PNG vs SVG QR Codes: When to Download Each Format
Our generator lets you download in both PNG and SVG. They’re not interchangeable — choosing wrong can ruin print quality or file size.
Use PNG When…
- You need a fixed size (e.g., 1024×1024 px for stickers)
- Uploading to social media, email signatures, or Canva
- Embedding in PowerPoint, Word, or Google Docs
- You want a tiny file with transparency support
Use SVG When…
- Printing at any size (billboards, business cards, packaging)
- You need perfect sharpness at 1000% zoom
- Changing colors later (SVG is pure code)
- Embedding in websites or apps (tiny file, responsive)
- Working with professional design tools (Figma, Illustrator)
File Size Reality
A typical 1024×1024 PNG is ~40–80 KB. The same QR in SVG is usually under 8 KB — and scales forever without quality loss.
Pro Tip
Always export SVG for print. Printers love vector. Never send a 300 dpi PNG when a 2 KB SVG does the job perfectly.
FAQ
Can SVG QR codes have logos?
Yes — our tool embeds the logo directly into the SVG as a data URI.
Do all phones scan colored SVGs?
Yes — as long as contrast is ≥4.5:1 (which our tool enforces).
PNG for screens. SVG for everything else.