QR Codes on Flyers and Posters: Size, Placement and Mistakes
How to put a QR code on a flyer or poster that people actually scan: the right size, placement, call to action, and why printed codes should be never-change.
6 min read · Updated November 4, 2026
A QR code on a flyer or poster works when it is big enough, has a clear reason to scan, and leads to a page made for phones.
The size rule
Make the code about 1/10 of the distance people will scan from. Flyer in hand: 2–3 cm. A poster read from 2 metres: 20 cm. Always leave a white border around it.
Give people a reason
- 'Scan for 10% off today'
- 'Scan to book your free trial'
- 'Scan for the full menu'
- 'Scan to get tickets'
Placement
- Bottom right is where eyes finish.
- Eye level on posters, not near the floor.
- Not on glossy curves or across folds.
- Away from busy background photos.
Static or never-change code?
A static code holds the link itself and is free forever, but it can't be changed after printing — a new link means a new code. A never-change code (Pro, $5/month or $49/year) points to a permanent getlinkly.app address, so you can change where it goes anytime, see how many people scanned it, and it keeps working even if you cancel. For flyers this matters most: you can reuse old print runs for new offers and see which locations bring scans.
Mistakes to avoid
- Linking to a desktop-only website.
- Using a long link that makes a dense code.
- Inverted colours (light dots on dark).
- Not testing the printed proof.
Frequently asked questions
Can I track scans by location?
Yes — make one never-change code per location and compare scans in analytics. See /blog/how-to-track-qr-code-scans.
PNG or SVG for print?
SVG. It stays sharp at any size.
What if the event is over?
With a never-change code, point it at your next event instead of throwing flyers away.
Design your flyer QR code at /qr-code-generator.