A standard black-and-white QR code does the job, but it doesn't stand out. If you're printing QR codes on business cards, posters, packaging, or flyers, a branded QR code makes a real difference. TheLinkSpot now lets you customise the foreground colour, background colour, and size of every QR code — completely free.
Why customise your QR code?
The default black-on-white QR code is functional but generic. Customising it gives you several advantages:
- Brand consistency — match your QR code to your brand colours so it feels intentional, not afterthought
- Better design integration — a QR code that matches your poster or packaging looks professional
- Higher scan rates — eye-catching QR codes get scanned more often because they look deliberate and trustworthy
- Dark backgrounds — if your print material has a dark background, you can invert the QR code colours so it's actually visible
How to customise your QR code
Every time you shorten a URL on TheLinkSpot, a QR code is generated automatically. Below the QR code preview, you'll see three controls:
| Control | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Changes the foreground (the dark squares) | Black (#000000) |
| Background | Changes the background behind the squares | White (#ffffff) |
| Size | Changes the download resolution | Medium (200px) |
Changes are applied instantly — the QR code preview updates in real time as you pick colours. When you're happy with the result, click Download PNG to save it.
Size options
The size selector offers four options, each suited to a different use case:
| Size | Pixels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 150 × 150 | Email signatures, small web badges |
| Medium | 200 × 200 | Social media posts, standard print |
| Large | 300 × 300 | Flyers, product labels, menus |
| XL | 500 × 500 | Posters, banners, large-format print |
Colour tips for scannable QR codes
QR codes work by contrast — the scanner needs to clearly distinguish the dark squares from the light background. Keep these rules in mind:
Do
- Use a dark foreground on a light background (or vice versa)
- Keep strong contrast between the two colours
- Test your QR code with your phone camera after customising
- Match your brand's primary colour for the foreground
Don't
- Use two similar colours (e.g. light grey on white) — the scanner can't tell them apart
- Use red foreground on green background (or other low-contrast combinations)
- Make the foreground lighter than the background — most scanners expect dark-on-light
Practical uses for custom QR codes
Business cards
Add a QR code in your brand colour that links to your bio page or website. Use the Small or Medium size. The recipient scans it instead of typing your URL.
Restaurant menus
Print a QR code on your table tent or menu that links to your online ordering page. Match it to your restaurant's colour scheme so it looks intentional.
Product packaging
Link to a setup guide, warranty registration, or review page. A branded QR code on the box looks far more professional than a generic black square.
Event materials
Create a QR code for your event registration link. Use your event's brand colours. Print it on posters, lanyards, or programmes. Combine it with a time-limited link that expires after the event.
Social media graphics
Design an Instagram story or post with a QR code that matches the design. Followers screenshot and scan later. This works especially well for sharing discount codes or exclusive content.
How QR codes work (briefly)
A QR code encodes text — in this case, your short URL — as a grid of black and white squares. Phone cameras decode this grid back into the URL and open it. The pattern includes error correction, which means QR codes can tolerate some damage or visual noise and still scan correctly.
Customising the colours doesn't affect the encoded data. The scanner reads the contrast pattern regardless of what colours you use, as long as the contrast is sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Will my custom QR code work with all phone cameras?
Yes, as long as you maintain good contrast between the foreground and background colours. Every modern smartphone camera (iOS and Android) can scan QR codes natively.
Can I change the QR code colours after creating my link?
The QR code is generated on your device in real time. You can adjust the colours and re-download as many times as you want while the result is displayed. If you close the page, simply visit your link's stats page and the short URL is there — paste it into the shortener again to regenerate a QR code with new colours.
Is the QR code free?
Yes. Every short link on TheLinkSpot comes with a free QR code. Colour and size customisation are also free. There is no paid tier.
What format is the download?
PNG. This works in every design tool, word processor, and print workflow. The image has a transparent-free solid background in your chosen colour.
Can I add a logo to the centre of the QR code?
Not yet, but it's on the roadmap. For now, you can customise colours and size. If you need a logo overlay, download the XL size and add your logo manually in any image editor — QR codes have built-in error correction that tolerates a small central logo.
Try it now
Shorten any URL on TheLinkSpot, then use the colour pickers and size selector below the QR code preview to customise it. Download the result as a PNG and use it anywhere — print, digital, or social media. Free, instant, no sign-up.