A plain QR Code can do the job, but a branded design helps it stand out and get scanned. That’s a big deal when you’re running high-volume campaigns where every impression counts.
QR Codes give enterprise marketers a scalable way to extend the brand experience across packaging, screens, and signage. Each one should look polished, perform reliably, and feel purpose-built for its environment.
This guide will help you design QR Codes that stand out, get scanned, and scale without compromising usability or brand consistency.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
What is a creative QR Code?
A creative QR Code blends functionality with visual branding. It’s still functional, but designed with colors, logos, patterns, and other elements that align with your brand and capture attention.
Generic black-and-white QR Codes are easy to overlook, especially in busy, multichannel environments. Creative design helps your code stand out, look trustworthy, and encourage more scans.
Bitly Codes offers flexible customization tools to help you create branded, high-performing codes that drive consistent engagement at any scale.
A creative QR Code blends form and function
Branded QR Codes need to be both visually appealing and easy to scan. If a code isn’t sized or placed correctly, people won’t scan it, even if the design is polished.
Bitly helps balance both priorities with advanced customization tools. For example, the QR Code generator includes built-in contrast tools and size controls to support visibility and performance.
Why creativity matters for brand recognition
Visual elements like your logo, colors, and shapes are key components of brand identity. When you think of brands like McDonald’s (red and yellow), Starbucks (green and white), or Facebook (blue and white), their color schemes are often the first thing that come to mind.
Incorporating these elements into your QR Codes makes them immediately recognizable as part of your brand. That familiarity helps build trust and increases the likelihood that people will scan.
Functional designs improve scan rates
The most effective QR Codes make it quick and convenient to access digital content. Ideally, your audience should be able to scan and land on your content in seconds. In fact, 28% of consumers say QR Codes take too long to load, and they’re likely to move on if the experience isn’t seamless.
Even the most creative QR Codes need to prioritize usability. High-contrast color palettes, proper sizing, and clear frames help ensure fast, successful scans. Always test your codes before launch, and use Bitly Analytics to monitor engagement. If a code isn’t getting the expected scan volume, it may signal a design issue worth revisiting.
Design with the destination and use case in mind
Great QR Code design starts with understanding where and how your code will be used. A code on product packaging needs a different approach than one on a billboard or business card.
Each medium comes with its own set of challenges (like size, material, lighting, and scanning distance) that should shape your design choices from the start.
Where your QR Code will live affects the design
Every placement has different physical demands, and your QR Code should look natural in its environment while remaining easy to scan. That means a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, so you may need to tailor your design to each use case.
For example, curved or glossy packaging may require stronger contrast and simpler patterns to maintain scannability. But a QR Code for a website or another digital medium, you can explore more color gradients and fine detail, since contrast isn’t critical.
Likewise, QR Codes on billboards should be scannable from a distance, with bold designs and larger dimensions. Smaller assets, like business cards, require compact codes with clean lines and minimal visual clutter.
Codes for packaging, signage, business cards, and screens
Use these best practices when designing QR Codes for different types of printed materials:
- Product packaging: Keep your code compact, color-matched, and placed where it’s easy to scan. Depending on the surface material, it may be better to apply a QR Code sticker for better readability instead of printing directly on the package.
- Signage: Consider distance and lighting. The farther away your audience is, the larger your code needs to be. In well-lit or backlit areas, use high-contrast colors to prevent the code from looking washed out.
- Business cards: Leave plenty of white space around your code to avoid a cluttered look. Add a logo and a simple frame with a call to action (CTA) to keep it professional and scannable.
- Screens: When displaying a QR Code on digital screens, account for resolution and choose an appropriate pixel ratio. Glare or reflection can affect scan performance, so test placement and contrast in advance.
Bitly supports high-quality QR Code generation across all of these applications, plus customization and tracking tools to help every scan count.
Lighting, materials, and environment
Before launching your QR Code, test it in real-world conditions to ensure it scans reliably. Factors like lighting (artificial vs. natural) and surface materials (matte vs. glossy) can cause glare that interferes with scannability.
Use Bitly’s scan test feature to preview your design before printing. And because all Bitly Codes are Dynamic, you can edit your codes after publishing to update the URL as needed—no reprinting required.
Visual QR Code elements you can customize
With Bitly, you can customize nearly every visual aspect of your QR Code to match your brand. Bitly helps you flex your creative muscle while still maintaining scannability and functionality.
As you design your codes, you can adjust the pattern, corner styles, colors, frames, and logos directly in the Bitly Connections Platform. You don’t need graphic design experience or advanced photo editing tools—just a clear idea of how you want your code to look and perform.
QR Code patterns (9 available options)
Bitly currently offers nine distinct QR Code patterns, including dots, boxes, and hybrid shapes. These let you choose a design that complements your brand visuals without affecting performance. For instance, if your brand uses sharp, angular fonts, you might select a box-style pattern to match.
Keep in mind that more intricate patterns may require higher contrast and resolution for optimal scannability, especially if you’re printing on textured surfaces or displaying the code in low-light environments.
Corner shapes (10+ styles)
Bitly Codes support more than 10 corner styles, including circles, squares, ovals, and hybrid shapes. These small design details can have a big impact on how your QR Code looks and feels.
To keep your branding cohesive, choose corners that echo your existing design language. For example, if your brand leans toward soft, rounded visuals, circular corners will feel more consistent. Just be sure to test every design to ensure reliable scanning.
Color selection for code, background, and corners
With Bitly, you can fine-tune your QR Code’s color palette, including the code pattern, background, and both inner and outer corners. Use exact hex codes to match brand colors, or choose from Bitly’s preset palettes if you want a fast, cohesive option. Gradients and transparency are also supported.
Applying your brand colors helps your QR Code look more professional and trustworthy. Since customers already associate those colors with your brand, they’re more likely to scan confidently.
Avoid low-contrast combinations that might blend into the background under certain lighting. High-contrast shades scan better, grab attention more easily, and improve accessibility.
Frames for CTAs and seasonal campaigns
Bitly includes pre-designed frame templates with customizable CTAs you can tailor to fit campaigns. For example, you might use “Get 10% off” for a loyalty offer or “See it in action” for a product demo. You can also adapt frames for seasonal use, like holiday sales or limited-time events.
A QR Code frame adds visual separation between the code and surrounding design elements on your signage or packaging. That extra space boosts visibility, while the CTA gives people a reason to scan.
To test what works best, try A/B testing your frames with Bitly Analytics. Create two versions of the same QR Code using different frames, then split them across your packaging or signage. Bitly Analytics will show which one drives the most scans, so you can optimize future placements.
How to customize your QR Code color for readability and impact
Color is one of the most powerful elements in QR Code design. It influences both brand recognition and scan visibility, but if chosen poorly, it can hurt your performance.
The key is using high-contrast color combinations that enhance both readability and brand consistency. With Bitly, you can apply custom colors across your QR Code’s pattern, corners, and background to ensure it looks great and works reliably.
Here’s how to make a QR Code using Bitly that’s both functional and on-brand.
Using hex codes and gradients for brand alignment
Bitly gives you full control over color customization. Instead of being limited to preset palettes, you can enter hex codes directly from your brand’s style guide to create a perfect color match across your QR Codes.
Bitly also supports gradients, allowing you to blend two colors for a dynamic, eye-catching effect. When used strategically, gradients can add visual interest and help your QR Code stand out.
However, gradients can sometimes affect functionality or confuse users. To avoid issues, maintain a strong contrast between the code and its background, and choose color pairs with similar tones rather than starkly different hues.
Avoid low-contrast designs that reduce scannability
If your QR Code color is too similar to the background, it may become difficult or impossible to scan. Not only will smartphone cameras struggle to read it, but it can also fade into the design and go unnoticed by your audience.
To ensure scannability, aim for high contrast. Dark code patterns on a light background tend to perform best. If you’re unsure, use a free online contrast checker to test your color combination before publishing.
Balancing function and form is key. Overly artistic designs can be distracting or unreliable. Prioritize scan performance first, then use color, shape, and branding elements to add individuality without compromising usability.
Add contrast with frames and backgrounds
If you’re using a light color for your QR Code pattern, consider adding a frame or placing it on a darker background box to boost contrast and ensure scannability.
This is especially important when your QR Code appears on complex surfaces, like photos or patterned packaging. Frames and backgrounds help separate the code visually, so it doesn’t get lost in the design.
Use transparent backgrounds (but test first)
Bitly also supports transparent backgrounds, which remove the solid fill behind the QR Code pattern. This option works well for digital overlays, packaging, or printed materials where the surrounding design already provides strong contrast.
Just make sure to test thoroughly. If the code blends into the background or isn’t clearly visible, it won’t scan reliably.
How to add a logo or icon to your QR Code
Including a logo or icon in your QR Code is one of the simplest ways to increase brand recognition. It signals to your audience that the code is legitimate and tied to a brand they trust.
With some Bitly plans, you can upload your own logo or choose from preloaded social media icons to suit the context. This small visual cue can improve engagement (especially in customer-facing environments) by letting users know exactly what they’re scanning. Here’s how to add a logo when creating QR Codes in Bitly.
Upload your brand logo
With Bitly, you can easily place your company logo at the center of your QR Code. If it’s included in your plan, your logo can be toggled on or off as you create new codes—no need to re-upload it each time.
Branded QR Codes create instant familiarity, particularly on product packaging, signage, and print campaigns where recognition matters. For the best results, use a clear, high-resolution logo that’s properly sized so it doesn’t obscure the QR Code pattern or affect scannability.
Add social icons to show destination (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn)
When linking to a social media page, you can include a preset icon to show your audience exactly where the QR Code leads. Bitly offers built-in logos for Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other popular platforms. This small detail helps set expectations and can boost engagement, especially in mobile-first environments.
Use logos to build trust and improve scan rates
Adding familiar logos to your QR Codes can increase consumer trust and encourage more scans. When the source looks legitimate and aligns with the surrounding design, people are more likely to engage. Pairing the logo with a clear CTA (like “Follow us on Instagram” or “See the product in action”) can boost trust and engagement rates.
Plan availability for logo uploads
Bitly’s logo upload feature is available on paid plans only. While the free QR Code generator offers basic customization, advanced branding tools (like uploading a logo) require a paid subscription. If you’re not sure which features your plan includes, check your account settings or visit the Bitly Pricing page for details.
Best practices for QR Code framing and CTAs
Adding a frame with a clear call-to-action helps your QR Code stand out and encourages people to interact with it. It gives the code more visual structure and provides immediate context.
Bitly offers a range of frame styles, including evergreen, seasonal, and customizable options, so you can tailor each frame to your campaign goals.
When choosing a CTA and frame, prioritize the user experience. The message should be easy to read, relevant to the campaign, and placed so it doesn’t interfere with the QR Code or other key design elements.
Use seasonal frames to drive relevance
Bitly offers a variety of seasonal QR Code frames for timely promotions, like summer sales, back-to-school campaigns, or winter holidays. Occasionally, limited-time frame styles are also added to match current trends.
Rotating seasonal frames throughout the year helps keep your QR Codes aligned with your marketing calendar and makes your campaigns feel fresh without requiring a full design overhaul.
Add evergreen CTAs like “Scan Me”
Simple, evergreen CTAs like “Scan Me,” “Open Link,” or “Get Offer” can be highly effective. Clear, action-oriented language often outperforms complex or overly branded phrasing. Since these CTAs remain relevant year-round, you can reuse the same QR Codes across multiple campaigns or marketing channels without needing to redesign them.
To increase impact, pair evergreen CTAs with branded or campaign-specific messaging placed nearby. This adds helpful context while keeping the space around your QR Code clean and scannable.
You may also want to include basic scan instructions depending on your audience. One study found that 25% of consumers needed help the first time they scanned a QR Code, so even a short line like “Open your phone camera to scan” can make a difference.
Tips for using branded short links and landing pages with QR Codes
QR Codes are just one piece of the Bitly Connections platform. You can also use Bitly to create branded short links and mobile-friendly landing pages to extend the post-scan experience.
Pairing your QR Code with a branded destination URL helps build trust by showing users exactly where they’re headed. Bitly’s mobile-optimized landing page templates make it easy to deliver fast-loading, relevant content that feels cohesive with your campaign.
Today’s consumers expect instant access to useful, personalized content—especially when scanning a QR Code. Here’s how to pair short links and landing pages with your QR Codes for a more connected experience.
Why use branded links for your QR Codes?
When someone scans a QR Code with a smartphone camera or a barcode scanner app, the destination URL appears on their screen before they click. Using a long or unfamiliar link here can raise questions, but a branded short link helps build instant trust.
Instead of default URLs, create custom short links like yourbrand.co/summer. These are easier to read, take up less space in your design, and reinforce your brand identity at the moment of engagement.
Branded links are especially helpful for QR Codes in public settings (like flyers, signage, or event booths) where users may be encountering your brand for the first time. A clean, recognizable URL signals credibility and professionalism.
With Bitly, it’s easy to make a QR Code for a link you’ve already generated on the platform. Just a few clicks, and your destination is scan-ready.
How Bitly Pages help improve post-scan engagement
Bitly Pages lets you turn every QR Code scan into a seamless brand experience. Instead of directing users to third-party platforms or generic pages, you can build a mobile-optimized, no-code landing page right inside Bitly.
Getting started is simple: choose a layout from Bitly’s template library, then customize it with your logo, colors, and content. Whether you’re linking to a product launch, event signup, or limited-time offer, Bitly Pages helps you deliver the right message instantly.
Plus, every landing page is trackable, so you can measure how scans translate to page views and engagement—all from one platform.
Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes: Why does this matter?
There are two types of QR Codes: Static and Dynamic.
- Static QR Codes point to a fixed URL that can’t be changed after the code is created. Once printed or shared, the destination is permanent.
- Dynamic QR Codes allow you to update the destination URL even after launch, without needing to generate a new code.
This flexibility can be a game-changer for marketers. Whether you need to update a broken link, switch up a promo page, or test multiple landing pages, Dynamic QR Codes let you adapt on the fly.
Bitly supports Dynamic QR Codes on most plans, making it a smart solution for teams that value agility, performance data, and fewer print re-dos.
Choose the right type for your campaign
Dynamic QR Codes are ideal for high-volume or public-facing campaigns where flexibility matters. If your campaign might evolve (or if you simply want the option to update the destination later) Dynamic QR Codes help you avoid unnecessary reprints and keep everything up to date.
That said, Static QR Codes still have their place. For one-time uses or internal documents where the destination won’t change, a Static QR Code can be a simpler and more cost-effective option.
Benefits of Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR Codes go beyond editable destinations. You can also update campaign links, UTM parameters, and redirect rules. If you’re using Bitly Pages, you can even change the landing page content after publishing. This level of flexibility helps you avoid reprints and adjust your campaigns on the fly.
They’re also fully trackable with Bitly Analytics. Unlike Static QR Codes, Dynamic ones let you monitor performance in real time. You can track:
- Total scans
- Scans over time
- Referrers
- Location (city and country)
- Device type (Android, iOS)
You can also use Dynamic QR Codes to A/B test different versions and compare results.
Common use cases by industry to consider
Dynamic QR Codes offer added flexibility for campaigns across industries. A few examples include:
- Retail: Link to new product drops, seasonal collections, or limited-time offers.
- Events: Update schedules, venue maps, or speaker lineups.
- Real estate: Redirect to active listings, virtual tours, or open house details.
- Healthcare: Update appointment booking links, intake forms, or post-visit surveys.
QR Code designs for business cards and direct mail
Business cards and direct mailers have limited real estate, but QR Codes let you pack in more value without overcrowding your design. In these formats, your QR Code needs to be intuitive, high-contrast, and easy to scan in casual, often quick-glance settings.
Bitly Codes are downloadable in multiple file formats, including PNG and SVG, so you can easily add them to your designs and print materials. Here’s how to design QR Codes that stand out on business cards and mailers.
Balance size, contrast, and white space
For business cards, use QR Codes that are at least 0.8 x .08 inches to ensure visibility. Be sure to leave enough white space around the code (known as the “quiet zone”) so it can be scanned easily.
Avoid placing QR Codes too close to logos, text, or other design elements, as this can make your business card or mailer feel cluttered. If you’re unsure about scannability, print a test version before committing to a full run.
Include logos and social proof to build trust
With print materials like business cards and direct mailers, your audience needs to trust you; otherwise, they may toss your mail without scanning it. Branding helps bridge that gap.
If you’re creating a QR Code for a small business mailer, Bitly lets you place your logo at the center to reinforce brand recognition. On business cards, you can link your QR Codes directly to your LinkedIn or Instagram profile for added social proof.
QR Code tips for packaging and product labels
Adding QR Codes to packaging is a smart way to share special offers, product details, or other content that won’t fit on the label. But packaging comes with its own design challenges, like curved surfaces, textured materials, and evolving lighting conditions.
Bitly gives the flexible design tools and Dynamic QR Code capabilities needed to create scannable, eye-catching codes that perform reliably on all kinds of packaging.
Transparent codes for printed materials
If you want your QR Code to blend seamlessly into your packaging design, consider using a transparent background instead of a solid color. Several Bitly plans support transparent backgrounds, making it easy to match your aesthetic.
Transparent codes work especially well for minimalist or premium packaging, where subtlety is key. Just make sure the QR Code pattern still contrasts clearly with the underlying surface. Otherwise, it may be difficult to scan.
Value with instructional or campaign messaging
Your customers need to know why they should scan the QR Code on your product packaging. Pair each code with short, helpful text that tells them what to expect.
For example, try frames with phrases like “Scan for ingredients” or “Get exclusive offers.” Bitly’s QR Code frames support customizable messaging, so you can tailor the wording to fit your brand voice and campaign goals.
Code colors to match packaging palettes
Integrate your brand colors into your QR Code design for a seamless, cohesive look. Since Bitly supports hex codes and gradients, you can achieve an exact match with your brand palette.
When designing your code, always prioritize contrast and scannability in real-world conditions. Keep in mind that glossy packaging might create glare, and curved or textured surfaces could also limit functionality if the QR Code isn’t placed properly.
QR Codes for events and signage: What to consider
Adding QR Codes to signage is a simple, reliable way to drive real-time engagement at events. You can use them to speed up registration, share product details, or capture lead information on the spot.
To be effective in public spaces, your QR Codes need to be bold, scannable, and easy to spot from afar. Here’s how to design high-impact, functional QR Codes for conferences, retail displays, public installations, and more.
Test scannability across sizes and distances
Large signage requires proportionally large QR Codes. Even a beautifully designed code won’t deliver results if it’s too small to scan from a distance.
As a general rule of thumb, aim for at least 1 x 1 inch for physical documents and 2 x 2 inches or larger for signage meant to be scanned from farther away. Always test your code in real-world conditions to confirm it’s easy to scan in the environment where it’ll appear.
Optimize for dim or variable lighting
Think about the lighting conditions at your display location. Glare or low light can interfere with scannability, so choose high-contrast color combinations to keep your QR Code visible. Avoid using two light colors, which can blend and become unreadable.
If you’re using digital signage, which is common at concerts or conferences, animated QR Codes are a fun way to boost engagement. Just keep the motion slow and simple to give people enough time to scan.
Plan for fast action with big, bold frames
In public spaces, your QR Codes need to stand out, and a bold frame can help grab attention fast. Bitly offers both pre-made and customizable frame options to suit your campaign. Add a clear, relevant CTA so people immediately know what they’ll get by scanning.
Design your QR Codes for scale, trust, and engagement
Custom QR Codes aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re a practical way to boost scan rates, reinforce brand recognition, and quickly guide users to the right content. By tailoring your code’s colors, frames, corners, and logo, you can make every scan feel intentional and on-brand.
For growing teams and enterprise brands, a basic QR Code generator won’t cut it. Bitly gives you full creative control with Dynamic QR Codes, plus built-in tracking tools to monitor performance by scan volume, location, and device in real time. And if your campaign changes, you can update the destination link anytime without reprinting or redesigning your code.
Start designing QR Codes that get scanned. Explore Bitly plans to see how easy it is to create your first custom QR Code today.
