Customize QR Code Colors and Styles in CorelDRAW

Customizing QR codes in CorelDRAW allows you to align functional barcodes with your brand's visual identity. This guide walks you through generating a QR code, modifying its foreground and background colors, changing pixel shapes, adjusting corner styles, and ensuring the final design remains fully scannable.

Step 1: Insert a QR Code

  1. Open your project in CorelDRAW.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Object > Insert > QR Code.
  3. A default QR code will appear on your canvas, and the Properties docker will open automatically on the right side of the screen.

Step 2: Open the Properties Docker

If the Properties docker does not open automatically:

  1. Select the QR code using the Pick tool.
  2. Navigate to Window > Dockers > Properties (or press Alt + Enter).
  3. Click on the QR Code tab at the top of the docker to access code-specific settings.

Step 3: Customize QR Code Colors

CorelDRAW allows you to customize both the data pixels (foreground) and the background:

  • Foreground Color: In the QR Code section of the Properties docker, locate the Pixel fill type swatch. Click the color swatch to open the color palette and select your desired brand color. You can use uniform fills, gradients, or custom CMYK/RGB values.
  • Background Color: Click the Background fill type swatch directly below the pixel fill option. Choose a contrasting color or select No Fill if you want the QR code to sit transparently over an existing background graphic.

Step 4: Customize Pixel Shapes and Body Style

To give your QR code a unique look beyond standard square blocks:

  1. In the Properties docker, locate the Pixel shape drop-down menu.
  2. Choose from the available options, such as Square, Circle, Diamond, or Star.
  3. Adjust the Corner radius slider if available for your chosen shape to soften sharp edges.

Step 5: Adjust Margins and Padding

Maintain visual balance around the code by controlling its quiet zone:

  1. Find the Margin setting in the QR Code properties.
  2. Increase or decrease the value to control the blank space between the active code pixels and the outer bounding box. Ensure enough margin remains so scanners can detect the boundary of the code.

Step 6: Configure Error Correction and Test

Styling a QR code can sometimes reduce readability for barcode scanners. To prevent scanning failures:

  1. Under the Error correction drop-down in the Properties docker, select a higher level: Quartile (25%) or High (30%). This adds redundancy to the pattern so the code can still be read even if parts are obscured by complex shapes or lower-contrast colors.
  2. Maintain high contrast between the foreground and background (e.g., dark pixels on a light background scan best).
  3. Always test the customized QR code using multiple physical smartphone cameras and dedicated scanner apps before sending the artwork to print or publication.