Implementation Considerations – Scannability

How big do I need to make the QR code?

For PDF

PDF QR code size can be defined as big or as small as you want. Depending on how big the credential payload is, you might need to make the QR code bigger. We recommend starting at 33 mm (1.3 in) and adjust bigger/smaller depending on space available and testing scannability with the encoded payload (use the camera app and see if it can scan the QR code).

We recommend an absolute minimum size of 30 mm (1.25 in).

For Apple Pass

Apple Pass’s QR code is fixed and can’t be made bigger or smaller. It is worth noting that even though it looks small in size, if the QR code is scannable at ~33 mm with a printed PDF, then end users should not have any issues scanning Apple Pass. This is due to Apple devices having a higher pixel density and being able to display it at a higher resolution.

For Google Pass

Google Pass’s QR code is fixed and can’t be made bigger or smaller. However, Google designed the Google Pay app to display the QR codes fairly big. Same as Apple Pass, if the QR code is scannable at ~33 mm with a printed PDF, then the end user should not have any issues scanning Google Pass.