How does a round QR code scan?
The real QR code still sits in the middle with its three square corner markers. Around it, extra decorative dots fill out the circle. Phones ignore those extra dots and read the code inside, so a circle QR code scans just like a square one.
Great for
- Round stickers and product labels
- Coasters, badges and pin buttons
- Bottle caps, jar lids and cup sleeves
- Logo-style marks on social media
Printing tips
- Leave a little margin inside your circular cut line. Don’t let it trim into the code.
- Keep strong contrast; dark dots on a light background scan best.
- Print at least 3 cm (1.2 in) across, since the code inside is smaller than the circle.
Square or circle?
Use a circle when the code sits on something round, or when you want it to look like a badge or a stamp. Use a square when space is tight: the round version needs room for the decorative ring, so at the same overall width the code inside is smaller.
Styling a round code
- Dots: the round “Dots” and “Smooth” styles match the circle. Square dots look sharper and more technical.
- Corners: the “Circle” corner style softens the three corner squares to match. Phones still find them.
- Colours: one dark colour on white is the most reliable. If you use a brand colour, keep it dark.
- Logo: a round logo in the centre suits the shape. Keep it to about a quarter of the code’s width.
Using it on round products
For stickers, send the SVG to your printer and ask for a circular cut with a little bleed outside the design. For lids and caps, measure the flat area, not the whole lid, and size the code to fit inside it. For coasters and badges, keep the code centred so it stays flat where people hold the product.
Test the printed size
Print one at the real size and scan it from the distance people will use. If it is slow to read, make the whole circle bigger or shorten the link.