How to put a QR code on a flyer
On a half-letter flyer, a 1.25 to 1.5 inch code is enough. What really matters is the promise printed next to it, and a different code per drop zone so you know what worked.
Updated September 24, 2026
Size by format
| Format | Dimensions | Code size |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard | 4 x 6 in | 1.25 in |
| Half letter | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 1.25 to 1.5 in |
| Rack card | 4 x 9 in | 1.25 in |
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 in | 1.5 to 2 in |
A flyer is read in hand, 12 to 16 inches away: the 10:1 rule gives 1.25 to 1.6 inches. If the code is colored or holds a long URL, add a quarter inch. The size calculator does the math for your exact case.
Where to put it on the page
Eyes move from the headline to the offer, then down. The code works best bottom right, right after the offer, where readers wonder "now what?". A specific promise beside the code beats a bigger code: "Book your table in 30 seconds", "See this week's menu". Keep it out of the fold on a folded flyer: the crease distorts the pattern.
Paper and finish
- Matte or silk coated stock: the best balance between photo quality and scannability.
- Gloss: glare gets in the way under direct light. Keep a matte zone around the code, or use a matte coating.
- Weight: 100 lb text is fine for a handout; 100 lb cover for a flyer that sits on a counter.
What to write next to the code
The call to action drives more scans than anything else. Say what people get, in a few words, with a verb: "See the menu", "Get 15% off", "Register your kid". A bare "Scan me" promises nothing. If the offer has a deadline, print it next to the code: urgency gets people moving. Finally, print the short URL in small type under the code for those who would rather type it. On a two-sided flyer, repeat the code on the back only if the front is already crowded.
For EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) campaigns, the USPS route you pick is your natural split: one code per carrier route shows which neighborhoods respond, which is exactly the data you need before the next mailing.
Measuring your distribution
Flyers are perfect for comparisons. Create one dynamic code per drop zone or partner location, all pointing to the same page: your stats show which neighborhood, partner shop or market day brought the most scans. Add UTM tags to the destination with the UTM builder to follow what happens on your site too.
| Batch | Quantity | Code | utm_content |
|---|---|---|---|
| North side mailboxes | 500 | Code 1 | mailbox-north |
| Saturday farmers market | 500 | Code 2 | market |
| Partner shops | 500 | Code 3 | partners |
Common mistakes
- A code that lands on your homepage: readers look for the flyer's offer, not your whole site. Send them to the offer page.
- A slow page: 3 seconds of waiting on cellular loses a share of visitors.
- An expired offer: with a dynamic code, redirect leftover flyers to the current deal, as the coupon QR code allows.
Your codes keep working, even if you stop paying
Every code you create or edit on a paid plan keeps redirecting to its last destination, forever.
Static codes are included in every plan: they rely on no server and never expire.
Read the lifetime guarantee termsFrequently asked questions
What size QR code for a half-letter flyer?
1.25 to 1.5 inches wide, plus the white margin.
Can the QR code be printed in color?
Yes, if modules stay very dark on a very light background. Add 20% to the size to compensate.
How do I know how many flyers were scanned?
With a dynamic code every scan is counted. One code per drop zone lets you compare.
Do I need a different code on every flyer?
No, one code per batch is enough. One per copy adds nothing and complicates printing.
Sources
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