How small can an engraved QR code be?

It depends on how much the code holds. The tool shows the module size and warns below 0.5 mm per module, where burn spread can merge modules. Short links make smaller codes.

Why won't my QR code scan on slate?

Slate marks light, so a normal code comes out as a negative. Keep Burn the light areas on: it burns the background and leaves the modules as dark stone.

Which error correction level should I use?

M is a good default. Q or H is better on textured materials such as wood and slate, at the cost of a bigger code at the same module size.

Can I make a Wi-Fi QR code for a coaster or sign?

Yes. Enter the network name, security type and password. The code is made in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

What is the quiet zone?

The blank margin around the code. The standard is 4 modules. Below 2 a code often fails to scan, especially on textured materials.

Which file should I download?

A 1-bit PNG or BMP for raster engraving, the SVG for vector work, or a .lbrn2 project. Read more in LightBurn-ready files.

QR codes

QR codes for laser engraving

A QR code that scans on screen can fail on wood or slate. The QR tool in the app sizes the modules for the burn, keeps the quiet zone, and inverts the code for materials that mark light, so the phone still reads it.

Start free Open QR codes in the app

What it makes

The QR tool encodes four kinds of content: a link, plain text, a contact card (vCard) or Wi-Fi details (network name, security type, password, and whether the network is hidden). The code is made in your browser, so a Wi-Fi password or contact details never leave the device.

You set the overall size in millimetres, including the quiet zone, then download a 1-bit PNG with the DPI written in, an SVG, a BMP or a .lbrn2 project. The SVG is useful when you want to engrave the code as vector fills or scale it in your laser software.

Codes that survive the burn

A laser spot spreads a little, and materials add grain and texture. Both eat into the tiny squares of a QR code, called modules. The tool shows the module size for your settings and warns you when modules fall below 0.5 mm, where burn spread can merge them and phones may not scan the result. The warning tells you the size to go up to, or suggests shortening the text or lowering error correction.

The quiet zone is the blank margin around the code. The standard is 4 modules, and below 2 a code often fails, especially on textured materials. Keep it clean: no frame, edge or grain line inside it.

Error correction L (7 percent) makes the smallest code, fine for clean, flat surfaces.
M (15 percent) is a good default.
Q (25 percent) is better on textured materials such as wood grain and slate.
H (30 percent) is the most robust and the biggest code, for rough surfaces.

Light marks: burn the background

A phone expects dark modules on a light background. On black slate, anodized aluminum and painted tile the laser leaves a light mark, so the tool turns on Burn the light areas: it burns the background and the quiet zone and leaves the dark modules untouched. On materials that burn dark, such as wood, it is off and the modules are burned.

Wood darkens unevenly. Use Q or H error correction there and a size where modules are 0.8 mm or more. Short links make smaller, sturdier codes than long ones, so shorten a long address before you encode it.

Module styles

Square modules are the safest. Rounded and Dots styles look softer on gifts and signs. In the Dots style the finder and alignment squares stay solid, so phones still lock on. Whatever you choose, scan the on-screen preview with your phone before you burn, and scan the first engraved piece before you make a run of them.

Step by step

Open QR codes
In the app, open QR codes and choose what to encode: link, text, contact or Wi-Fi.
Pick the material
The tool turns on Burn the light areas for materials that mark light, such as slate and anodized aluminum.
Set error correction and style
M is a good default. Use Q or H on wood grain and slate. Pick square, rounded or dots modules.
Set size and quiet zone
Enter the engraved size in mm, quiet zone included. Keep the quiet zone at 4 modules and the modules at 0.5 mm or more.
Scan the preview
Scan the preview on screen with your phone before you burn anything.
Download
Download a 1-bit PNG, SVG, BMP or a .lbrn2 project, and match the DPI to your laser with the DPI calculator.

Questions

Short, specific answers. Every material and tool is in the guides.

How small can an engraved QR code be?: It depends on how much the code holds. The tool shows the module size and warns below 0.5 mm per module, where burn spread can merge modules. Short links make smaller codes.
Why won't my QR code scan on slate?: Slate marks light, so a normal code comes out as a negative. Keep Burn the light areas on: it burns the background and leaves the modules as dark stone.
Which error correction level should I use?: M is a good default. Q or H is better on textured materials such as wood and slate, at the cost of a bigger code at the same module size.
Can I make a Wi-Fi QR code for a coaster or sign?: Yes. Enter the network name, security type and password. The code is made in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
What is the quiet zone?: The blank margin around the code. The standard is 4 modules. Below 2 a code often fails to scan, especially on textured materials.
Which file should I download?: A 1-bit PNG or BMP for raster engraving, the SVG for vector work, or a .lbrn2 project. Read more in LightBurn-ready files.