Flyers are one of the most common print materials for QR codes — and one where placement and design matter most. A flyer has seconds to grab attention, and the QR code needs to earn its scan in that window.
Where to Place the QR on a Flyer
The bottom-right corner is the default placement, but not always the best. Consider these options:
Center-bottom. Below the main content, above the contact info. The natural eye flow lands here after reading the flyer.
Next to the call-to-action. If your flyer says "Visit our website" or "Register now," the QR should be right next to that text. The CTA and the QR are a unit — don't separate them.
Back of the flyer. If the front is design-heavy with limited space, put the QR prominently on the back. Add a note on the front: "Scan the back for details."
Avoid the edges. QR codes near the trim line risk being cut during printing. Leave at least 5mm margin from any edge.
Size Guide for Flyers
A6 flyer (postcard size): QR code at 2.5×2.5 cm minimum. Space is tight, so the QR should be efficient — use short URLs or dynamic codes.
A5 flyer: 3×3 cm is comfortable. Enough space for the QR plus a label.
A4 flyer: 4×4 cm or larger. More room means the QR can be a design element, not just a functional addition.
The QR should be big enough to scan when held at arm's length — about 30-50 cm for a flyer. With the sizes above, this works reliably.
What to Link To
Match the QR destination to the flyer's purpose. A flyer for a restaurant should link to the menu or reservation page. An event flyer should link to the registration form. A promotional flyer should link to the offer or landing page. A real estate flyer should link to the property listing.
Never link to your homepage when the flyer is about something specific. The QR should deliver on the promise the flyer makes.
Design Integration
Color match. Use your brand colors for the QR code so it feels like part of the design, not an afterthought.
White space. Give the QR code breathing room. A QR squeezed between text blocks and images gets lost visually and may be harder to scan if other elements are too close.
Add a label. "Scan to register" or "Scan for menu" — always tell people what happens when they scan. Without a label, scan rates drop dramatically.
Don't make it tiny. Some designers shrink the QR to fit the layout. Resist this — a QR that's too small to scan is wasted print space.
Dynamic for Flyers
Flyers are printed in batches. If the URL changes after printing, you're stuck. A dynamic QR code solves this — update the destination without reprinting. Plus you get scan analytics to measure the flyer's performance.
Track different placements with different QR codes: one for the flyers at the coffee shop, another for the ones handed out at the event. Compare scan rates to find what works.
Common Mistakes
QR too small. Under 2 cm on a flyer means scanning struggles. Minimum 2.5 cm.
No call-to-action. A naked QR code with no context gets ignored.
Wrong destination. The QR links to the homepage instead of the specific offer mentioned on the flyer.
Low contrast. A light QR on a light or busy background. Test the QR on the actual printed background.
Not testing before printing. Always print one test flyer and scan the QR before ordering the full batch.
Create Your Flyer QR Code
Go to qree.app, generate a QR code in your brand colors, and download as SVG for perfect print quality.