Surface guide
QR codes on flyers and leaflets
A flyer is held in the hand and read from 20–30 cm, so a 2–3 cm code is enough. The bigger risks are cheap uncoated stock spreading the ink and the code being placed in the fold.
| Typical scan distance | 20–30 cm |
|---|---|
| Minimum code width | 2–3 cm |
| Error correction | M |
Size
Held at 20–30 cm, a 2 cm code is comfortable and 3 cm is generous. There is little reason to go larger — the space is better spent saying why someone should scan.
Uncoated stock is the hidden problem
Most flyers are printed cheaply on uncoated paper, where ink spreads into the fibres. A 0.4 mm module can gain 15–20% in width, closing the gaps between modules. Two defences: keep the payload short so modules stay large, and ask for a light trap or choke if the printer offers it.
Never place the code across a fold
A fold that crosses the pattern breaks it in two ways: the crease scatters light, and the two halves sit at different angles to the camera. Keep the code and its quiet zone entirely within one panel, at least 8 mm from any fold or trim edge.
Give a reason
Flyers are read for two seconds. "Scan for 20% off your first order" gets scanned; a bare code in the corner does not.