How to create QR codes

Render a QR code of a string with the structure below.

Note:

• The maximum QR code length is 198 characters. QR Code version 11H supports up to 198 characters with 30% error correction.

• QR codes can be re-used by customers

Recommended coding libraries

Not all QR Code algorithms work with Canada Post scanners. We recommend using ZXing libraries.

• React Native: react-native-qrcode-svg

• Angular: Angular QR Code Generator

Providing QR codes to your customers

You can provide your QR codes to your customers on digital or physical materials, the most common methods are:

• On a mobile app screen

• Via email

• Via text message

• Printed

Customer instructions

Provide as much of the following information as possible to your customers:

• Canada Post Post Office Locator

• Transaction limits

• Payment must be made with cash or debit

• If the QR code is being presented on a device, set the device's brightness to 100%

Quiet Zone: the quiet zone is a clear area around the QR code. Our testing indicates that a quiet zone of at least 2x is desirable.

Total Dimension: QR codes in practice scan best when they're between about 1 cm square and 2 cm square. On cards, they should be set to 1. 5 cm (including the quiet zone).

Error Correction: all levels of error correction work, but in practice error correction Level L (Low) is sufficient when all other guidelines are followed. If there is an expectation that the QR code will become slightly damaged over time, a higher error correction level, like Level M (Medium), would be appropriate.

Colour: only brightness information is taken into account during a QR code reading, so the color choice should not be too pale. The preference is black on a white background.

Contrast: contrast should be as high as possible, and the ideal contrast is given when the QR code is comprised of black blocks on a white background.

Image Overlay: although overlaying images in QR codes is possible, attention should be given to rigorously testing readability. Ensure that the error correction rate is appropriate for the image. The preference is no overlaid images on QR codes printed on cards. 

Version: the version indicates the amount of storage capacity. Version 2 is typically used and adequate for printing on cards. Version 2 consists of 25 by 25 blocks when the error correction is set to L.