How to print your QR code
Clear, repeated placement makes the QR code easier for guests to notice and scan. Here's the playbook.
Before you print
- 1Create your event in Picsui and add couple names / event name + date.
- 2Design your print sign from the event page, then download a high-resolution PNG or sharp SVG. The backup URL is included on new signs.
- 3Test it with two phones (one iOS, one Android) before sending anything to the printer.
Pick the right size
Rule of thumb: 1 inch of QR code per 10 feet of scan distance.
Table cards & favors
1–2 inches
Seated guests, 1–3 feet away. Card stock 4×6" is the sweet spot — fits the QR plus your names and a one-line CTA.
Welcome signs
4–6 inches
Standing guests at the entrance, 5–15 feet visibility. Pair with an A-frame or easel at eye level.
Stage & posters
8–12 inches
Cross-room visibility for the slideshow announcement at the reception. Include your event hashtag if you have one.
Where to place it
More placements = more uploads. Aim for 5–7 visible spots across the venue.
The welcome table or entrance
First touchpoint. Even guests who don't read it consciously absorb 'something is happening here.'
Every dinner table
Guests have downtime between courses — the highest-scan-rate spot at any wedding.
The bar
Captive audience waiting for drinks. Stand-up acrylic frames work well here.
Bathrooms
Yes really — high dwell time, low distraction. Mount on the inside of stall doors or above the sink.
The photo booth or step-and-repeat
Guests already have their phones out. Add a card next to the prop table.
Programs or menu cards
Doubles as a takeaway. Guests reference it on the drive home and still upload.
Live slideshow screen
When guests see photos appearing live, they want in. Show the QR alongside the slideshow.
Materials & finishing
Best paper
- • 14pt or 16pt matte card stock for table cards
- • Foam board or acrylic for welcome signs
- • Avoid glossy finishes — they catch glare and break scans
Lamination
- • Optional but recommended for outdoor or all-day events
- • Use matte lamination, not glossy
- • Spilled drinks happen — laminated cards survive
Color rules
- • Dark code on light background scans best
- • Keep at least 0.25" of white space around the code
- • Avoid colored backgrounds behind the QR itself
CTA copy
- • "Scan to share photos with us"
- • "Drop your photos in our gallery — no app needed"
- • Keep it 6 words or fewer above the QR
Common mistakes to avoid
- Printing without testing. Always scan with two phones before sending the file to print.
- Sizing it too small. A 0.5" QR code on a table card needs guests to lean in — they won't.
- Hiding it on the back of the program. Front and center. Always.
- Forgetting the URL fallback. ~5% of guests will fumble the camera scan. Print the short URL underneath.
- Printing the day before. Order at least 2 weeks out so you have time to reprint if you spot an issue.
Frequently asked questions
What size should the QR code be?
Minimum 1 inch (2.5cm) on table cards seen from a few feet away. For welcome signs and posters seen across a room, scale to 4–6 inches. The rule of thumb: 1 inch of QR code per 10 feet of scan distance.
Color or black & white?
Both work — phone cameras decode QR codes equally well in either. Use high contrast (dark code on a light background) and avoid colored backgrounds with low contrast. White or off-white background is safest.
Can I add my couple names or event name to the QR card?
Yes. Open Design print sign from your event dashboard to choose a style, edit the wording, add a logo, and export a print-ready PNG or SVG. Every new sign includes "Scan to share photos" and a readable backup URL.
What if a guest can't scan?
Picsui generates a short URL alongside the QR code. Print both. Older phones, low light, or dirty cameras occasionally fail to read QR codes — the URL is the fallback.
How early should I print?
At least 2 weeks before the event. Print extras — guests sometimes take cards as keepsakes, and you'll want fresh ones on the welcome table the day-of.
Ready to set up your gallery?
Create your event, download the QR code, and follow this guide for printing.