The white margin around the code
The quiet zone separates the symbol from text, graphics and the surrounding background. The standard starting point is four modules on every side. It is part of the layout, not a decorative border.
Qivo lets you adjust it from 0 to 12 modules. Zero is available for composition, but is not a reliable starting point for a standalone label. If you reduce the file margin, leave clear space around the symbol in the final layout and test the printed result.
Colors and shapes
A dark code on a light, solid background is the simplest starting point. Qivo rejects low contrast, but that is not a test of every printer, paper or camera. Transparent materials, reflections and color printing can change the result.
Modules, finder borders and finder centers are independently adjustable. If scanning gets worse, restore square borders and centers first. This helps identify which design choice caused the problem.
Useful starting combinations
- A link on a screen: M, four-module margin and simple finders; PNG at an appropriate display resolution.
- A business card or label: SVG, four-module margin and a dark color; test at final printed size.
- A logo code: automatic H, a moderate logo size and standard finders to begin with.
- A long vCard: remove unnecessary fields or increase the physical size of the code.
Change one setting at a time
Keep a version that already scans successfully. Change one shape or color, check it again, then make the next change. This makes troubleshooting much easier.
A dense code needs enough space on its final surface. Increasing pixel dimensions adds detail to the file, but does not automatically make the printed symbol physically larger.
Sources and further reading
Prepared and maintained by Umind. Test these recommendations on your final layout and target devices.