Custom Shape QR Code - How to Customize QR Code Shapes

Shahla Abdulova

Jul 02, 2024

3 min read

Custom Shape QR codes

Customizing the shape of QR codes is possible while ensuring the core data section remains square for proper scanning. Various customizations, such as adding decorative frames, incorporating logos, and changing colors, enhance visual appeal. Maintaining a balance between aesthetics and functionality is crucial, with high-contrast colors for easy scanning. Square QR codes are the most reliable due to their alignment with scanner functionality, but QR codes in different shapes like circles, hearts, or stars are able to be used if thoroughly tested.


Custom shaped QR codes stand out in crowded marketing spaces and enhance brand recognition by integrating logos or shapes relevant to the brand, such as hearts for dating apps or stars for movie promotions. Creating a custom-shaped QR code involves visiting a custom QR code generator website like QR Code Creator, entering the necessary data, customizing the shape and colors, and downloading the QR code.


Different shaped QR codes include squares, circles, hearts, rectangles, triangles, hexagons, and stars, each with specific use cases and benefits.

The best QR code for a business depends on its goals and priorities. Standard square QR codes prioritize scannability, while custom shapes enhance visual appeal. Simpler shapes like circles and hexagons are easier to integrate. Matching the QR code in a custom shape to the brand identity and campaign themes creates a cohesive design experience.


Best practices for creating QR code different shapes include maintaining a square data section, thoroughly testing various devices, starting with simpler shapes, using high color contrast, considering user experience, matching the brand identity, and aligning with campaign themes.

Can the QR Code Shape Be Customized?

Yes, the QR code shape can be customized. Create QR codes in unique shapes such as circles, pentagons, stars, hearts, etc. The core data section that stores the information must stay square so that scanners read it correctly. The following customizations are possible: adding a custom shape as a frame around the square QR code, incorporating a logo, geometric shapes like circles or hearts, or any other interesting design element. The foreground and background colors of the QR code is able to be changed to improve visual appeal and match branding. It's important to maintain a balance, keep the core data section clear and visible for optimal readability, and choose high-contrast colors to ensure the foreground and background colors have a strong contrast for easy smartphone scanning. QR code generator custom shapes offer shape and color customization options. Experiment with QR code generator fun shapes for creative applications.

Does the Shape of a QR Code Matter?

Yes, the shape of a QR code matters. There is a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Square QR codes are the most reliable because their shape aligns perfectly with QR code scanners, making them easy to read. Custom shaped QR codes are created in shapes like circles, logos, or even hearts. However, there are limitations. The data section must still be embedded in a square within the custom shape, which makes scanning the QR code harder if it's too small or complicated. Testing is crucial, and it is vital to test the custom QR code with different scanners to ensure it works properly. Square shapes are the most reliable QR codes. A custom shape makes for an exciting design as long as the shape is readable.

Benefits of Using Custom Shape QR Code

The benefits of using a custom shape QR code are listed below.


  • Standing out from the crowd: Making an impression in today's information-saturated world is crucial. A standard square QR code blends into the background, particularly on busy marketing materials like flyers or product packaging. Unique QR code shapes like circles, stars, or brand-specific icons act as a visual cue, prompting engagement with the encoded information.
  • Enhancing brand recognition: Psychology researchers found that first impressions are formed in less than a tenth of a second. Custom shape QR codes go beyond grabbing attention to create a unique brand experience. Incorporating a logo into the QR code or using a shape that reflects brand identity (such as hearts for a dating app or stars for a movie promotion) creates a connection between the code and the brand that remains in the memory. Different QR code shapes are particularly effective in brand awareness campaigns. Enhance brand presence with a QR code generator in shapes for diverse campaigns.
  • Improving design integration: Custom QR code shapes seamlessly integrate with the overall design aesthetic, particularly for print materials like posters or packaging. For instance, a circular QR code fits a round logo better than a square one, maintaining the harmony of the design. A circular QR code ensures that the QR code doesn't appear as a separate element but as an integral part of the visual composition.

How to Make QR Code in Different Shapes

To make a QR code in a different shape, follow the instructions listed below.


  1. Visit the QR code generator with shapes. QR Code Creator provides a user-friendly QR code generator different shapes, enabling the creation and customization of QR codes for various purposes. The shaped QR code generator likely offers options for multiple data types, such as websites, vCards containing contact details, email addresses, or even plain text messages. Choose the option that best suits the information intended for users to access when they scan the code.
  2. Enter the set-up info. Provide the specific details to encode in the QR code. For instance, enter the complete web address to direct users when scanning the code if "Website" was selected.
  3. Customize the QR code. The QR code's shape customization is included in the design part. Click on Stickers to find a selection of pre-defined shapes. Select from pre-designed stickers that act as decorative frames around the core QR code, making it more noticeable on marketing materials or product packaging. Customize the foreground and background colors for high contrast and readability from the Colors part. Modify the shapes of the dots and eyes for a unique look, with options for body type or edges in the Shapes. Add a logo to the center to personalize and enhance brand recognition.
  4. Download the QR code. Check the QR code in the preview area on the right after finishing designing the QR code. Click the "Generate & Download" button to create custom QR code. Choose the desired file format (such as PNG, JPG, EPS, and SVG) and download the QR code with shapes to the device. Custom shape QR code free options are available for different designs.
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What are the Shapes for QR Codes?

The shapes for QR codes are functional square shapes and customizable frames. The classifications of QR code shapes below help the users select the right shape for their QR code campaign.


Square QR Code

Square QR Code

QR codes originally had a square shape when invented in 1994. The square shape is essential for QR codes to work correctly. QR code scanners detect the square shape to identify the code's orientation and data sections, with the three square "eyes" in the corners helping scanners read the code correctly. QR codes have error correction capabilities that work best with a square format, allowing the code to handle minor damage and recover data effectively. The square shape is crucial for QR codes, ensuring efficient data storage, proper scanner recognition, and strong error correction. Various applications, from promotional materials and advertisements to event tickets, use square QR codes.


Circle QR Code

Circle QR Code

Circle shapes creatively add visual interest to QR codes but prioritize functionality by maintaining a clear and scannable square data section within the circular frame. The circle frame enhances the visual appeal and makes the QR code stand out, especially on round marketing materials or websites with a more visually exciting design element. Test circle shape QR code design thoroughly to ensure it achieves the desired balance between aesthetics and readability.


Heart QR Code

Heart QR Code

Create a heart shaped QR code by adding a decorative heart-shaped frame around the square data section. A heart-shaped QR code adds a romantic touch to Valentine's Day promotions, wedding invitations, greeting cards, or any occasion where a heart shape is thematically relevant.


Balancing aesthetics and scannability is crucial. A heart frame enhances visual appeal but doesn’t compromise the QR code's primary function of being scanned and providing information. The core information section of a heart QR code must remain square for scanners to read it.


Rectangle QR Code

Rectangle QR Code

Add a rectangular frame around the essential square data section to create a rectangular style custom QR codes. Rectangular frames are less common visually compared to circles or hearts. Consider if it aligns with the brand’s design goals. Rectangle QR codes are able to be used in specific situations where a rectangular frame fits a long and narrow space, such as on product packaging with limited width or long and narrow marketing materials like banners.


Triangle QR Code

Triangle QR Code

Create a triangle QR code by adding a triangle-shaped frame around the mandatory square data section. A triangle QR code allows the integration of triangles into the design, which is particularly beneficial for campaigns or branding that utilize triangular elements. The core data section that stores information must remain square for scanners to function correctly. Potential applications include marketing materials with a triangular theme and event invitations with a geometric theme. It is essential to prioritize testing to ensure functionality.


Hexagon QR Code

Hexagon QR Code

Hexagon QR codes follow the same principles as other custom shapes, balancing aesthetics and functionality. The core data section must remain square for scanners to work correctly, but a hexagonal frame is added around it for a unique look. Hexagon QR codes are beneficial for branding or marketing materials that feature hexagons. Ensure the hexagon frame does not obscure the square data section to maintain readability. Testing with various scanning devices is crucial before deployment. Hexagon QR codes are able to be used for product packaging, marketing materials, and web graphics that feature hexagonal designs.


Star QR Code

Star QR Code

Star QR codes allow for visually exciting designs while keeping core functionality secure. Data sections must remain square for scanners to work correctly, but a star-shaped frame is added around it. Star QR codes add a festive touch to holiday promotions, entertainment events, or any occasion with a relevant star theme. Functionality must be prioritized. An intricate or small star frame is able to obscure the core data section, hindering readability. Strong color contrast between the star frame and data section is essential for optimal scannability. Star QR codes are ideal for holiday marketing, movie or event promotions, and loyalty programs. Testing the custom star-shaped QR code is crucial to ensure it functions as intended.


Geometric QR Codes

Geometric QR Codes

Geometric QR codes incorporate shapes like circles, hearts, stars, or hexagons around the mandatory square data section. Geometric QR codes are visually appealing, the data section remains square and scannable, and the frame must not cover the information.


Geometric frames add a unique touch, making QR codes stand out on marketing materials, product packaging, or websites. Geometric QR codes complement brand identities, such as a star-shaped QR code for a movie promotion or a hexagon code for a company with a honeycomb logo. Scannability is key, so thoroughly test geometric QR codes with various devices. Choose colors with strong contrast for optimal scannability. Geometric QR codes enhance flyers, posters, packaging, social media graphics, event invitations, and website graphics.

Which QR Code is Best for Business?

The "best" QR code for a business depends on specific goals and priorities. Prioritizing scannability, the standard square QR code is the most reliable option as scanners are optimized for square shapes, and there is no risk of a frame obscuring the data section. A QR code in the shape of a circle, star, or another geometric shape enhances a brand or marketing material's visual appeal. Testing is essential to ensure the frame doesn't hinder scanner readability.


Simpler shapes like circles and hexagons are more accessible to integrate around the data section, considering shape complexity. Additional considerations include matching the custom QR code shape to the brand identity, especially if the brand incorporates geometric shapes like stars or hexagons, creating a cohesive design experience. A QR code custom shape for a specific campaign (such as hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for movie promotions) looks visually appealing.

Best practices for QR code shape

The best practices for QR code shape to follow when creating custom-shaped QR codes are below.


  1. Maintain a square data section.
  2. Test thoroughly with various devices.
  3. Start with simpler shapes (circles, hearts).
  4. Use high color contrast (dark foreground, light background).
  5. Consider user experience (standard square code for unfamiliar audiences).
  6. Match a brand identity (use geometric shapes that reflect the brand).
  7. Align with campaign theme (stars for promotions, hearts for Valentine's Day).
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Content Manager

Shahla Abdulova

Shahla Abdulova is the dynamic content manager at QR Code Creator, where her creativity and intelligence shine through in every project. Renowned for her SEO-friendly blogs, Shahla crafts content that not only engages but also ranks. Outside of work, she immerses herself in the arts, finding joy in drawing and reading. Her unique blend of skills and passions makes her an invaluable asset to her team and a constant source of fresh, innovative ideas. Shahla's dedication to her craft is truly inspiring, making her a standout in her field.

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