QR Code Quiet Zone
Every QR Code needs a blank white border called a 'quiet zone'. Without it, scanners may fail to detect where the code begins and ends.
What is a quiet zone?
The quiet zone is a margin of white (or light) space surrounding the QR Code. It tells the scanner where the code starts. Without it, nearby graphics, text or edges can confuse the decoder.
How wide should it be?
The minimum quiet zone is 4 modules (the small squares that make up the QR Code). In practice, a border of at least 1 cm (0.4 inches) works for most print sizes.
Common mistakes
Placing text too close to the code, putting the code in a coloured box without a border, or cropping the border in design software. Always leave breathing room.