Quick answer: in the PAYATE QR Code Generator, open Design & colors and upload your logo. The tool clears a small area in the center, places your logo there and switches error correction to High, so the code still scans. Keep the logo small, use a dark code on a light background and test before printing.
A branded QR code with your logo gets noticeably more scans than a plain black square, because people recognise and trust it. But a logo covers part of the code, so it must be done correctly. Here’s how.
Why a QR code still works with a logo
QR codes include error correction: extra data that lets a scanner rebuild missing parts. With High error correction, up to about 30% of the code can be damaged or covered. A logo in the center covers only around 6% of the code in PAYATE QR, leaving a large safety margin.
Step-by-step: add a logo to a QR code
- Enter your content (link, WhatsApp, Wi-Fi…) in the generator.
- Open Design & colors → Logo in the center and choose a PNG, JPG, SVG or WebP file under 2 MB.
- Error correction switches to High automatically.
- Choose your brand color for the code — it must stay dark enough. The tool warns you if contrast is too low.
- Optional: rounded or dot style and a caption like “Scan me”.
- Scan the preview with your phone, then download SVG or PDF for print.
Your logo is processed in your browser and never uploaded.
Logo design tips
- Use a simple icon, not a long wordmark — a square logo works best.
- Transparent PNG or SVG gives a clean result; the tool adds a background-colored frame behind it.
- High contrast inside the logo so it’s recognisable at small sizes.
- Don’t cover the three corner squares (finder patterns) — scanners use them to locate the code.
Colors that scan (and colors that don’t)
| Works well | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Navy, black, dark green, dark red, purple on white | Yellow, light gray or pastel codes |
| Dark code on cream or very light brand color | Light code on dark background (inverted) |
| Solid colors | Busy photos behind the code |
Print a larger code when you add a logo
High error correction adds more modules, so the squares get smaller. Print at least 2.5 × 2.5 cm for business cards and follow the QR code size guide for posters.
Frequently asked questions
Will a logo stop my QR code from working?
Not if it is small, centered and used with High error correction — which PAYATE QR does automatically. Always test with two phones.
Can I add a logo for free?
Yes. Logos, colors, styles and SVG/PDF downloads are all free, with no watermark.
Create a branded QR code: free QR code generator with logo →