Generating Branded Vector QR Codes

Every short link created in Shaf includes an automatically generated, scannable QR code. Customize the visual styling to match your brand guidelines and export print-ready vector graphics for billboards, packaging, and digital displays.

Shaf uses QR error correction level H — supporting up to 30% damage tolerance. This means center logos and watermarks can cover up to 30% of the QR surface without affecting scannability.

Accessing the QR Code Studio

Open the QR Editor

In the Links list, hover over any link row and click the QR Code icon (⊞) in the action column.

QR Studio Opens

The interactive QR Code editor modal opens with a live preview of your code.

Customization Options

Choose the visual pattern of the QR matrix dots:

Style	Description	Best For
Square	Classic high-contrast pattern	Maximum scanner compatibility
Rounded	Softened corners on each module	Modern, consumer-friendly
Dots	Circular dots throughout	Lifestyle brands, event materials
Extra Rounded	Pill-shaped modules	Premium packaging, signage

Corner squares (the three position markers) can be styled independently — mix round outer frames with solid inner dots for a premium look.

Exporting for Production

PNG Export

Best for: Web, social media, email newsletters, digital signage.

Available resolutions:

512px — Email and web use
1024px — High-DPI screen displays
2048px — Large-format digital signage

Click Export PNG and select your target resolution.

SVG Export

Best for: Print collateral, trade shows, product packaging, outdoor signage.

Resolution-independent — scales to any size without quality loss. Suitable for sending to professional print vendors.

Click Export SVG to download the vector file.

Best Practices

Always Test Before Print

Scan the QR code with at least 3 different camera apps (iOS Camera, Android Camera, dedicated QR scanner) before committing to a print run.

Minimum Print Size

For reliable scanning, the QR code should be at least 2cm × 2cm in final print dimensions. Complex QR codes (longer URLs) require larger sizes.

Short Links = Better QR

Shorter destination URLs generate simpler QR codes with fewer modules — easier to scan and more design-friendly. Always use a short link, never a raw long URL, for QR generation.

Troubleshooting

The QR code is not scanning after adding a custom logo

The logo may be covering too large a proportion of the QR matrix. Try reducing the logo size to under 25% of the total canvas. If the issue persists, remove the logo and re-test to confirm the base QR code scans correctly.

Printed QR code colors look faded or shifted from screen preview

Screens display RGB colors while printers use CMYK. Bright screen colors (especially blues and purples) often shift when printed. Request a CMYK color proof from your print vendor before a full run, or use the SVG file and convert colors to CMYK in Adobe Illustrator before submitting.

Can I change the destination URL after printing the QR code?

Yes. The QR code encodes your short link URL (e.g. https://link.yourbrand.com/app) — not the destination. Changing the destination URL in Shaf instantly updates where the QR code sends visitors without needing to reprint.