Best Colors for QR Codes (and Which to Avoid)

Can QR codes be colored?

Yes — QR codes don't have to be black and white. You can brand them with your colors, as long as you follow one rule: keep strong contrast between the code and its background. Get that wrong and the code simply won't scan.

The one rule that matters: contrast

Scanners read the difference in brightness between the dark modules and the light background. So:

• Make the foreground (modules) dark and the background light.
• Avoid pairing two colors of similar brightness (like red on green) — even if they look different to the eye, a camera sees similar tones.

Colors that work well

• Dark blue, deep purple, dark green, brown or black modules on a white or very light background.
• Your brand's darkest color as the foreground.

Colors and effects to avoid

• Inverted codes (light modules on a dark background) — many scanners can't read them.
• Light foregrounds like yellow, pastel or neon on white.
• Busy gradients or patterns that reduce contrast across the code.
• Low-contrast pairs — red/orange, blue/purple and similar.

What about the background?

A transparent or photographic background can look great but risks contrast problems. If you use one, place the code on a solid light panel so the modules always sit on a light surface.

Brand it safely

Our QR code generator lets you set custom foreground and background colors while keeping contrast safe, so your code stays on-brand and scannable. Pick your colors and download in seconds.