QR codes
My QR code won't scan
Don't panic - A code that won't scan is almost always a print or design issue, not a broken link. The fix is usually one of five things.
The five-point checklist
Work through this list - It solves nearly every case:
- Too small. Print at least 2 × 2 cm for arm's-length scanning; use the 10:1 distance-to-width rule for posters.
- Weak contrast. Dark code on light background. Inverted or low-contrast color combos fail on many phones.
- No quiet zone. Keep a clear margin around the code - Don't crop right to the edge.
- Upscaled PNG. A small PNG enlarged for print goes blurry; re-download at a bigger size or use the SVG.
- Glare or curvature. Glossy lamination and tight curves (bottles!) defeat cameras; test on the final material.
Understanding the 10:1 rule
Divide the scanning distance by ten to get your minimum code width. A poster people scan from 2 meters away needs a code at least 20 cm wide. A table tent scanned from 30 cm can get away with 3 cm. Most "too small" failures come from treating every surface the same.
Separate the link from the print
Still stuck? Test the short link directly in a browser - If the link works but the print doesn't scan, it's a print issue; reprint from SVG. Remember that goto.now links never expire, so an old printed code hasn't "gone stale." And since the code stays editable, a reprint uses the exact same link - Your scan history continues uninterrupted.