Contrast is everything
Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4:1, and 7:1 or more for small or dense codes.
Color checker · Free
QR code color checker
Branded colors look great — until a code stops scanning. Pick your foreground and background and we'll measure the contrast, then actually generate and re-scan a code in those colors to prove it works.
Your colors
Scanners expect dark modules on a light background. Keep the code color noticeably darker than
the background for the most reliable read.
Contrast & scan test
21 : 1
contrast ratio
Excellent. Plenty of contrast to scan reliably.
Getting it right
Colors that scan, colors that don't
Dark on light
Keep the modules darker than the background. Inverted (light on dark) codes fail on many older scanners.
Avoid clashing hues
Red on green or blue on black may look dark to the eye but read as low contrast to a camera.
Don't tint the background
Busy or dark backgrounds cut contrast. A clean, light background is the safest choice.
Always test
Even a passing ratio should be scanned in the real print size and lighting before a big run.
Raise error correction
If you must push the colors, a higher error-correction level adds a little resilience.
FAQ
Colors & scanning, explained
What contrast ratio does a QR code need?
At least about 4:1 for comfortable scanning, and 7:1 or higher for small or dense codes. This tool shows your exact ratio and tests a real code in your colors.
Can I use a colored background?
Light, pale backgrounds can work if the code color stays much darker. Dark or saturated backgrounds usually cut contrast too far.
Why does the tool re-scan the code?
A contrast number is a guide; the surest test is whether a real code in those colors actually decodes. We generate one and read it back for you.
Are inverted codes really a problem?
Modern phones often read light-on-dark codes, but many scanners and older apps don't. Dark-on-light is the safe, universal choice.
Colors approved? Make your code
Take your tested palette into the generator and export a branded, high-resolution QR code.
Make a QR code