Can I download a QR code with a transparent background?

Steps

1. Create a code, or open an existing one and click Edit.
2. Go to the QR Design step and expand QR Code Style.
3. Tick Transparent background. The Background colour picker and the Invert button grey out — there is no background colour left to set or swap.
4. Finish the wizard (Download ✓, or Update ✓ when editing) to save the design.
5. Open the code from My QR Codes, click Download, and choose PNG or SVG.

What each format does with transparency

The dot colour, the corners and any frame are unaffected — only the field behind the pattern is removed.

The frame background is a separate setting

If your code has a frame, the frame has its own background, with its own Transparent checkbox next to Background in the Frame section. The two are independent:

• Transparent frame background, solid code background — the frame floats, the code sits on its own light field.
• Both transparent — the whole piece of artwork is a cut-out.
• Solid frame background, transparent code background — the code shows the frame's colour behind its dots.

That last combination is the one to watch. If the frame background is dark, the dots end up on a dark field and the code becomes hard to scan. More on frames in adding a "Scan me" frame.

Before you place a transparent code

• Place it on a light, flat colour. White, cream, pale grey and light pastels are safe with a dark dot colour.
• Do not place it on a photograph. Even a busy pale image breaks up the pattern.
• Keep the quiet zone clear. Nothing — no text, no rule, no fold — should come inside the Margin you set around the code.
• Do not invert to light dots on a dark surface. It scans on some phones and fails on others.
• Scan the finished artwork, not the file on its own. See test a QR code before printing.

There is more on where transparent codes work well on the transparent QR code page.

Common problems

I ticked the box but my download still has a white background

Check that the design was actually saved — the setting has to be stored on the code before the download is rendered. Open the code, click Edit, confirm the box is still ticked on the QR Design step, and save. Then check you are downloading PNG or SVG, not JPEG or PDF.

My transparent PNG looks like it has a chequerboard behind it

That is your image viewer showing you there is no background. Drop the file into the artwork and it will be transparent there too.

The code will not scan on our packaging

Almost always the surface behind it. Put the code back on a light flat patch, or untick Transparent background and keep the white field.

Word or PowerPoint shows a white box

Some older document templates add their own background behind an image. Insert the PNG rather than pasting it, and check the picture has no fill applied.

Frequently asked questions