Colored QR Code: How to Change QR Code Color (with Requirements)

Sariyya Gurbanova

May 16, 2024

8 min read

Colored QR code

Colored QR codes mix scannability with creating creative QR designs and making a practical and strategic marketing effort. Colored QR codes are a great way of fusing practicality with aesthetics. QR codes do not have to be black and white; brands are encouraged to change the QR code color and make them more personalized by incorporating color schemes, logos, and other unique attributes. The color of a QR code matters for the scannability of the code, attracting scanners, and standing out to increase scan rates.


QR codes work in different colors when adhering to the coloring recommendations. QR codes can be colored. The QR code color must be aligned with the brand’s coloring scheme to facilitate a more harmonic design. It is important to use a colored QR Code to increase brand recognition, so when businesses and companies use unique color schemes to generate QR codes, they create a standout marketing campaign. A colored QR code increases engagement because colors positively impact customer behavior and brand recall. Several elements of a QR code can be colored, allowing more customization options.

Do QR Codes Have to be Black and White?

No, QR codes do not have to be black and white; brands are encouraged to change the QR code color and make them more personalized by incorporating color schemes, logos, and other unique attributes. The aforementioned practice allows it to grab users' attention and better align with the brand’s image and is made possible with an appropriate color QR code generator. Most QR codes are black and white because of the high contrast of the two colors. The high contrast of a white QR code allows users to easily and quickly scan the necessary codes. Businesses recently started opting for a more personalized look for their QR codes, so making a QR code white is not necessary.


Does the Color of a QR Code Matter?

Yes, the color of a QR code matters for the scannability of the code, attracting scanners, and standing out to increase scan rates. Adding a colored QR code helps create user-friendliness and increase brand association. A colored QR code makes a stronger impression on the consumers and helps users stand out from their competition. Utilizing colorful QR codes allows users to gain more engagement rates. Colorful QR codes allow businesses to customize their QR codes, enable the designs to be better integrated into the marketing campaigns and improve cohesiveness and harmony in the brand identity design.


Do QR Codes Work in Different Colors?

Yes, QR codes work in different colors when adhering to the coloring recommendations. Users must avoid color inversion and over-customization when they change the color of the QR code. The high contrast between the pattern and background must be present to ensure the codes function correctly. Customization rules must be followed to guarantee the functionality of the colorful QR codes. A QR code generator with color is utilized to customize and redesign the QR code using the necessary color combinations.

Can QR Codes be Colored?

QR Code Color Requirements: What to Avoid

Yes, QR codes can be colored. The QR code color must be aligned with the brand’s coloring scheme to facilitate a more harmonic design. However, it is best to avoid inverting the colors of the QR code as it causes scannability issues. The QR code colors must contrast with the lighter colors used for the background and the darker ones used for the pattern when they are being selected. The user must first create a QR code using a colorful QR code generator and then color the QR code. It is vital to ensure the colored QR code does not compromise scannability.

Why is It Important to Use a Colored QR Code?

It is important to use a colored QR code to increase brand recognition, so when businesses and companies use unique color schemes to generate QR codes, they create a standout marketing campaign. Coloring the QR code with the right colors helps increase conversion rates.


Below are several reasons why it is important to use a multi-color QR code.

  1. Develops brand identity. Helps enhance brand recognition as the QR code uses a brand color scheme and other elements; customers are more likely to purchase and engage with brands they already know.
  2. Increases user engagement. More users engage and scan the code as the eye-catching design attracts attention.
  3. Helps stand out among basic QR codes. Using a colorful QR code allows brands to stand out from their competitors and encourages more consumers to interact with it.
  4. Allows for more creativity. Brands have an opportunity to make more innovative and engaging marketing campaigns using a colored fun QR code. A personalized brand experience is necessary if companies want to thrive in the high competition.
  5. Increases visibility. Bright colors attract attention, especially if the marketing medium has a QR code different colors and many design elements. Adding a sticker with a call to action (CTA) helps customers spot and scan the QR code colored eye-catching shades.
  6. Creates easy categorization. Utilizing a colored QR code generator for different product types helps quickly categorize and differentiate between codes. For example, if users want to know which QR code goes with which product, customizing them using QR code coloring helps. Suppose brands are creating coupon codes or unique bonus cards; in that case, they create a colored QR code to show which category and level they belong to.


How Does a Colored QR Code Increase Engagement?

A colored QR code increases engagement because colors positively impact customer behavior and brand recall. Customizing the design with color QR codes becomes essential as it enhances the conversion rate. Research suggests that users prefer scanning colored codes over black and white ones. Brands have the opportunity to get creative by experimenting with different geometric shapes and sizes, like incorporating a unique QR code colored triangle, which adds an eye-catching element to the promotional materials.


Incorporating colored QR codes is essential because customers associate them with the brand, creating trust and encouraging more scans. Colored QR codes help brands stand out in a crowded market. QR code coloring is highly adaptable to various marketing campaigns. A black-and-white QR code does not always complement the overall aesthetic when running a marketing initiative. Opting for creatively designed QR codes that align with the campaign's theme enhances customer experience and improves marketing efforts.


Customizing a QR code includes not only a QR code color change but also incorporating a colorful frame and Call to Action (CTA). This encourages more interactions with the QR code, leading to a higher conversion rate and increased attention from potential customers. The CTA provides valuable information about the destination page, such as prompting users to "Scan to Download," indicating that they have the opportunity to download a file after scanning the QR code.

Which Elements of a QR Code Can Be Colored?

Several elements of a QR code can be colored, allowing more customization options. Below are elements that users have the opportunity to change.


  • Eyes: The QR code's eyes are three boxes placed in the corners, which help scanning devices understand it's a QR code. Users have the opportunity to change the color of both the inner and outer parts of the eye frame.
  • Pattern: Users who want to change the QR code color have the option to make the pattern of the code a different color.
  • Logo: Users, when customizing and coloring a QR code, have the option to add a logo to it to make it more personalized.
  • Background: The background of the QR code has the capacity to be changed, making sure that the QR code color requirements are followed.
  • Frame: Including a special frame (sticker) with the option to add a CTA is possible. The colors of the sticker have the capacity to be changed.

How to Change QR Code Color

How to Change QR Code Color

To change a QR code color, follow the instructions provided below.


1. Head over to QR Code Creator.

Select a colorful QR code generator that allows users to customize the code. QR Code Creator provides customers with the opportunity to design and change the QR code color according to their marketing needs.


2. Create a QR Code.

Create a colored QR code using the wide selection of static and dynamic options available on the website. Input essential information, like the final destination of the colored QR code. Users that have added a sticker have the option to change its color and the call-to-action (CTA).


3. Customize the QR Code.

Coloring a QR code is made simple on QR Code Creator as it offers users a variety of color selections. Different elements of a white QR code (like the pattern, inner and outer frame of the eyes, and background ) have the capacity to be modified.


4. Test the Colourful QR Code.

It is essential to test the multi color QR code once it has been customized to ensure the modifications don't render its scanability. Scan it with multiple devices and check in different lighting conditions.


5. Apply and Print.

Ensure the colorful QR code doesn't blend with the background of the material the code is being applied to. Keep in mind the placement of the code on the printing medium.

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Create Your Colored QR Code!

Discover the power of colored QR codes! Follow color guidelines and customize elements for optimal performance.

What Are the Colors Guidelines for QR Codes?

Several color guidelines for QR codes must be respected when customizing codes. QR code color requirements must be followed to ensure the code's scannability; color guidelines for QR codes are listed below.


  • Choose high-contrast colors. Colored QR codes make a longer-lasting impression, so using shades that highly contrast with each other is essential to attract more scans. Some examples include red and white, maroon and light blue, navy blue and light yellow, etc.
  • Use brand colors. Using brand colors allows companies to maintain consistency in their marketing campaigns. QR codes with branded colors are remembered by audiences. For example, coffeehouse chain Starbucks uses their brand colors—green and white—and logo when implementing QR codes, attracting more customers and building brand loyalty.
  • Avoid pastel and neon colors. It is best to steer clear of pastels as they do not provide enough contrast, while neon shades are problematic for some scanners.


Users are provided with some color templates, which are available in the color section; using them allows to improve the overall design of the QR code while saving time for the user.

QR Code Color Requirements: Do’s and Don’ts

QR Code Color Requirements: Do’s and Don’ts

The most common QR code color requirements are given below.

  • Use a secure colored QR code generator. QR Code Creator is a swift, safe, and secure platform for generating QR codes for any marketing purpose. The coloring options provided are suitable for any design concept.
  • Ensure colors contrast. Use contrasting colors when coloring a QR code. The QR code consists of various elements. The pattern is where the information is encoded, so choose a solid color and ensure it contrasts with the background color, allowing scanners and mobile devices to detect and scan quickly. Inverted colors are difficult to scan, and even when pastel or light colors are used, the contrast with the background must be followed. The eyes of the QR code color must contrast the background because if they blend, the scanner won’t be able to scan it. It is essential to color a CTA sticker to make it easy to read if it is added to a QR code.
  • Avoid using a dark background. Do not invert the colors of the QR code, which means the background must remain a lighter color, while the pattern must be dark. Scanning devices have trouble identifying inverted QR codes. Avoid placing the colorful QR code on a printing medium with a dark background when making a transparent background, as in low-light conditions, it is difficult to scan and detect.
  • Make sure to include a quiet zone. Adding a frame helps the QR code stand out from the overall composition of the marketing material, but make sure there is an empty zone left between the sticker’s frame and the QR code itself so it does not look cluttered. Keep the quiet zone part without text and other elements to ensure scanners accurately detect and read the code.
  • Use logos and images. Ensure the logo and image used are of high quality. The portions and the size of the logo must be appropriate so as not to interfere with the scannability of the QR code color and not render its pattern.
  • Download and print high-resolution QR codes. Users, especially those considering printing out their colored QR codes, must ensure they print in the highest quality. Check the printing QR code tips, if you want to print the QR codes in different materials. 
  • Avoid similar hues. Colors with similar hues and brightness levels blend, making scanning difficult for a scanner. Having faded and monochromatic tones makes it difficult for scanners to detect the QR code different colors as well.
  • Test on various devices and environments. Scan the QR code color change on different smartphones and scanners to ensure universality. Do the test to ensure scannability, as it helps avoid any problems with the code in the future. Test in various lighting conditions and on different backgrounds and surfaces. For example, if the code is planned to be printed, test the color on different print materials, like paper, plastic, and fabric.
  • Do not overcustomize. The colored fun QR code stores valuable information to redirect users to the necessary destinations. Overcustomizing the code leads to an overcrowded QR code. Ensure the quiet zone is present, and the finder patterns are high quality. Do not use too many different shades and colors.
  • Keep the shape square. QR code scanners are optimized for square codes, making them easily identified and integrated into various designs. Users, however, have the chance to reshape the edges for a customized look. Remember not to stretch the code, as it affects the scannability.
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Content Manager

Sariyya Gurbanova

Sariyya is a dedicated content manager at QR Code Creator, where she leverages her passion for technology and creativity to craft engaging and informative content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for making complex topics accessible, Sariyya ensures that each piece she writes not only informs but also inspires. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning drives her to stay at the forefront of industry trends, making her an invaluable asset to the QR Code Creator team.

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