Skip to main content

QR codes

Every Bytes plan includes a standard safe QR code for each Link and access to QR sizing guidance.

Branding is added only after Bytes has resolved the intended use and safe QR geometry.

1. Choose the intended use​

When exporting a QR code, choose where the QR will be used.

Bytes includes profiles for:

  • business cards
  • small stickers and product labels
  • packaging
  • flyers and brochures
  • menus and table talkers
  • posters and window displays
  • exhibition panels and banners
  • digital screens
  • custom print specifications

An Offline Engagement asset or Print Room item may suggest an intended use, but you can choose another profile when the real placement is different.

2. Confirm scan distance and physical size​

Enter the expected scan distance and the physical width of the QR code in millimetres.

Bytes resolves:

  • minimum physical size
  • recommended physical size
  • whether the selected size is suitable
  • required quiet zone
  • encoded module count
  • error-correction level
  • output guidance

A higher DPI does not make a physically undersized QR code safe.

3. Choose the appearance​

The Appearance section is shown after the safe geometry has been resolved.

Safe black & white​

Available on every plan.

This uses black QR modules on a white background with no centre mark.

Workspace Brand Kit​

The available treatment depends on the workspace plan.

Starter can use the workspace QR centre mark while keeping the QR black and white.

Pro and above can use the reusable single-colour QR treatment saved in the Workspace Brand Kit, including the centre mark when that treatment is selected.

The effective applied colours are shown in the export dialog. They may differ from stored Brand Kit colour fields when the saved treatment is Safe black & white.

Custom for this QR​

Available on Pro and above.

Custom foreground/background colours apply only to the current export. They do not change the workspace Brand Kit.

You can optionally use the workspace centre mark with the custom treatment.

Centre marks are single-colour​

The QR centre asset is treated as a mark rather than preserved full-colour artwork.

Bytes recolours the visible mark to the effective QR foreground:

  • black for the safe monochrome treatment
  • the Brand Kit QR foreground for branded output
  • the selected custom foreground for a one-off custom export

Transparent and near-white negative space remains knocked out.

This means you do not need separate black, red and blue copies of the same mark.

When a centre mark is applied, Bytes uses the higher error-correction requirement resolved for that treatment.

Actual preview​

The Appearance panel shows the actual resolved QR output, including the effective colour and centre mark.

Use the preview to confirm the treatment, but still test the final physical output before production.

Edit the Brand Kit without leaving the export​

Workspace owners and administrators can choose Edit Brand Kit from QR Export.

Saving updates the reusable workspace QR defaults and returns to the current export context.

Other workspace members can use an entitled effective Brand Kit without gaining permission to edit it.

4. Choose the file format​

Bytes can export:

  • SVG vector for reusable artwork and design applications
  • Vector PDF for print handoff
  • High-resolution PNG when a raster file with explicit DPI is required

PNG dimensions are calculated from the requested physical size and DPI.

PDF colour mode​

RGB is the normal PDF choice unless a production destination specifically requires a managed CMYK condition.

Managed CMYK output uses Bytes-managed ICC output profiles.

In the current Brand Kit QR workflow, managed CMYK deliberately uses the safe black-and-white QR treatment. Bytes does not guess an unvalidated CMYK equivalent of an RGB brand colour.

QR Output Profile safety takes precedence​

Appearance never overrides QR safety.

Bytes checks the selected intended use, encoded payload, physical size, quiet zone, error correction and output requirements before allowing download.

If the final combination is unsafe, the export is blocked until the settings are corrected.

Before using a QR code​

Confirm:

  • the destination is correct
  • the short Link works
  • the Link is active
  • the code scans on more than one phone
  • the intended printed size is suitable
  • there is enough clear space around the code
  • the final branded treatment still scans reliably

Test a physical proof at the intended size and material.

A code that scans on screen may not scan reliably when printed small, placed behind reflective material or used at a difficult viewing angle.

Add a clear instruction​

Tell the audience what will happen after scanning.

Examples include:

  • View the event menu
  • Book your place
  • See the latest offer
  • Learn more
Last updated on