Incorporating QR codes into an overall design is still relatively new. The designers have not completely solved the problems of merging the QR matrix into their concepts, while still maintaining the functionality of the code itself. But the world of design is catching up fast!
Right now, most companies are printing QR codes with flat ink, usually black. The code doesn’t really integrate with or enhance the business card design, diminishing the overall impression of your brand. Did you know that you can use two or more colors in QR codes? You can even embellish the foil stamping code matrix to make it stand out and coordinate with the rest of your business card design. Using foil makes your code the eye-catching centerpiece of your business card while beautifully integrating the code matrix with the rest of your card design.
Here are some of the best practices for improving foil codes:
- To make sure that QR code reading apps can read the code correctly, you need a lot of contrast between the color of the foil and the paper. We suggest avoiding foil stamping codes on high gloss papers because it produces glare when the code reader tries to scan the code.
- Codes can be printed on plastic papers if the paper is semi-transparent to provide the contrast needed to read the code. Make sure the color of your aluminum foil contrasts sufficiently with the color of the plastic material or vellum.
- You can use two or three colors in a QR code, as long as you remember the contrast rule above. Code readers will “read” the shapes of the code, not the colors. Therefore, to incorporate your customers’ branding, it is generally better to choose the darker corporate colors to print the code.
- An easy way to use foil and color is to use your corporate accent color in the code’s positioning elements (the three largest squares in the corners) and use your darker brand color for the matrix itself.
- Some QR code generators allow you to include unique illustrations like logos and other graphics. You can highlight these brand elements with corporate colors on foil. Not a bad idea for that extra hit of attention.
- Always, always, always test your QR code, after it is generated, if you change it in any way with a graphics editing program like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and after incorporating it into your template. If it doesn’t work on screen, it probably won’t work in print.