BUSINESS CARD GUIDE
How to make a custom QR code for a business card
A QR code can turn a small piece of cardstock into a contact action. It can also become a permanent link to a dead page. Choose carefully.
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What should a business card QR code contain?
Use a short website QR code when 0.5 inch is the design limit. Direct Add vCards start at 1 inch, which is a practical size for a typical contact record. Move to 1.5 inches when the record is unusually long or you want more scanning margin. Preserve the white border and test the physical card before ordering a stack.
Create your business card QR codeWebsite QR code or vCard QR code?
| Choose | Best when | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Add vCard | You want the scan to open the phone's native Add Contact screen with name, company, title, phone, email, address, and website prefilled | It contains more data and usually needs a larger printed code. Changing a field means printing a new code. |
| Website | You want an editable profile, portfolio, booking page, link hub, or measurable destination | The URL must remain under your control for as long as the cards exist. |
Do not use a free redirect domain you do not control for a long-lived print piece. Saving three minutes now is a ridiculous reason to make every card dependent on someone else's business model.
How to design the code
- Choose Website or vCard in ScreenCode's free generator.
- Enter only the information the recipient actually needs.
- For a website code, choose the smallest output that keeps the payload readable.
- Start a typical Direct Add vCard at 1 inch. Move to 1.5 inches if the contact record is unusually long or the physical proof scans inconsistently.
- Use classic modules for maximum reliability, or a restrained custom style.
- Add short center text only on 1.5-inch, 2-inch, or 3-inch codes, or a logo on a 2-inch or 3-inch code.
- Export as SVG for scalable print artwork, or PNG for a raster layout, without stretching or cropping it.
How large should the QR code be on a business card?
The payload decides the required size. A 0.5-inch code can be appropriate for a short website address. ScreenCode starts Direct Add vCards at 1 inch, a practical recommendation for a typical contact record containing a name, company, title, phone, email, website, and postal address.
| Printed size | Best fit | Practical guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 inch | Short website URL | A compact choice when the destination itself is short. |
| 1 inch | Typical Direct Add vCard | The recommended starting size for a standard business-card contact record. |
| 1.5 inches | Long or unusually dense vCard | Use when the record contains lengthy fields or you want additional scanning margin. |
Compatible QR readers are already built into most modern phone cameras. After the scan, a Direct Add vCard opens the native Add Contact screen with the contact information prefilled, then one click saves it. The phone still controls the confirmation workflow.
See the full print-size guideWhat to print beside the code
Give people a reason to scan and tell them what will happen. “Save my contact,” “View portfolio,” or “Book a call” beats an unlabeled square. Also print the essential human-readable contact information. A QR code should make the card faster, not hold the card hostage.
Test before ordering
- Scan the exported file before placing it in the layout.
- Scan a physical proof under ordinary indoor lighting.
- Test with both iPhone and Android phones.
- Confirm that every contact field maps correctly.
- Check that the destination domain is spelled correctly and uses HTTPS.