QR Code Colors and Contrast: What Works and What Does Not

A black and white QR code is reliable, but you can match your brand colors too. The key is contrast, the difference in brightness between the code and its background. Scanners read brightness, not color. The golden rule The code must be clearly darker than the background. Think about how the colors look in a black-and-white photo. If the code and background look almost the same gray, a scanner will struggle. Combinations that work well Black on white Dark blue on white (the QRIQO default) Dark green on a pale yellow or white background Deep purple on white Dark red or maroon on white Combinations to avoid Yellow, light orange or light gray on white Red on green or blue on red, which look different to the eye but similar in brightness Light code on a dark background, because some scanners cannot read inverted codes Gradients or photos behind the code Tips for branded codes Choose a dark version of your brand color for the code. Keep the background white or very ligh...