How to Generate Beautiful QR Codes with Embedded Logos in Python

Generate a high-error-correction QR code and paste a logo image in the center to create a branded, scannable QR code.

Medium Python 3.9+ Jun 27, 2026 Files & data 1 views 0 copies

qrcode qrcode-generation pillow image-processing branding logo

Requires third-party packages — install first

pip install qrcode pillow

Python code

29 lines

Python 3.9+

import qrcode
from PIL import Image

def generate_qr_with_logo(data, logo_path, output_path):
    qr = qrcode.QRCode(
        version=1,
        error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_H,
        box_size=10,
        border=4,
    )
    qr.add_data(data)
    qr.make(fit=True)

    qr_img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white").convert("RGB")
    logo = Image.open(logo_path).resize((60, 60), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)

    pos = ((qr_img.size[0] - logo.size[0]) // 2,
           (qr_img.size[1] - logo.size[1]) // 2)
    qr_img.paste(logo, pos, mask=logo if logo.mode == 'RGBA' else None)
    qr_img.save(output_path)
    print(f"QR code saved to {output_path}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    # Replace with your own logo image path and desired output
    generate_qr_with_logo(
        data="https://example.com",
        logo_path="example_logo.png",  # Must be an existing image file
        output_path="beautiful_qr.png"
    )

Output

stdout

QR code saved to beautiful_qr.png

How it works

The qrcode library generates QR code images; Pillow (PIL) handles image loading and manipulation. ERROR_CORRECT_H (≈30% error correction) is essential because embedding a logo blocks central modules – without it, scanning the QR code would often fail. The code resizes the logo to 60×60 pixels using high-quality Lanczos resampling, then pastes it at the exact center of the QR code. When the logo has an alpha channel (RGBA mode), the mask parameter preserves transparency; otherwise the logo pastes as a solid rectangle.

Common mistakes

Using low error correction (e.g., ERROR_CORRECT_L) – the QR code becomes unscannable after inserting the logo.
Pasting a logo that is too large or too small – the recommended logo size is 15–20% of the QR code side length.
Forgetting to install both qrcode and Pillow (PIL) – the code will raise an ImportError.
Not handling missing image files – the code will crash with FileNotFoundError if logo_path doesn't exist.

Variations

Use qrcode.make(data) for a one-liner QR generation without fine-grained version control.
Add rounded corners to the logo before pasting with PIL's ImageDraw or a mask.

Real-world use cases

Marketing materials like flyers and business cards where a branded logo sits inside the QR code.
Product packaging QR codes that link to manuals or promotional pages while retaining brand identity.
Digital tickets or event badges that need a scannable QR code combined with a sponsor logo.

How to Generate Beautiful QR Codes with Embedded Logos in Python

Python code

Output

How it works

Common mistakes

Variations

Real-world use cases

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Output

How it works

Common mistakes

Variations

Real-world use cases

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