QR Code Design: How Far You Can Push Customization Before It Breaks

QR codes have built-in error correction. This is what makes custom QR code design possible. You can cover up to 30% of a QR code with a logo, change its colors, round its corners, and add gradient backgrounds, all without breaking scannability. But push past the error correction threshold and you have a pretty picture that doesn't scan. Understanding error correction levels QR codes support four error correction levels, defined by the Reed-Solomon algorithm: L (Low) : 7% of data can be restored M (Medium) : 15% of data can be restored Q (Quartile) : 25% of data can be restored H (High) : 30% of data can be restored Higher error correction means larger QR codes (more modules needed to store the same data plus the redundancy). A URL encoded at level L might produce a 25x25 module QR code. The same URL at level H might require 29x29 modules. For custom designs, always use level H. You want that 30% cushion because your logo, color changes, and shape modifications all count against it. The