How to Put a QR Code on a Flyer (2025 Guide)

Adding a QR code to your flyer is one of the easiest ways to bridge print and digital marketing. With one scan, people can visit your website, sign up for an event, view a menu, or take any action you want.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from creating the QR code to placing it perfectly on your flyer design.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Create Your QR Code

Go to fastfreeforeverqr.com
Paste the URL you want people to visit
Click "Generate QR Code"
Download as SVG (best for print) or PNG

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

For flyers (typically 8.5" x 11" or A4), your QR code should be:

Minimum: 0.8" x 0.8" (2cm x 2cm)
Recommended: 1" x 1" to 1.5" x 1.5" (2.5cm - 4cm)
Maximum: 2" x 2" (5cm x 5cm) — larger isn't better

Step 3: Pick the Best Placement

Where you place the QR code affects how many people scan it:

⭐⭐⭐

Bottom Right

Best spot. Natural eye flow ends here. Easy to scan.

⭐⭐⭐

Bottom Center

Great for prominent CTAs. Works well with centered designs.

⭐⭐

Bottom Left

Good option. Less prominent than right side.

⭐

Top or Middle

Avoid. Competes with main content. Feels intrusive.

Step 4: Add a Call-to-Action

Never place a QR code without text explaining what it does. Examples:

"Scan to Register"
"Scan for 20% Off"
"Scan to View Menu"
"Scan for Details"
"Scan to RSVP"

Step 5: Ensure Proper Contrast

QR codes need high contrast to scan reliably:

✅ Black code on white background (best)
✅ Dark blue/green on white
❌ Light colors on light background
❌ Code placed over photos or patterns

Step 6: Maintain the Quiet Zone

Leave white space around the QR code equal to at least 4 "modules" (the small squares). Don't let text, borders, or graphics touch the code.

Step 7: Test Before Printing

Print a single test copy
Scan with at least 2 different phones
Test in different lighting conditions
Verify the destination URL works correctly

Design Software Instructions

Canva

Upload your QR code image (PNG or SVG)
Drag to position on your flyer
Resize while holding Shift to maintain proportions
Add a text box for your call-to-action

Adobe Illustrator / InDesign

File → Place → Select your SVG file
Position in your layout
SVG scales without quality loss

Microsoft Word / Publisher

Insert → Pictures → Select your PNG file
Right-click → Wrap Text → Square
Drag to position

Pro Tip: Always use SVG format for print. It's a vector format that stays crisp at any size. PNG works too but may look pixelated if you resize it larger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No call-to-action — People won't scan mystery codes
Too small — Under 0.8" often fails to scan
Low contrast — Light codes on light backgrounds
Placed over images — Busy backgrounds interfere with scanning
No quiet zone — Text/graphics touching the code
Not testing — Always test before bulk printing
Broken destination URL — Verify the link works

What Should Your QR Code Link To?

The destination matters as much as the design. Effective QR code destinations for flyers:

Event registration page — RSVPs, ticket sales, sign-ups
Special offer landing page — Exclusive discount or promo
Product or menu page — More details than fit on the flyer
Contact form — Lead capture for follow-up
Video — Product demo, testimonial, or explainer
Social media profile — Build followers

Important: Make sure your destination page is mobile-friendly. Almost everyone will scan with their phone.

Create Your Flyer QR Code Now

Free, instant, download as SVG for perfect print quality

Generate Free QR Code

Summary Checklist

☐ QR code is at least 0.8" x 0.8"
☐ Placed in bottom portion of flyer
☐ Has a clear call-to-action
☐ High contrast (dark on light)
☐ White space around code (quiet zone)
☐ Not placed over busy backgrounds
☐ Downloaded as SVG for print
☐ Tested on multiple phones before printing
☐ Destination URL is mobile-friendly