How to Create Circle QR Codes
Square QR codes have been useful for a long time, but now there’s a new option: Circle QR codes.
Circular QR codes are functional and visually appealing, and they can help you stand out in a sea of similar-looking square QR codes.
Here’s everything you need to know about round QR codes, including how to create one.
What is a circle QR code?
A circle QR code, as the name suggests, is circular. These QR codes are a variation of traditional QR codes where the usual squares are replaced with circles. They work the same way as a regular QR code.
Circular QR codes can be used for marketing and product packaging. While Denso Wave initially created QR codes in a square shape for functionality, they have since evolved into various shapes and sizes.
Do QR codes have to be square?
Well, not really.
QR codes exist in all shapes and sizes and don’t necessarily have to be a square. While the outer part of the QR code can be in any shape, the functional (or scannable) part of the QR code is always square-shaped.
Can only dynamic QR codes be used to create round QRs?
Both static QR codes and dynamic QR codes can be used to create round QRs.
Creating your customizable circle QR code
You can generate your customized QR code using any QR code generator. However, choose a QR code generator like Mobiqode that has the option to generate round QR codes. Use the following steps to create your customizable QR codes.
- Visit Mobiqode and log in to your account
Visit Mobiqode’s site and log in to your account. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account.
- Choose the type of QR code
Once logged in, visit your account dashboard and choose the type of QR code you want to generate. Mobiqode has around 12 options, from a digital business card to a restaurant menu.
- Enter the relevant information
Once you have chosen the type of QR code you want to generate, enter the relevant information needed to create your QR code.
- Customize your QR code
After creating your QR code, you can customize it. Mobiqode allows you to add your designs, logo, background, and frames to your QR code. You can choose the customization you need and personalize your QR code. To design a circular QR code, select the ‘ round QR code’ template.
- Download your QR code
Once you have personalized your QR code, you can download it in multiple file formats (SVG/PNG/JPG) and use it on all your marketing and promotional materials (both in print and digital formats).
Designing your customizable round QR code: Top tips
Here are some top tips for you to consider while designing your custom QR code
Use colors
Most QR codes are black and white, but you can also create colored QR codes. You can choose a single color for the entire QR code or different colors for various parts. You can also select the color theme based on your brand strategy.
Use a high-contrast background
While choosing colors for your QR code, remember to keep the background and foreground of your round QR codes in contrast. QR code scanners may not recognize a QR code if the foreground and background colors are too similar. Also, some colors may appear darker in print than on screen. Therefore, choose your background contrast wisely to avoid color clashes and to ensure that your QR code is scannable.
Use call-to-action (CTA) stickers
If you want your target audience to scan your QR codes, give them a valid reason.
Therefore, consider adding CTA stickers with your round QR codes so that viewers know what they will gain when they scan them. For instance, adding stickers like ‘scan QR code to get 10% off on your next purchase’ or ‘scan QR code to know more about our membership scheme’ with your round QR codes will help you get more scans and also help the QR code look more catchy.
Add a logo and branding
Adding a logo and using your brand colors to your custom QR code will help you stand out. Placing a logo in the center of your QR code is a sure-shot way to attract more users. You can also consider choosing an image like ‘scan me’ or ‘try me’ as your QR code’s center.
Pro tip: Using images like ‘scan me’ at the center will also act as a CTA for your QR code and will get you more QR scans
Optimize the shape of your QR code
Round QR codes can make your brand stand out. But, the number of scans your QR code receives also depends on its shape.
You can try redesigning parts of your QR code to make it more attractive. For example, see how Pinterest redesigned its QR code to be both visually appealing and easily scannable. Though this QR code is square, the reshaped edges enhance aesthetics without losing efficiency.
After reshaping your QR code, always test it to ensure it’s still scannable. Some QR code scanners may not work with reshaped codes, which can reduce the number of successful scans.
Maintain symmetry
While creating your QR code, remember not to overstretch or contract the actual code too much, which can make it unscannable.
Best practices for circle QR code design
Avoid over-customizing
Customizing your QR codes can enhance their look and fit your brand, but over-customization can render them unusable. Too much design can make the code hard to scan. Make sure the QR code has enough contrast with its background and keeps a clear space around it, known as the quiet zone, to help scanners read it easily.
Even though QR codes have error correction, too many changes can make them less reliable if damaged. Subtly add branding elements like logos, and always test the customized code on different devices and apps to ensure it works. Remember, while it’s great to personalize your QR code, keeping it simple enough to be easily scanned and used is equally important.
Avoiding common design mistakes
When designing QR codes, it’s crucial to balance aesthetics with functionality. To ensure your QR codes remain effective, avoid using inverted colors and foreign images. Inverted colors, where the QR code is light and the background is dark, can significantly reduce QR scans because scanners are typically optimized for dark modules on a light background.
Similarly, using external images or complex graphics in the QR code can obstruct key elements, making it difficult or impossible for scanners to read. Whether you’re using round QRs or other custom QR codes, following this factor is very important.
Test your QR code
Test your QR code after customization to confirm it scans correctly across various devices and apps. When using a QR code generator to create a round QR code or other shapes, focus on maintaining high contrast and a clear structure to increase QR scans and enhance user engagement.
Ensure excellent scannability
When creating a circle QR code, ensure optimal scannability by placing it without distortion, selecting a contrasting background, and keeping the design clutter-free.
Add a logo
Incorporating your brand’s logo into your round QR code can enhance recognition and trustworthiness. A recognizable logo helps users quickly identify the QR code as legitimate, reducing concerns about scams or fraud. Adding logos provides an extra layer of branding, which can encourage more users to scan the code confidently.
Position the circle QR code correctly
The placement of your QR code plays a critical role in its effectiveness. Ensure your circular QR code is prominently displayed and not obstructed or hidden. Proper placement makes it easily accessible to customers, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Evaluate its visibility and ensure it’s in a location where users can easily spot and scan it.
Design the QR code in the correct size
The dimensions of your QR code are crucial for its scannability. A QR code should be at least 1cm x 1cm in size to ensure it can be easily scanned. To determine the optimal size for your QR code, use the following formula:
QR code size = Distance between the QR code and the mobile device / 10
That is, the QR code should be about one-tenth of the distance from which it will be scanned. For instance, if users scan the QR code from 10 meters away, it should be roughly 1 meter wide and tall. The 10:1 ratio ensures the QR code is easy to read. So, if people scan it from 2 meters away, the QR code should be at least 20 cm in size.
Use cases of circle QR codes
Round QR codes have varied applications across different industries.
Here’s how you can use them:
Product packaging and labels
You can try using round QR codes in your product packaging or labels. They enhance visual appeal and give customers quick access to product information, nutritional details, or special promotions.
Event promotion
Feature circular QR codes on all your event posters, flyers, and tickets. They can direct attendees to event details, schedules, or ticket purchases, boosting your event marketing strategy. You can use dynamic QR codes to create your circle QRs. These trackable QR codes give you a detailed account of the number of scans made, the geo-location of the scans and other details, which will help you analyze the success of your events.
Digital business cards
Round QR codes add a modern flair to your digital business cards. They allow you to share contact information or provide the link to your professional profile, making it easy for others to connect with you. You can also direct users to your social media profiles using circular QR codes.
Art and creative projects
Artists can incorporate round QR codes into their artworks or installations. These codes can link to digital content, artist bios, or behind-the-scenes videos, adding an interactive element to your art.
Luxury branding
For high-end brands, round QR codes maintain an elegant aesthetic while offering digital engagement opportunities like exclusive content or loyalty programs. These moves can reinforce a brand’s premium image and help it connect with its audience.
Interactive signage
Use round QR codes on signage in museums, galleries, or tourist attractions to provide additional information about exhibits or historical sites, enhancing visitor engagement and education.
Restaurant menus and food packaging
You can feature round QR codes on your restaurant menus or food packaging. They can link to digital menus, nutritional information, or ordering platforms, streamlining the dining experience.
Educational materials
Round QR codes can be used in textbooks or educational resources to offer students supplementary content, interactive quizzes, or video lectures, making learning more interactive and engaging.
Fashion and apparel
Print round QR codes on clothing tags or tote bags to offer styling tips, care instructions, or links to related products. This will enhance customer engagement and build brand loyalty.
Real estate listings
Use round QR codes in your real estate listings to link to virtual tours, floor plans, or additional property details. Moves like these provide potential buyers with a comprehensive view of listings and can increase your trust and reliability quotient.
Novelty marketing campaigns
You can utilize the distinctive shape of round QR codes in your novelty marketing campaigns. They can stand out on billboards or digital signage, capturing attention and enticing users to scan for exclusive offers or information.
Creating a custom QR code lets you combine style with function. To customize your QR code to be eye-catching and effective, focus on keeping it easy to scan, adding branding in a subtle way, and placing it where it’s visible and properly sized. Don’t forget to test your design on different devices to ensure it works well. With these tips, you can create a QR code that boosts user engagement and enhances your marketing and branding efforts.
Want to create your own circle QR code?
With the Mobiqode QR code creator, making stylish round QR codes for static and dynamic QR codes is easier than ever. Start your 14-day free trial today. Don’t wait—enhance your brand with a unique QR code now!
