Printable QR Code Checklist for Menus, Flyers, Labels, and Events

Use this checklist before printing or publishing a QR code. It is designed for menus, flyers, product labels, posters, table cards, packaging, direct mail, event signs, and business cards.

Before generating the QR code

• Decide whether the destination is permanent or may change.
• Use a static QR code for permanent, no-tracking content.
• Use a dynamic QR code for printed campaigns, menus, PDFs, analytics, or editable destinations.
• Shorten the encoded content when possible.
• Add UTM parameters only when campaign attribution is needed.
• Keep UTM values free of personal data.

Before placing it in a design

• Keep the quiet zone visible on all four sides.
• Do not place text, icons, borders, or photo texture inside the quiet zone.
• Use strong contrast, ideally dark foreground on a light background.
• Avoid glossy or curved placement areas when scan distance matters.
• Use SVG for large print or high-resolution PNG for simple print.
• Do not copy the QR code from a screenshot.

Before sending to print

• Check the expected scan distance.
• Start around 2 cm / 0.8 in for business cards.
• Start around 3 cm / 1.2 in for table cards.
• Use larger codes for flyers, posters, windows, packaging, and distance scanning.
• Export the final PDF without cropping or blurring the code.
• Print a proof at real size.
• Scan the proof with iPhone and Android.
• Test under normal lighting and from the real scanning distance.

After publishing

• Scan the final printed item again.
• Confirm the destination matches the printed call to action.
• For dynamic QR codes, check that scan analytics are being recorded.
• For campaign QR codes, compare placements instead of only total scans.
• Replace or enlarge codes that require zooming, perfect lighting, or repeated attempts.

Quick decision table

Related guides:

• QR code print size guide
• QR code quiet zone guide
• Dynamic vs static QR code comparison