QR Code Shapes: Circular, Custom-Shape and Logo QR Codes That Still Scan

A circular QR code is not really round. Every QR code keeps a square grid of modules, and a circle, heart or other shape is a design built around that square core. That is why custom QR code shapes are mostly cosmetic, and why they still scan as long as the important parts stay intact.

Those parts are the three finder patterns, the square module grid and the blank margin around the code. This guide explains how QR codes are built, how error correction affects logos and custom looks, and how to test a shaped code before you print it.

The Short Answer: Keep the Square Core

• Keep the square core. The data area is always a square grid of modules. A shape drawn around it is mostly cosmetic.
• Keep the finder patterns and the margin. Do not cover, cut or distort the three large squares in the corners, or the blank margin around the code.
• Keep strong contrast. The colour rules in our guide to colorful QR codes apply to shaped codes too.
• Test before printing. Scan the finished code on real phones. If it is unreliable, go back to a plain square code.

How a QR Code Is Built

Denso Wave, the inventor of the QR code, describes QR codes as a grid of small squares called modules. The size of the grid is called the version. Version 1 is 21 x 21 modules and Version 40 is 177 x 177 modules, and each version adds 4 modules per side. More data means more modules, so a larger and denser code.

Denso Wave also says a QR code needs a four-module wide margin on all sides. This blank margin is called the quiet zone. Any shape or background you add must leave it clear.

Error Correction Levels

QR codes have four error correction levels: L, M, Q and H. They control how much of the code can be damaged or hidden and still be read.

• Denso Wave says level M (15%) is the most frequently selected level. It gives level Q as an example where 25% of the codewords can be restored.
• QR guides list the four levels as about 7% (L), 15% (M), 25% (Q) and 30% (H).

Higher levels add more error-correcting data, so the code becomes denser. Logos and heavy custom designs use up some of this safety margin, which is why guides recommend level H when you put a logo in the middle.

Circular, Heart and Other Custom Shapes

QR guides say a circular QR code that is made correctly scans about as well as a normal one, and that a circle is the safest non-square shape. Hearts, hexagons and other silhouettes work the same way. The square core sits inside, and the shape is a frame or mask around it.

Rounded or dotted modules and coloured modules are also possible. Whatever the style, do not distort the finder patterns, do not cover the alignment patterns, and keep the quiet zone clear.

If a shaped code will not scan, too much has been changed. Go back to a plainer design and test again.

Adding a Logo to the Centre

A logo in the middle hides part of the code. Error correction lets the code survive that, within limits. The rules below come from QR generator guides, not from an official standard, so treat them as a starting point and test.

• Use error correction level H.
• Keep the logo to roughly 20 to 25 percent of the code area or less.
• Use a simple logo, ideally with a plain or transparent background.
• Do not cover the finder patterns.
• Expect a denser code, so it may need to be printed a little larger.

Testing Your QR Code

1. Scan the finished code with the Camera app on at least one iPhone and one Android phone.
2. Test in normal light and from a normal distance.
3. Test a printed copy, not only the screen preview.

If a circular, heart-shaped or logo code does not scan reliably, go back to a plain square code.

How to Make a Shaped QR Code

Most QR code generators offer shapes, coloured modules and logos. Look for one that lets you choose the error correction level and download a sharp file. Then:

1. Enter your link and choose your shape.
2. Set error correction to H if you add a logo.
3. Download the code and check that the finder patterns and margin are still clear.
4. Test it on phones before you use it.

For a plain link code, you can start with the free URL QR code generator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a circular QR code?

A circular QR code is a normal square QR code with a circular design built around it. The square core, the finder patterns and the blank margin stay intact so the code still scans.

How do I make a QR code circular?

Use a QR code generator that offers a circle shape. Keep the finder patterns and the blank margin clear, then scan the result on at least one iPhone and one Android phone before you print it.

What is the quiet zone in a QR code?

The quiet zone is a four-module wide margin around the QR code that must be maintained for proper scanning. This area ensures the code is correctly identified and read by scanners.

How do I add a logo to a QR code?

Put a simple logo in the centre, use error correction level H, keep the logo to roughly 20 to 25 percent of the code area or less, and do not cover the finder patterns. Then test the code on real phones.

What are the error correction levels for QR codes?

The four levels are L, M, Q and H, at about 7%, 15%, 25% and 30% of the code that can be restored. Denso Wave says level M is the most frequently selected. Higher levels make the code denser.

How do I test a QR code?

To test a QR code, scan the code with a camera app on different devices and test the printed copy. Ensure it works in normal light and from a normal distance. If it doesn't scan reliably, revert to a plain square code.

Can I use a QR code generator to make custom shapes?

Yes, you can use a QR code generator to make custom shapes, but ensure the necessary structural elements for reliable scanning are maintained. Keep the square core, finder patterns, and quiet zone intact, and test the code on real phones before printing.

What happens if I cover the finder patterns?

Covering the finder patterns can prevent the QR code from scanning properly. The finder patterns are crucial for the code to be read correctly, so it's important to keep them clear and unobstructed.

Is a circular QR code harder to scan?

Guides say a well-made circular code scans about as well as a normal one, so the shape alone is not the problem. Problems come from covering the finder patterns, losing the margin, weak contrast or a logo that is too large. Test it on real phones.

Can I make a heart-shaped QR code?

Yes. Shapes such as hearts are drawn around the square core, the same way as circles. Keep the finder patterns and the blank margin clear, keep strong contrast, and test the code before you print it.