How to Choose the Right QR Code Shape?

Some years ago, QR codes were only square-shaped, black-and-white. Fast forward to 2023, and you can find QR codes of shapes you can’t imagine. There are even 3D, thematic shapes out there. 

QRcodeChimp itself offers over 60 unique QR code shapes. With so many shapes available, how to choose the right one for your business and requirements?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the right QR code shape that increases scans and boosts your branding. 

Types of QR code shapes

If we go by geometry, there are infinite shapes. Instead, we’ll classify QR code shapes by applications to help you select the right shape for your QR code campaign. 

Basic

The square is the original shape of QR codes. QR codes were originally square when invented in 1994. Though many QR code shapes have emerged over the years, the square remains the most common. 

Modern

Modern QR code shapes comprise shapes other than the square. These include the circle, star, heart, pentagon, callout, diamond, etc. 

Overall, images other than the square that don’t represent a specific object or product fall under modern QR code shapes. 

Specific

Specific QR code shapes are customized shapes that showcase your brand, products, or offerings. 

For instance, if you run a bakery, you can have a cake-shaped QR code. Similarly, a guitar-shaped QR code will be ideal if you sell musical instruments. 

How to select the right QR code shape for your business?

Identifying the best QR code shape for your business can be challenging. 

Should I go with the classic square? What about adding some style and appeal with a circular QR code? Or will a specific shape representing my product or service be ideal?

To help you choose, we’ve explained the applications of each shape type and the best scenario to use them. 

Square – The classic charm

If design isn’t a priority, and you just want to share information seamlessly, the classic square shape is perfect. 

Let’s say you’re a government agency running an awareness drive on a disease. You give newspaper ads with a QR code pointing people to a webpage containing important guidelines. 

Since the campaign’s purpose is to share critical information, a square QR code will get the job done. 

Modern shapes for elegant marketing  

Modern QR code shapes are having their moment, and rightly so. If you want to convey information in style, modern shapes are the perfect pick. 

These shapes allow you to ditch the traditional square. At the same time, they’re not too overwhelming. 

With modern QR code shapes like the circle, pentagon, and star, you can strike the perfect balance between style and simplicity. 

Suppose you’re an IT company running a billboard campaign to promote a new service. You can have a colorful, circular QR code to send people to your website, where they can learn about the service. 

The custom QR code will add appeal to your billboard campaign, resulting in more scans and website visits. 

Specific shapes for robust branding

Want to turn your QR codes into robust branding tools? Go for specific QR code shapes. These shapes represent a product or service, such as a gift box, cake, ice cream, camera, fish, etc. 

For example, an ice cream vendor can have an ice cream-shaped QR code to promote their latest flavors. 

Best practices for using QR code shapes

Have you found your perfect shape? Great! Now, follow these best practices to make your QR codes more effective and increase scans. 

Pick a QR code generator that offers shapes

There are two ways to create a custom-shaped QR code. One, you go to an editing tool like Paint or Photoshop and design it yourself. Two, you find a QR code generator that provides QR code shapes. 

The second is clearly more convenient. 

QRCodeChimp offers 60+ unique QR code shapes to take your QR customization to a whole new level. 

Customize the design 

Selecting the right shape is the first step in designing your QR code. Use colors, patterns, stickers, and other design elements to make your QR codes stunning and get more scans. 

That said, avoid overdesigning, as it could affect the scannability. 

Logo and branding

If you’re using a QR code for marketing or promotional purposes, the QR code’s design should align with your brand. Add your brand’s logo to the QR code and use your brand’s colors in the logo for consistent branding. 

White labeling

If you’re serious about branding, white-label your QR codes and use your brand’s URL throughout the QR code experience. White labeling, along with logo and branded QR code design, can boost your branding and significantly increase brand recall. 

Benefits of using shaped QR codes

Have you ever wondered why you should use unique shapes when a square QR code does the job?

Here’s why QR code shapes are vital for successful QR code campaigns. 

Enhanced branding opportunities

QR codes of unique shapes can make your marketing campaigns visually enticing. If used correctly, a custom QR code can enhance your branding, resulting in higher awareness and recall.  

You can incorporate your logo and other branding elements into the article to make the branding more robust and impactful. 

Higher engagement and interaction

Visually appealing QR codes can grab the audience’s attention and increase the scan rate. Using stickers with CTAs and appropriate positioning can increase engagement even further and achieve remarkable results from your marketing campaigns. 

Outshine the competition

With the increasing prevalence of QR codes, it’s essential for businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors. By utilizing unique QR code shapes, you can stand out from the competition and attract more scans and engagement.

Final thoughts

We live in a visually-engaged world where the look and feel of a marketing campaign play a significant role. A unique and appealing QR code can skyrocket engagement and help you get more scans. 

If you want to create QR codes of custom shapes, QRCodeChimp has your back. With over 60+ unique shapes and other customization options, QRCodeChimp has everything for your QR code design needs.

Try Out 60+ QR Code Shapes