Size and placement
| Content | Minimum size | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Short link (≤ 30 characters) | 1.5 cm | 2 cm |
| Compact vCard (name, phone, email) | 2 cm | 2.5 cm |
| Full vCard with address | 2.5 cm | 3 cm |
- Keep a blank margin around the code (the quiet zone) — don't let text or card edges touch it.
- Avoid glossy foil or textured stock behind the code.
- Add a short label like “Scan to save my contact”.
- Order a proof and test it with an iPhone and an Android phone before printing hundreds.
Design ideas that still scan
Match the eyes (corner squares) to your brand colour and keep the data modules dark. A rounded or dot module style looks softer on premium card stock, and a circle or badge shape can echo a round logo — the live scan check confirms each combination. Avoid placing the code over a photo or pattern, and leave the quiet zone clear of the card's trim line: printers typically cut within 2–3 mm of the edge.
Front or back?
Put the code on the back if the front is your brand statement, but add a hint like “Scan to save my contact ↓” on the front. On minimalist cards a small code in the corner of the front works well, as long as it stays above the minimum size.
Making cards for a whole team? Use the bulk generator with a CSV of links, or see the print size guide.