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Business cards7 min read

How to Add a QR Code to Your Business Card (Step-by-Step Guide)

A QR code can turn a small printed card into a direct path to your contact details, portfolio, booking page or website. The key is to design the card and QR together instead of pasting a code into leftover space.

1. Decide what the QR should do

Choose one primary action. A vCard QR lets a recipient save your contact details, while a URL QR can open a portfolio, digital profile, property listing or booking page. If the destination may change, use a dynamic URL QR before printing.

2. Build the card and QR together

Choose a clear layout

Reserve a dedicated area on the back or a quiet corner on the front.

Enter accurate contact details

Check spelling, international phone format, email and website before export.

Customize the QR

Use square, dotted or rounded patterns while keeping strong foreground-to-background contrast.

Add a useful call to action

Use text such as “Scan to save contact” or “Scan to view portfolio.”

3. Prepare it for printing

A practical QR size on a standard card is usually around 20 mm square, although dense vCard content may need more space. Keep the quiet zone clear and avoid trim edges. Download the two-page print PDF, then ask the printer about bleed and crop requirements.

4. Test the physical proof

Use multiple phones

Test both iPhone and Android cameras.

Test at final size

A large screen preview does not reveal ink spread or glare.

Verify the action

Make sure the contact saves correctly or the intended page opens.

Keep a fallback

Print a readable phone number, email or short website as well.

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