Print Guidelines

1. File Format and Resolution

1.1 Recommended File Formats

QRCraft provides your designs in multiple formats for different use cases:

• PNG (Recommended for most prints): Best for digital printing, maintains quality, supports transparency
• PDF (Best for professional printing): Vector-based where possible, preserves exact colors, preferred by print shops
• JPG: Use only if printer specifically requests it (some online print services)

1.2 Resolution Requirements

Note: All QRCraft paid downloads are 300 DPI, suitable for professional printing.

1.3 File Size Check

Before sending to print:

• Check file dimensions match your intended print size
• Verify resolution is at least 300 DPI for physical prints
• Ensure file is not compressed or resized (use original downloaded file)

2. Color Mode and Profiles

2.1 Color Modes

2.2 Converting to CMYK (If Required)

If your print shop requires CMYK:

• Ask the printer to convert the file (they have calibrated software)
• Or use Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator with “India Standard” or “Coated FOGRA39” color profile
• Important: Always test-print one copy before bulk printing to verify colors

2.3 Color Accuracy

• Screen vs. Print: Colors on screen (backlit) will always appear brighter than print
• Pantone Matching: For exact brand color matching, provide Pantone codes to your printer
• Black QR Codes: Use 100% K (black) in CMYK, avoid rich black (C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100) for QR codes as it may cause registration issues

3. Paper and Material Selection

3.1 Paper Types for Countertop Stands/Posters

3.2 Acrylic/PVC Stands (Recommended)

• Material: 2mm or 3mm clear acrylic
• Printing Method: UV printing (most common in India)
• Finish: Matte or semi-gloss (avoid high gloss)
• Advantages: Durable, water-resistant, premium look, easy to clean
• QRCraft Stands: Made with 2mm acrylic, UV printed, anti-glare coating

3.3 Stickers/Labels

• Material: Vinyl (for outdoor/water resistance) or paper (for indoor)
• Finish: Matte lamination (best scannability) or gloss lamination (premium look)
• Adhesive: Permanent for walls/glass, removable for temporary displays
• Weather Resistance: Request UV-resistant lamination for outdoor stickers

3.4 Materials to Avoid

• Highly reflective surfaces: Mirrors, metallic papers, high-gloss laminates
• Transparent materials: Clear acrylic without white backing, transparent stickers
• Textured surfaces: Canvas, fabric, rough wood (camera cannot focus clearly)
• Curved surfaces: Bottles, pillars, curved glass (distorts QR pattern)

4. Lamination and Finishing

4.1 Lamination Types

4.2 Lamination Recommendations

• For QR Codes: Always choose matte or anti-glare lamination
• Thickness: 25-50 microns (standard), 75-125 microns (premium durability)
• Application: Ensure no air bubbles over QR code area – bubbles can prevent scanning

4.3 Other Finishing Options

• Spot UV: Glossy coating only on specific areas (keep QR area matte)
• Embossing: Avoid on QR code itself – can be used on surrounding design
• Die-cutting: Custom shapes are fine, but maintain quiet zone around QR

5. Printing Methods

5.1 Digital Printing (Most Common)

• Best for: Small to medium runs (1-500 pieces), quick turnaround
• Technology: Inkjet or laser printing
• Quality: Excellent for QR codes, sharp edges
• Cost: Economical for small quantities
• Turnaround: Same day to 2 days

5.2 UV Printing (For Acrylic/PVC)

• Best for: Acrylic stands, PVC boards, glass
• Technology: UV-cured ink, prints directly on material
• Quality: Excellent durability, vibrant colors
• Cost: Moderate, ideal for 10-100 pieces
• Turnaround: 2-5 days

5.3 Offset Printing

• Best for: Large runs (500+ pieces), business cards, letterheads
• Technology: Traditional plate-based printing
• Quality: Excellent, very consistent
• Cost: Economical only for large quantities
• Turnaround: 5-10 days

5.4 Screen Printing

• Best for: Large format (banners, hoardings), fabric
• Quality: Good for simple designs, not ideal for complex QR codes
• Recommendation: Use only for large QR codes (10cm+) with thick modules

5.5 Home Printing (Inkjet/Laser)

• Suitable for: Testing, temporary displays, very small quantities
• Paper: Use high-quality inkjet/laser paper (180-250 GSM)
• Settings: Print at “Best” or “High Quality” setting, not “Draft”
• Calibration: Ensure printer is properly calibrated (print test page first)
• Limitation: Colors may not match exactly, durability is lower

6. Size and Bleed Requirements

6.1 Understanding Bleed

Bleed: Extra area around the design that gets trimmed off after printing to ensure no white edges.

• Standard Bleed: 3mm (0.125″) on all sides
• Example: For an A5 stand (148mm × 210mm), the print file should be 154mm × 216mm (adding 3mm bleed on each side)
• QRCraft Files: Already include proper bleed – no need to add extra

6.2 Safe Zone

Keep all important content (especially QR code and text) at least 5mm away from cut edges.

• QR Code Placement: Never place QR code near the edge where it might get trimmed
• Text: Keep business name and contact info well within safe zone

6.3 Checking File Before Sending to Print

1. Open file and check actual dimensions (not just file size)
2. Verify resolution is 300 DPI at intended print size
3. Ensure design is centered and has proper margins
4. Check that QR code is not cut off at edges
5. Verify all text is readable and properly positioned

7. Color Contrast for Scannability

7.1 Optimal Contrast Ratios

• Best: Black QR on white background (100% success rate)
• Acceptable: Dark color on light background (e.g., navy on white, dark green on cream)
• Minimum Contrast: 40% luminance difference between QR and background

7.2 Color Combinations to Avoid

• Light colors on white (e.g., yellow, light blue, pink on white)
• Dark colors on dark backgrounds (e.g., black on dark blue)
• Low-contrast combinations (e.g., red on green, blue on purple)
• Inverted QR codes (white QR on black background) – reduces scan success by 30%

7.3 Background Patterns

• Avoid: Busy patterns, gradients, or images behind QR code
• If using background: Ensure QR code has solid white or light-colored backdrop (QRCraft templates handle this automatically)

8. Printing QR Codes with Logos

8.1 Logo Size Verification

Before printing, verify:

• Logo does not exceed 30% of QR code area
• Logo has clear space around it (not touching QR modules)
• Logo colors contrast well with QR code

8.2 Logo Print Quality

• Ensure logo is high resolution (avoid pixelated logos)
• Logo should be vector if possible (especially for large prints)
• Test-scan printed QR before bulk printing to confirm logo doesn’t break scannability

8.3 Logo Background Circle

QRCraft automatically adds a white or colored background circle behind your logo for better contrast. When printing:

• Ensure this background prints clearly (should be solid, not transparent)
• Check that background circle fully covers the QR modules behind it

9. Quality Control Checklist

9.1 Pre-Print Checklist

1. File Check:
   • Correct file format (PDF or PNG)
   • 300 DPI resolution verified
   • Correct dimensions for print size
   • Colors appear correct on screen
2. Design Check:
   • QR code is not too close to edges
   • Logo size is appropriate (not too large)
   • Text is readable and error-free
   • Adequate white border around QR code
3. Printer Specifications:
   • Confirm material type with printer
   • Specify matte lamination for QR codes
   • Request color-matched proof if brand colors are critical

9.2 Test Print (Mandatory)

Always print ONE test copy before bulk printing.

1. Print one sample on the actual material you’ll use
2. Apply same finishing (lamination, coating)
3. Test QR code with multiple phones (Android and iPhone)
4. Scan from expected distance (e.g., 50cm for counter stands)
5. Test in actual lighting conditions where it will be used
6. Verify colors match your expectations
7. Check for print defects (smudges, misalignment, color shifts)

9.3 Bulk Print Inspection

When receiving bulk prints:

• Inspect first 5 pieces immediately
• Scan QR codes on random samples
• Check for consistency in color across all pieces
• Verify no printing defects (scratches, ink smudges, miscuts)
• Report issues to printer immediately (before leaving print shop)

10. Common Printing Issues and Solutions

10.1 Blurry QR Code

Cause: Low resolution file, printer settings on “Draft” mode

Solution:

• Use 300 DPI file from QRCraft (paid download)
• Set printer to “Best” or “High Quality” mode
• Do not resize image after download

10.2 Colors Don’t Match Screen

Cause: RGB to CMYK conversion, uncalibrated monitor

Solution:

• Request color-matched proof from printer
• Understand screens always appear brighter than prints
• For exact matching, provide Pantone color codes

10.3 QR Code Won’t Scan After Printing

Possible Causes and Solutions:

10.4 Ink Bleeding or Smudging

Cause: Poor quality paper, excess ink

Solution:

• Use higher GSM paper (300+ for cardstock)
• Allow adequate drying time before lamination
• Request UV or laser printing for sharper edges

10.5 Uneven Color or Banding

Cause: Printer calibration issue, low ink

Solution:

• Ask printer to clean/calibrate print heads
• Request reprint on different machine if issue persists
• Check ink levels (especially for home printers)

11. Working with Local Print Shops

11.1 What to Tell Your Printer

When placing order, specify:

1. Material: “300 GSM art card, matte finish” or “2mm acrylic with UV printing”
2. Size: Exact dimensions (e.g., “A5 size – 148mm × 210mm”)
3. Quantity: Number of pieces needed (ask for 2-3 extra for safety)
4. Lamination: “Matte lamination, 25 microns or higher”
5. Finishing: Any special requirements (rounded corners, holes for hanging, etc.)
6. Test Print: “Please provide one test print before full run”

11.2 File Submission

• Send the file via email or WhatsApp
• Do NOT print and give printout to printer – give digital file
• Preferred format: PDF (if printer accepts it) or high-res PNG
• Inform printer: “File is already print-ready at 300 DPI with bleed”

11.3 Pricing Expectations (India)

Note: Prices vary by city and vendor. Always get quotes from 2-3 printers.

11.4 Finding Print Shops

• Local Options: Search “digital printing near me” or “UV printing near me” on Google Maps
• Online Services: Vistaprint India, Printvenue, Printland (ship nationwide)
• Marketplaces: IndiaMART, IndiaBusiness for bulk orders

12. Storage and Handling of Printed Materials

12.1 Storage Recommendations

• Paper Prints: Store flat in dry place, avoid direct sunlight (fades colors)
• Laminated Prints: Keep away from heat sources (can cause lamination to peel)
• Acrylic Stands: Store in bubble wrap or foam padding to prevent scratches
• Stickers: Keep backing paper on until ready to use, store in cool dry place

12.2 Cleaning QR Code Displays

• Acrylic/Laminated: Wipe with soft microfiber cloth, use mild soap water if needed
• Avoid: Alcohol-based cleaners, abrasive scrubbers (can damage QR code)
• Frequency: Clean weekly or when visibly dirty (dust/fingerprints affect scanning)

12.3 Lifespan

13. Environmental Considerations

13.1 Eco-Friendly Printing Options

• Recycled Paper: 100% recycled cardstock available (slightly higher cost)
• Soy-Based Inks: More environmentally friendly than petroleum-based inks
• Water-Based Laminates: Alternative to plastic lamination
• Digital Printing: Less waste than offset printing for small runs

13.2 Disposal

• Paper/Cardstock: Recyclable (remove lamination if possible)
• Acrylic: Check local recycling programs for plastic #7 (acrylic)
• Vinyl Stickers: Not easily recyclable, consider biodegradable sticker options

14. Summary: Key Printing Guidelines

Golden Rules for Perfect QR Code Prints:

1. Always use 300 DPI files from QRCraft paid downloads
2. Choose matte or anti-glare lamination (never high gloss)
3. Maintain minimum 2cm × 2cm QR size (preferably larger)
4. Use high contrast: Black QR on white background is best
5. Test print ONE sample before bulk printing (non-negotiable)
6. Scan the test print with multiple phones to verify scannability
7. Use quality materials: 300+ GSM paper or 2mm+ acrylic
8. Specify matte finish to your printer (reduces glare)
9. Allow proper drying time before lamination to prevent smudging
10. Inspect prints before leaving print shop

When in Doubt:

• Go larger rather than smaller (QR codes never fail because they’re too big)
• Choose matte over glossy (scannability over aesthetics)
• Print test before bulk (saves money and headaches)
• Ask your printer for recommendations (they know their equipment best)