SVG, PDF and EPS QR codes for print
linqr is a free SVG QR code generator: download your code as SVG, PNG, JPG or WEBP up to 2048 px on the Free plan, or as print-ready PDF and EPS files on Pro. Every file opens the same short link, so when the destination changes, your printed signs, stickers and business cards keep working with no reprint.
Your code will appear here
Download formats
Pick the format in the download panel after saving your code. PNG, JPG, WEBP and SVG take a Size in pixels; PDF and EPS take a Print size of 3, 5, 10 or 20 cm (about 1.2 to 7.9 in).
| Format | Best for | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Documents, slides, websites, home printing; transparent background. | Free (2048 px), Pro (4096 px) |
| JPG | The smallest file, for email. Always a white background. | Free (2048 px), Pro (4096 px) |
| WEBP | Lightweight images for websites. | Free (2048 px), Pro (4096 px) |
| SVG | Designers, design apps and print shops. | Free |
| Print-ready vector with the code width set on paper. | Pro | |
| EPS | Vector for print shops and apps like Illustrator. | Pro |
Raster vs vector
A raster file (PNG, JPG, WEBP) is a grid of pixels; scaled past its resolution, the module edges go soft. A vector file (SVG, PDF, EPS) describes shapes with math, so one file stays crisp on a 1-inch sticker and on an 8-foot banner.
Rule of thumb: PNG for documents and prints up to about 6 inches wide, vector for print shops and large formats. SVG is on the Free plan, so a vector QR code costs you nothing.
In SVG, PDF and EPS, the modules, the frame and its text are true vector curves. Your logo is stored as an image, so upload a high-resolution one for large prints.
File size and print size
Print resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi), and 300 dpi is the safe default for anything seen up close. Roughly:
| File size | Width at 300 dpi | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 512 px | about 1.7 in (4.3 cm) | Free |
| 1024 px | about 3.4 in (8.7 cm) | Free |
| 2048 px | about 6.8 in (17 cm) | Free |
| 4096 px | about 13.7 in (35 cm) | Pro |
These widths include the margin (quiet zone) and any frame. PDF and EPS scale without losing sharpness. For the right size on a business card, flyer or poster, see our QR code size guide for print.
One geometry for every format
The preview and every download share one geometry: dots, corners, gradients, the logo and the frame look the same in your printer's file as on screen, and every download has exactly the module layout the live scan check just read with a real decoder.
Transparent backgrounds
For a QR code with a transparent background, open the Colours tab and pick Transparent under Background. PNG and SVG keep it, as do PDF and EPS on Pro; JPG always gets a white background.
Put a transparent code on a light, plain area. The scan check assumes white paper, so on a dark photo or pattern, test the finished design with a phone.
What to send your printer
Vector is the safe choice: SVG on Free, or PDF or EPS on Pro. If your print shop has file requirements, follow them.
- Business cards: codes are usually 0.8 to 1 in wide, so use vector or a 1024 px PNG. More on a QR code for business cards.
- Flyers and posters: vector, since one file fits a half-letter flyer and a 24 × 36 in poster. See QR codes for flyers and posters.
Files use RGB colors. If your printer needs CMYK or Pantone, your designer or the print shop will convert them; linqr doesn't produce those files.
Change the link without reprinting
Every file holds the same short link, onsonara.com/q/…. When you open My codes, click Change link and enter a New destination link, the change works right away, and the files already at the printer stay current.
Design edits after saving apply to new downloads; codes already in print keep working.
Pre-print checklist
Look for Scans correctly
If you see This code may be hard to scan, apply the suggested fix, such as Fix contrast.
Keep Margin (quiet zone) at 4
It's in the More tab. Don't let anyone crop that empty border.
Pick the format and size
SVG is free; PDF and EPS come with Pro (compare the Free and Pro plans).
Print a proof at full size
Scan it with two phones from the distance your customers will use.
Check the destination
The right page should open on a phone that isn't logged in to your accounts.
Questions
Is the SVG download free?
Yes. SVG is on the Free plan with PNG, JPG and WEBP, with no trial and no expiration date on the code. Pro adds PDF, EPS and 4096 px raster files. You need a free account to download, because the code must be saved before you can change its link.
Which format is best for printing?
A vector format: SVG on the Free plan, or PDF or EPS on Pro. Vector files stay sharp at any size, so the printer can fit them to your layout. If your print shop publishes file requirements, follow them. A 2048 px PNG covers prints up to about 6.8 in at 300 dpi.
When do I need EPS or PDF?
When a print shop or designer asks for one, for example for desktop publishing or large-format printing. A PDF has the code width set on paper (3, 5, 10 or 20 cm); an EPS opens in apps like Illustrator. Both are on Pro. Otherwise, the free SVG is usually enough.
What resolution do I need for a poster?
A vector file (SVG, PDF or EPS) has no pixels, so the print stays sharp at any size. With a PNG, plan on about 300 dpi: 2048 px covers a code about 6.8 in wide, 4096 px on Pro about 13.7 in. For a poster read from 3 feet away, make the code about 4 in wide.
Can I get a transparent background?
Yes. In the Colours tab, set Background to Transparent. PNG and SVG keep the transparency, and so do PDF and EPS on Pro; JPG always has a white background. Place a transparent code on a light, plain area and test the final layout with a phone before you print.
Do I need to download the file again after changing the link?
No. Every file opens the same short link, and you only change where it redirects. The new destination works as soon as you save, on every printed copy and in every format. Download again only if you change the design and want the new look on new materials.
What print sizes can I pick for a PDF or EPS QR code?
Four: 3, 5, 10 or 20 cm, which is about 1.2, 2, 3.9 or 7.9 inches wide. The file comes out at that exact width, so it drops into a layout without scaling. Because PDF and EPS are vectors, a print shop can still resize them without any loss of sharpness. Both formats are on Pro.
Can linqr export a CMYK or Pantone QR code?
No. Every linqr file uses RGB colors, in raster and vector formats alike. If your print shop needs CMYK or a Pantone color, your designer or the shop converts the SVG, PDF or EPS file. Black on white converts cleanly; with bright colors, ask for a proof to check the contrast.
Does my logo stay sharp in an SVG QR code?
The code, frame and label are true vector shapes, so they stay sharp at any size. The logo sits inside the file as an image up to 1024 px wide. That's plenty for business cards, flyers and posters; for a very large banner, upload the highest resolution logo you have.
Can I edit the downloaded SVG in Illustrator or Inkscape?
Yes. The SVG is a standard vector file that opens in Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity Designer and most layout apps. You can place it, scale it or recolor the background there. Don't move or delete individual dots, and keep the empty margin around the code, or phones may stop reading it.
Can I download the same QR code again in another format later?
Yes. Open the code in My codes and go to its Download tab. Pick any format and size your plan includes, as often as you like, with no new code and no change to the link. Every file you download opens the same short link, so all versions can be used side by side.
Keep reading
- QR code size guideWhat size should a QR code be? Minimum sizes for business cards, flyers, posters and signs, the 10:1 distance rule, the quiet zone and pixel sizes.
- QR codes for flyers and postersAdd a QR code to flyers, posters and brochures. Measure scans per print run, fix a wrong link after printing, get print-ready SVG, PDF or EPS files.
- QR code for business cardsAdd a QR code to your business card that opens your website, LinkedIn or booking page. When your details change, change the link, not the cards.