How to Imprint QR Codes on Promotional Products

QR codes, those checkerboard-like squares also known as 2D codes, are everywhere it seems. On signs, clothing, business cards, heck, even tattoos. The beauty of them is that when scanned by a smartphone, they’ll make things happen such as take you to a website, return information, send messages, and more.

But there are some issues with them that you need to be aware of when using them on promotional products…

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Size – Though I’ve tried and used QR codes quite a bit smaller, usually about 1″ square is recommended as a minimum for best scanning ability.
Surface – I’ve seen some pretty kooky uses of QR codes including knitted and on a waffle (seriously, I just saw that in a presentation today). But here’s the catch: It must be readable by a smartphone or other reading device. For best scanning, I suggest imprinting on only smooth plastic, paper, painted metal, or flat even surface fabrics.
T-Shirt Issues – Unstretched T-shirt fabric is just fine for imprinting QR codes. But realize that if it is stretched when worn, it may lose scanability. Conversely, if someone tucks the shirt into their jeans, it may scrunch the imprint together and be unreadable. And, please, do not imprint on the front of a shirt. It is especially awkward when women wear them, resulting in a lot of scanning of, well… do I have to explain?
Color and Contrast – You can use colors other than black. But dark colors are suggested. Do not imprint the code in white. It will mess up the reading since what was white is now black and vice versa, a completely different code. I’ve tried it. On a related issue, make sure there is a definite contrast between the dark and light areas. That’s why imprinting on colored surfaces is problematic. There may not be enough contrast between the surface and the code to be readable. So choose white or very light surface colors and dark imprints. On a related note, clear plastic or glass surfaces may also be problematic because of the color and contrast issues; choose white plastic or ceramic instead.
Ink Imprints Recommended – Debossing (impressing your code into a surface) or laser engraving cannot be used successfully for QR codes due to the contrast issue discussed above. And though contrast can be achieved with it, embroidery also has the potential to not be scannable due to uneven surface texture. Ink imprinting on smooth surfaces, please.
Order a Physical Production Sample for Large Orders – Let’s call this insurance. When you are investing thousands of dollars in promotional products, it makes sense to do a physical (not virtual!) production sample to see if the artwork will be properly scanable on the surface and in the colors you have chosen. Say it costs you $100-$200 to do that. Better that than having to pitch at $1,000 to $2,000 order because it doesn’t work.

I think people are just enchanted with the technology right now and that the novelty will wear off. Would you want to wear a UPC pricing barcode on your clothing? Probably not. Essentially that’s what you’re doing when you’re sportin’ QR codes. Wearing barcodes. Kinda reminds me of the scene in the Mike Judge satirical masterpiece, Idiocracy (those of you who’ve seen the movie know exactly what I’m talking about… unless you’re “Not Sure”).

Got any other helpful tips for printing or imprinting QR codes? Share them with us in Comments.

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