QR code error correction levels
QR codes carry redundant data so they still scan when smudged, scratched, or partly covered by a logo. The error-correction level sets how much of the code can be obscured and still read. Higher levels recover more, but add modules, so the code looks denser at the same print size. Recovery percentages are approximate, per the QR code standard.
| Level | Recovery capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% | Clean digital screens; the most data in the smallest, sparsest code |
| M (Medium) | ~15% | General print on a clean surface, the common default |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% | Codes with a small centered logo, or light wear |
| H (High) | ~30% | Codes with a larger centered logo, or rough/outdoor surfaces |
A centered logo works because higher error correction buys back the modules it covers, but the logo must stay clear of the three corner finder patterns, which are structural. There's a trade-off: more correction means a busier pattern, which can hurt scannability at small sizes. When in doubt, test the printed code from the real scanning distance.
See also
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