Is the QR code you made or found too blurry to scan with your phone? This wikiHow article teaches you how to unblur a blurry QR Code and gives you tips to make crisp, clear, and sharp codes in the future.
How to fix a blurry QR code
These steps will show you how to sharpen a blurry QR code and create clear QR codes in the future.
Method 1: Sharpening a blurry QR code
- Use an online image sharpening tool. Here are a few recommendations:
- Hitpaw: An easy-to-use photo enhancer that can also sharpen QR codes.
- Canva’s Sharpen Image tool: This site from the popular design application Canva uses AI to sharpen your QR code.
- Fotor: An image editing site with a sharpening feature that works on QR codes.
- QR Code Sharpener: A free tool that can evaluate your QR code to determine what it would take to make it scannable.
- Try a photo-editing application with a sharpening tool. You can use the Sharpen tool and other filters in any image editing program to make the QR code clearer, including:
- PicWish (free)
- Photoshop (paid, but has a free trial)
- GIMP (free)
- Illustrator (paid, but has a free trial)
- Upscale the image. You can try increasing the resolution of the QR code by upscaling the image using a free online tool like iLoveIMG and Smart Image Upscaler.
Method 2: Creating clear QR codes
- Use a high resolution. When you’re using tools like Adobe Express QR Code Generator, qrcodemonkey, Canva’s QR Code Generator, or other online sites to create QR codes, make sure you’re creating something with a high-quality resolution so it comes out sharp, crisp, and clean.
- The foreground should be darker than the background and have strong contrast. Inverted colors will make your code unreadable. Avoid putting a lighter foreground on a dark background or making the two closely related colors, like gray code on a white background. In either case, cameras won’t easily pick up the QR code.
- Optimize your printer for QR code printing. Check the printer settings to ensure it’s printing in high-quality. Also, make sure that the paper you’re using is optimal. For example, you don’t want to use heavily textured or patterned paper for a QR code. If you’re using a laser printer, use the best quality settings to get better results! For example, raise the print speed settings on a laser printer when color saturation is too high, and lower them when images or documents seem undersaturated or faded.
Why this matters
Ensuring your QR codes are clear and scannable is crucial for effective communication and engagement. A blurry or distorted QR code can lead to missed opportunities, frustrated users, and potential loss of revenue or traffic. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can optimize your QR codes for clarity and ensure they function as intended.
Whether you’re using QR codes for marketing, information sharing, or any other purpose, taking the time to create high-quality codes is an investment that pays off. Clear QR codes enhance user experience, improve scan rates, and ultimately contribute to the success of your campaigns and initiatives.
