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Business Card Design Tips: Add Foil to a QR Code

Posted Mar 23, 2012 in Business Cards, Foil Stamping, QR Codes with (0) Comments

Incorporating QR codes into an overall design is still relatively new. Designers haven’t fully worked out the kinks of melding the QR matrix into their concepts, while still maintaining the functionality of the code itself. But the design world is catching up fast!

Right now, most companies are printing QR Codes with flat, usually black ink. The QR code doesn't really blend in or enhance the design of the business card, diminishing your overall brand impression. Did you know you can actually use two or more colors in QR codes? You can even embellish the code matrix with foil stamping to make it pop and coordinate with the rest of your business card design. Using foil with your QR code makes your code the eye-catching centerpiece of your business card while beautifully integrating the code matrix with the rest of your card design.

Here are a few best practices for enhancing QR codes with foil:

• To make sure the QR code can be read properly by QR code reader applications, you need plenty of contrast between the foil color and the paper stock. We suggest avoiding foil stamping QR codes with metallic foil on high gloss paper stocks because it produces a glare when the QR code reader tries to scan the code.
   
• QR codes can be printed on plastic stocks if the stock is semi-transparent to provide the contrast needed to read the QR code. Make sure your QR code foil color contrasts enough with the plastic or vellum stock color.
   
• You can use two or three colors in a QR code, as long as you remember the contrast rule above. QR code readers will “read” the shapes in the code—not the colors. So, to incorporate your customers’ brand, it’s usually best to choose the darker corporate color(s) to print the QR code.
   
• A simple way to use foil and color is to use your corporate accent color on the QR code positioning elements (the three bigger squares in the corners) and use your darker brand color for the matrix itself. 
   
• Some QR code generators allow you to include unique artwork like logos and other graphics. You can highlight these brand elements with corporate colors in foil. Not a bad idea for that extra punch of attention.
   
• Always, always, always test your QR code — after its generated, if you change it in any way with a graphics editing program like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and after you incorporate it into your template. If it doesn't work on screen, it probably won't work in print.

Wes-Tex is the only print company currently offering QR codes with foil stamping. So get creative and let us know how you’re taking these exciting new elements to the next level! Feel free to ask our printing experts any questions you have for foil QR codes in the comments below.

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