QR codes in museums: size, placement and signage best practices

QR codes in museums work when visitors can scan them from where they naturally stand, without bending, squinting or stepping over a rope. That comes down to five things: size for the reading distance, height and angle, light and glare, materials, and a short line of text that says what the code will do.

This guide covers each of them, with a checklist to test every code before you open. It is part of our guide to QR code audio guides.

Size vs distance

The further away the visitor stands, the bigger the code must be. izi.TRAVEL, which publishes guidance for its audio tours, recommends a QR code of at least 10 × 10 cm for a reading distance of about one metre.

As a working rule:

Bigger is always safer. A code that is slightly too large costs nothing; one that is too small is a code nobody uses.

Keep a clear white margin, the quiet zone, around the code. Without it, phones struggle to find the edge.

Height and angle

• Height: place codes between about 90 and 150 cm from the floor, so both standing adults and wheelchair users can reach them with their phone.
• Angle: a sign tilted slightly towards the visitor is easier to scan than a flat panel on a low plinth.
• Distance from the object: close enough that people find it, far enough that they do not lean over the object to scan.
• Consistency: put codes in the same position relative to every object, so visitors learn where to look.

Light and glare

Glossy surfaces reflect spotlights and windows, and a reflection across the code stops it scanning.

• Print on matte paper or vinyl, and use matte lamination.
• Avoid placing codes behind glass when you can; if you must, check from several angles.
• Make sure the code is lit: a code in shadow in a dark gallery is hard to read.

Materials and outdoor signs

Outdoors, sun fades colours and rain gets in at the edges. High contrast (dark code on a light background) lasts longest. Check outdoor codes every season.

What the sign should say

A code on its own is a puzzle. A short line of text turns it into an invitation.

• What happens: "Scan to listen"
• How long: "1:30"
• In which languages: "English · Español · Français" or "12 languages"
• Is it free or paid: "Free" or "With your audio guide code"

Example: Scan to listen · 1:30 · 4 languages · Free

Avoid long instructions. Most visitors know how to scan; the sign should simply tell them it is worth doing.

A fallback address

Not every phone or every visitor will scan successfully. Print a short web address next to the code so visitors can type it, and tell desk staff how to open the guide. Short addresses (a few characters after the domain) are much easier to type than long links.

Protected surfaces and historic buildings

In churches, castles and listed buildings you often cannot fix anything to the walls.

• Use freestanding signs, lecterns or small easels.
• Put codes on existing furniture: the information panel, the bench, the rope stand.
• Combine one code per room with a printed leaflet that has a code per stop.

Designing the sign

Keep your visual identity, but leave the code alone:

• Do not place a logo over the centre of a code unless the generator was designed for it.
• Keep dark modules on a light background; inverted codes fail on some phones.
• Use a large, clear typeface for the line of text.

Muvo's sign studio lets you design signs with your colours and logo, and download them as PDF, SVG or PNG, or send a ready pack to your print shop or designer. Our free QR code sign templates describe the formats.

Test checklist

Before opening, walk the route and check every code:

• Scans from where visitors stand, not only up close
• Scans with an older phone and with a new one
• No reflection from spotlights or windows
• Reachable from a wheelchair
• The line of text is correct (duration, languages, free or paid)
• The fallback address works when typed
• The stop that opens is the right one