How To Create Customizable White QR Codes
Wondering how to stand out from a sea of black and white QR Codes? Learn how to create a white QR Code with dark or transparent background in just four steps.
Not every time you can force-fit a black-and-white QR Code into your design. And honestly, you don’t have to! White QR Codes offer an elegant role reversal of the classic B&W design you’ve been using so far.
The best part: You can retain all the functionalities of the traditional ones and better integrate them into dark or dark-themed backgrounds.
Learn what white QR Codes are and how to create them.
What is a white QR Code?
A white QR Code refers to a QR Code with white patterns and eyes. The small dots that make up most of a QR Code are called patterns, and the three big dots in each corner are called eyes. In a white QR Code, these elements are entirely white. This is great for use with contrasting dark backgrounds and printing materials.
How to create a white QR Code in 4 simple steps
Here are four steps to follow to create a white QR Code:
- Login to Uniqode and click “+Create”
- Choose a QR Code type according to your use case
- Customize the QR Code pattern and make the eyes white
- Test and download the white QR Code
Step 1: Log in to the dashboard and select a QR Code type
On the top-right corner, click “+CREATE” followed by “QR Code.”
Choose a campaign type according to your use case.
For instance, if your use case is to redirect people scanning to a web page, select “Website.” Similarly, select “MP3” for audio integration, “RestaurantMenu” for the menu, and so on.
Step 2: Add the required file or URL
Add the website URL and click “Next.” In case you choose PDF, you will have an option to upload the file or use its online URL.
Step 3: Customize your white QR Code
To make your QR Code white, follow these steps:
▶️Click “Eyes”
Change the eye-ball and eye-frame color to white.
▶️Click “pattern”
Change the pattern color to white.
▶️Click “Background”
Choose any contrasting color for the background to make the QR Code visible. For instance, you can opt for a white QR Code on a red background (🧑🎄holiday vibes, anyone?).
Follow the real-time scannability, check the preview on the right, and change the background color until the score is GOOD or EXCELLENT.
⚡Pro tip: If yo Transparent. Then, download the QR Code in PNG format.
Step 4: Test and download the white QR Code
Even if you achieve the “EXCELLENT” score in scannability, we recommend you scan and test the QR Code with your mobile devices.
If it works without issues, download the QR Code in a suitable format for your use case.
🧑💻Nerd it out: Read our detailed guide on QR Code formats to understand which format to download for your use case.
Is a white QR Code with a transparent background scannable?
Yes, a white QR Code with a transparent background is scannable, given that post printing, or during usage, the material you use it on is on is of a darker color.
For instance, if you use a transparent white QR Code for physical coupons, the coupon color should contrast with the white QR Code. The same applies to product packaging.
White QR Codes are not scannable on light backgrounds!
📝Note:When you download a transparent white QR Code on Uniqode dashboard, the scannability score will be poor, considering the default white background.
However, you can download it as a transparent PNG QR Code (by choosing the backgrond also as transparent) and use it on any dark background of your choice. Please test if the QR Code is working when designing and printing.
How popular brands have used white QR Codes in their campaigns
Here are three brands that have elegantly incorporated white QR Codes in their marketing campaigns:
1. Robo Dog campaign by Kia
Kia, a multinational automobile manufacturer, celebrated “Accelerate The Good Program” to raise awareness and help shelter animals find their forever homes.
As a part of the program, Kia launched “Robo Dogmented Reality,” which brings a cute robotic dog named “Robo Dog” into your living room using 8th Wall’s AR technology platform.
Kia used a white QR Code on their marketing materials, such as videos, to redirect people to a website to understand and experience the “dogmented reality.”
2. World Music Day campaign by boAt
boAt Lifestyle, one of India’s leading audio-wear brands, dedicated a campaign to highlight emerging artists. These artists often lack visibility due to fluctuating algorithms on streaming platforms.
To break through this, boAt strategically placed QR Code-based art in YouTube ads and billboards. Users could scan these QR Codes to discover these talented artists.
For one such artist, boAt used white QR Codes, which, upon scanning, directed the audience to boAt’s website. On the website, people can explore the artists’ profile and their music on Spotify and YouTube.
3. #ThisAdIsMyStore campaign by Cadbury
Under the hashtag #ThisAdIsMyStore, Cadbury Celebrations is empowering small business owners.
Every Cadbury advertisement, spanning billboards, digital OOH advertisements, print, and television, is now a promotional opportunity for small businesses.
How exactly?
In the ad, Cadbury uses white QR Codes for better visibility and scannability on the background. The background includes images of home-based entrepreneurs. Upon scanning the QR Code, viewers are redirected to WhatsApp for Business chats of these small businesses, allowing them to explore and make purchases.
Best practices for creating a white QR Code
Here are some of the best practices to follow when you create a white QR Code for your next campaign:
- Use a contrasting background: Pair a white QR Code with a dark background to ensure better visibility and scannability. If you’re using a transparent white QR Code, print it on dark material.
- Give space around the QR Code: Avoid cluttered designs that may interfere with scanning. Leave sufficient space around the code, and consider adding a QR Code border for better clarity.
- Add a CTA: Include guiding text below the QR Code to tell users what to expect. For example, use CTAs like “Scan for video” or “Scan to get a slot.”
- Choose a dynamic QR Code: You can edit the content of your white QR Code anytime, and the changes will reflect instantly. You can also track user engagement, including the number of scans, scan locations, and more.
Create and add white QR Codes to any design seamlessly with Uniqode
Easily change the color of your QR Code to white and create white QR Codes with colored backgrounds or transparent backgrounds with Uniqode.
Customize QR Codes on a larger scale or add transparent white QR Codes to any design you choose.
You can also benefit from integrating Uniqode with Google Analytics to track user interactions comprehensively.
Want to create a QR Code that stands out from the crowd? Go ahead and create a white QR Code for free below 👇
Create a white QR Code with Uniqode
Start free trialFrequently Asked Questions
- How do I create a white QR Code?
To create a white QR Code, sign up for or log in to the Uniqode dashboard and select a campaign type. Add your destination file or URL, then change the eyes and pattern color of the QR Code to white. Next, choose a dark color from the palette for the background to maintain contrast and ensure scannability. Finally, test the QR Code and download your white QR Code once you’re satisfied with the result.
- Can you make a QR code white instead of black?
Yes, you can create a white QR code by inverting the traditional black-and-white color scheme, making the patterns and eyes (the three corner squares) entirely white. White QR codes require a contrasting dark background to remain scannable and work best when downloaded as transparent PNG files that can be placed on dark-colored materials or designs.
- What file format is best for downloading white QR codes?
PNG format is the best choice for downloading white QR codes, especially when you need a transparent background. PNG files preserve the transparency layer, allowing you to place the white QR code on any dark-colored background while maintaining scannability, unlike formats that may add a default white background.
- What is the difference between QR code patterns and eyes?
QR code patterns refer to the small dots that make up the majority of the code's area, while eyes are the three larger square elements located in each corner of the QR code. When creating a white QR code, both the patterns and eyes must be changed to white, with the eye-ball (inner square) and eye-frame (outer square) customized separately to ensure proper contrast with the background.
- Do white QR codes work on light-colored backgrounds?
No, white QR codes are not scannable on light or white backgrounds because they lack the necessary contrast for smartphone cameras to detect the code pattern. White QR codes require dark backgrounds such as black, navy, dark red, or other contrasting colors to achieve a scannability score of GOOD or EXCELLENT and function properly when scanned.
About the Author
Born too early to explore space, too late to explore the earth, but just in time to become your go-to for all things QR. I'm Ektha, a QR Code expert with years of research and analysis into the evolution of this powerful business tool. Over the course of writing 70+ in-depth articles on QR technology, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of how QR Codes are transforming industries. My insights, including The State of QR Report, have been featured in leading publications. With a passion for simplifying complex topics and providing actionable strategies, I help businesses leverage QR Codes to enhance their 'phygital' connections. If you're looking to explore how QR Codes can drive your business forward, let's connect.
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