QR Code PNG, EPS, and Vector: Which is the Right QR Code Format for You?

Apoorva Hedge
Last Updated: February 17, 2021

Confused between using QR Code PNG, QR Code EPS, and QR Code Vector for your marketing campaign and don’t know where to begin?

An effective marketing campaign reaches the right kind of audience. Having established that, marketing campaign errors are nothing new, and it is apparent that even large retailers can slip up.

QR Code format - QR Code PNG, QR Code EPS, and QR Code vector

There are several popular QR Code marketing campaigns that have failed and several others that have succeeded – by choosing the right and wrong QR Code format.

With a steady inclination in the usage of QR Codes for marketing campaigns, marketers are often confused about choosing the right QR Code format to push their marketing campaigns.

Read this blog post to choose the right QR Code format for the right marketing campaign.

QR Code PNG, QR Code EPS, and QR Code Vector: What are they?

#1 QR Code PNG

Formats such as PNG, JPEG, and JPG are typically popular when downloading an image on smartphones and computers.

PNG, or Portable Network Graphic, contains a bitmap compressed with lossless compression similar to .GIF file. QR Code PNGs are usually used for digital art, flat images, and graphic images.

QR Code PNGs are resolution-dependent, which means that the image loses quality when the size is increased.

QR Code PNGs cannot be used for large surfaces. They are ideal for vCards, digital images, and small-sized print media.

#2 QR Code EPS

EPS or Encapsulated PostScript is a vector format designed for printing on large surfaces.

QR Code EPS is considered the best choice for printing high-resolution images or illustrations on large surfaces such as banners, billboards, and posters.

QR Code EPS is scalable, resolution-independent, composed of individual objects and shapes. This type of QR Code can be resized easily without losing its quality, making them an ideal choice for large print media that can be used in multiple sizes.

#3 QR Code Vector

When working digitally, there are two kinds of image types: raster and vector. Although both types can be saved with various file extensions, it is imperative to understand when to use each image type.

Vector images are images that are built by mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid. While raster images lose resolution, vector images can be infinitely scaled in size without losing resolution. Besides, vector images are more versatile.

The most common type of vector images are –

1. AI

AI stands for Adobe Illustrator – this file is typically used in print media and digital graphics, such as logos.

2. PDF

The Portable Document Format is built to exchange the document across several platforms.

3. SVG

The Scalable Vector Graphics Format, or SVG, is based in XML (a markup language that is readable by both machines and humans), is useful for the web, where it can be indexed, searched, and scripted.

QR Code EPS is also a vector image format.

QR Code vector can be used for all types of print media and digital marketing campaigns without compromising on its resolution to virtually unlimited sizes.

How to generate QR Code PNG, QR Code EPS, and QR Code Vector?

How to download QR Code PNG, QR Code EPS, and QR Code vector

To generate a QR Code in PNG, EPS, and Vector formats –

Go to Free-QR-Code QR Code generator
Choose from various types of QR Codes such as URL, SMS, PDF, or even location
Customize the QR Code by editing its eyes, templates, adding a logo, and even a background suitable to your campaign
Test the changes made to ensure the QR Code is scannable
Download the QR Code in the desired format – PNG, EPS, or Vector (SVG, PDF)

Factors to consider before choosing the right QR Code format

#1 Printing material

Before printing a QR Code for any marketing campaign, it is absolutely imperative to consider the material of the print media.

Avoid printing the QR Code on glossy surfaces that can be easily distorted. Make sure the QR Code printed is in the right format depending on the material of the QR Code.

A QR Code should be easily scannable without any hassle. If printing on a billboard, consider printing the QR Code in a vector format for seamless scanning.

Make sure the QR Code is not printed on a material that reflects too much light or competes with the readability of the QR Code, uneven surfaces, or even hard surfaces.

#2 Placement of the QR Code

Place the QR Code correctly for the right scannability

QR Codes for OOH advertisements and print media advertisements, such as flyers, banners, billboards, and posters are highly engaging, only if the QR Code is placed within the users’ reach.

For maximum impact, place the QR Code visibly and at arm’s length of the user.

Avoid printing the QR Code on magazine folds, corners, or merged with text as it cannot be recognizable.

A QR Code when placed correctly, is scanned within seconds.

#3 Purpose of the marketing campaign

Download the right QR Code format for the right marketing campaign

If the purpose of the marketing campaign is to drive footfall from offline campaigns to the brand’s social media, the QR Code campaign must be adapted to sidewalks, store-fronts, vCards, and even on the products.

Depending on the purpose of the marketing campaign, QR Codes can be downloaded in various formats to suit the campaign accordingly.

#4 Size of the QR Code

The size of the QR Code plays a significant role in deciding the QR Code format and the workability of the marketing campaign. Tucking away the QR Code, or enlarging the QR Code beyond the capability of the material will fail.

Gauge the type of marketing campaign before printing the QR Code. If it for a vCard, then download QR Code PNG and make sure it is at least 2cm x 2cm.

If the size is bigger, scale-up.

As a general rule of thumb,

Size of the QR Code = Distance between the QR Code and the scanner / 10

Always test the QR Code for its scannability before printing it on to the marketing material.

#5 Always download high-resolution QR Codes

Download high-resolution QR Code for the right marketing campaign

High-resolution QR Codes for print media always triumphs.

Pixelated and blurry QR Codes will not only deem the campaign ineffective but also tarnishes the brand image. Depending on the size of the QR Code, choose between QR Code EPS, PNG, or any vector format to print high-resolution QR Codes.

In addition, choose the right kind of printing material for easy scannability of the QR Code.

Scale up your marketing efforts with the right QR Code format

Owing to the versatility of QR Codes, they have become the star player in all industry verticals, all across the globe. Consumers and brands are wholeheartedly embracing the technology for marketing campaigns, restaurants, and mobile wallets.

QR Codes for print media can be implemented everywhere – including tickets, flyers, wristbands, and banners. The right kind of QR Code marketing campaign will not only enhance the purpose of the campaign but also helps in amplifying business strategies, ROI, brand recall, and better audience reach.

Generating a bulk QR Code campaign in the wrong format is not just cost-inducing, but also not eco-friendly. The right QR Code campaign with the appropriate QR Code format can garner higher sales, enhance brand recognition, and helps the brand stay ahead of the curve.