- A 4 × 6 in card with a 1.75–2 in QR code suits most tables.
- Rule of thumb: guests can scan from about 10 times the width of the code.
- Say what happens after the scan: “Add your photos”, not just “Scan me”.
- Always print one test card at 100% scale and scan it with two different phones.
The sizes that work
Phones scan a QR code comfortably from about ten times its width. A 2 inch code scans from roughly 20 inches away, which is about the distance from a seat to the middle of a round table. Bigger signs need bigger codes.
| Format | Card size | QR code size | Scans from about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table card | 4 × 6 in | 1.75–2 in | 18–20 in |
| Tent card (folded) | 6 × 4 in per side | 1.5–1.75 in | 15–18 in |
| Invitation insert | 3.5 × 5 in | 1.25–1.5 in | Held in hand |
| Welcome sign | 18 × 24 in | 6–8 in | 5–7 ft |
| Sticker | 3 in round | 1.5 in | Held in hand |
Distances use the 10:1 rule of thumb. Lighting, glare and the phone all make a difference, so test at the venue if you can.
Keep a clear margin of white (the “quiet zone”) around the code, at least the width of four of its small squares. Cropping it tight to the edge of a frame is the most common reason a printed code won’t scan.
Wording guests actually act on
The best cards answer three questions in a glance: what is this, what do I do, and is it easy. Lead with the action, then reassure people they don’t need an app.
- Snap it, share it! Scan to add your photos and videos to our album. No app needed.
- Help us see the day through your eyes. Scan to share your photos with us.
- Be our photographer. Scan, pick your photos, done. They go straight to our gallery.
- Leave us a message. Scan to add photos or record a quick voice note for the couple.
- Party pics go here. Scan with your camera to add yours. Takes 10 seconds.
Print the short web address under the code (for example sharefetti.com/q/AB12CD). Anyone whose camera won’t scan can type it, and it looks tidy in a photo of the card.
Where to put QR cards
- One card per table, facing outwards, next to the centrepiece rather than behind it.
- A large welcome sign at the entrance, so people know about it before they sit down.
- At the bar and the photo booth, where people already have their phones out.
- In the program, on the menu or as an invitation insert, for guests who like to plan ahead.
- A mention from the MC or DJ after dinner, which is when most people start uploading.
Printing tips
- Download the print-ready PDF at the exact size you need, with bleed and crop marks if a print shop is cutting the cards.
- Print one copy at 100% scale (turn off “fit to page”) and scan it with an iPhone and an Android phone.
- Choose matte or uncoated card stock. Glossy cards can catch the light from overhead lamps and make the code harder to read.
- Keep the code dark on a light background. Light codes on dark cards work on most phones, but test them first.
- Lock your event link once the cards are printed so the address on them can’t change by accident.
Free templates
Sharefetti makes these for every event. In your event, open QR & sharing and choose a style (Ivory, Midnight, Champagne, Blush or Party) and a size: table card, tent card, invitation insert, welcome sign or round sticker. Edit the wording, then download a print-ready PDF or a PNG. You can also try the free QR code templates without an account.
Table cards in a couple of minutes
Every Sharefetti event comes with printable table cards, tent cards, inserts, signs and stickers, sized for home printers and print shops. Guests scan and share with no app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size for a QR code on a table card?
Aim for at least 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) wide on a table card. Smaller codes can work when held in the hand, but guests at a table will scan more easily from a 1.75–2 inch code.
Can I put a QR code on a dark background?
Yes, but test it. Most modern phones read light-on-dark codes, but a dark code on a light background is the safest choice, especially in dim reception lighting.
How many QR table cards do I need?
One per table, plus a large sign at the entrance and one at the bar or photo booth. For long banquet tables, use one card for every 8 to 10 seats.
Will the QR code stop working after the event?
The code points to your event link. It keeps working while your gallery is open; after the gallery closes, guests see a page saying the event has ended.
Written by the Sharefetti team. We build QR code photo sharing for weddings, birthdays and company events, and we test every tip at real events.