Adding a Logo to a QR Code: Safe Size, Placement, and Error Correction

1. Error Correction Level

Always generate the base symbol at level H (30% recovery headroom) before placing a logo. A logo covering more than about 15% of the module area with level M or L will destroy the code.

2. Coverage Limit

Keep the logo footprint to 15% or less of the total symbol area. For a 100 × 100 px symbol, that is about a 38 × 38 px logo. Centering is almost always best.

3. Background Padding

Add a solid white or light background behind the logo to separate it clearly from the dark modules around it. Without padding, modules bleed into the logo edges and confuse decoders.

4. Contrast Check

The logo itself must not place dark elements over dark module areas at the edges of the logo zone. Transparent-background logos often cause this. Use a filled white square behind the logo.

5. Always Verify

After placing the logo, scan the result on at least three different devices under typical lighting. Do not assume it works because the symbol looks intact.