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How to Setup Artwork for Acrylic QR Code Disc printing

Acrylic QR code discs are a premium, modern way to connect your physical venue with your digital platforms — whether that’s Google Reviews, online menus, booking links, payment portals or your website. Beyond functionality, they also present an opportunity to extend your branding into beautifully designed, custom acrylic signage.

However, to achieve a professional result, it’s essential to correctly setup artwork for acrylic QR code disc printing. Proper bleed, safe zones, QR code sizing and file preparation all play a critical role in ensuring your disc prints cleanly and scans reliably.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare print-ready artwork for acrylic QR code disc printing — covering file formats, laser cut considerations, and design best practices to ensure flawless production.

1. Understand the disc size and safe area

Most Inknition QR discs are circular and are 90mm diameter (check your order confirmation for your exact size). They are also commonly done in 90mm square sizes, but Inknition is not limited to just circles or squares at these sizes, you can have any custom size you require, as long as over 30mm, and you can have any custom chape you desire also.

When designing:

• Keep all important elements inside the safe zone
• Allow at least 6mm margin from the edge
• Avoid placing text or QR codes too close to the border

Bleed, Safe Zones & Cut Path Explained

When setting up artwork for acrylic QR code disc printing, understanding bleed and safe zones is critical.

Acrylic discs are precision laser cut, but like all print and cut processes, there is a small trimming tolerance. If important design elements sit too close to the edge, they risk being cropped during production.

In the artwork examples below, the design on the left is prepared as a 90mm x 90mm square artboard, with 3mm of print bleed on all sides.

All critical elements — including your logo, QR code and call-to-action text — are positioned safely within the document to prevent trimming issues and ensure a professional finish.

The example below on the right shows the same print-ready artwork with the 3mm bleed included, along with a 90mm circular cut path overlaid. This circle represents the final laser cut line that forms the finished 90mm acrylic QR code disc.

If your QR code, logo or text sits too close to this cut line, there is a risk it may be partially trimmed during the laser cutting process. To avoid this, we recommend keeping all important content at least 6mm inside the cut path, creating a clear safe zone.

Do You Need to Supply a Cut Path?

No — you do not need to include a cut path in your artwork file.

We apply the circular cut path in-house to ensure it aligns precisely with our laser cutting specifications. This guarantees accuracy and compatibility with our production equipment.

When submitting your file for acrylic QR code disc printing, simply provide:

• A 90mm x 90mm square document
• With 3mm bleed applied
• Without a cut path included

Saving your artwork with proper bleed is extremely important. The bleed allows for minor cutting tolerance and ensures there are no unwanted white edges or unprinted areas on the final acrylic disc.

2. QR code setup

Your QR code is the most important functional element. If it doesn’t scan easily, the product fails its purpose.

Best Practice Guidelines:

• ✅ Use a high-resolution vector QR code (SVG, AI, EPS or PDF)
• ✅ Keep it solid colour (preferably black or very dark)
• ✅ Ensure strong contrast against the background
• ✅ Maintain clear space around the code (minimum 4mm)

Avoid:

• ❌ Overly decorative QR codes
• ❌ Low-resolution PNGs pulled from screenshots
• ❌ Light grey or pastel QR codes
• ❌ Placing logos inside the QR unless professionally generated

If you’re unsure whether your QR code will scan reliably, test it on multiple phones before submitting artwork. You can also learn how to perform technical QR code data merges onto your base artwork using Excel and Adobe InDesign in our detailed step-by-step guide.

3. File format requirements

To ensure print accuracy, supply artwork in one of the following formats:

• PDF (print ready)
• AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• EPS
• SVG (preferred for QR clarity)

File Setup Specs:

• CMYK colour mode
• 300 DPI resolution (if raster elements are used)
• All fonts converted to outlines
• No embedded RGB images

If you’re unsure how to convert fonts to outlines, Inknition can assist. Email us.

4. Colour considerations for acrylic

Acrylic behaves differently to paper.

Here’s what to consider:

Clear Acrylic

• Colours may appear slightly darker as they are viewed behind 3mm thick acrylic
• White ink is often required behind colours to maintain vibrancy
• Transparent areas will show through, this is why we back up all acrylic printing with solid white vinyl
• One of the wonderful benefits of acrylic, is that the print looks incredibly glossy, like you are looking through glass

5. Logo placement and branding

QR code discs have earned a reputation for being a little uninspiring — often just a large black QR code with a basic “Scan Here” message. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

At Inknition, we believe your QR disc should be an extension of your brand — not an afterthought. From layered graphics and bold colour palettes to full-bleed imagery and elevated layouts, there are endless ways to create something visually striking.

Visit our Acrylic QR Code Disc ordering page to explore examples featuring vibrant colour, complex design elements, and branding that truly stands out.

Your QR code disc is more than just functional — it’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand presence throughout your venue. Make it eye-catching. Make it intentional. Make it on brand.

Need help with your design?

6. Common artwork mistakes we see

• QR codes too small
• Incorrect colour contrast
• Text too close to the edge
• Supplying Canva exports in low resolution
• Not outlining fonts
• RGB files instead of CMYK

Avoid these and you’ll have a smooth production process.

7. Final print file checklist

Before sending your artwork:

☐ Correct disc diameter
☐ 6mm safe margin applied
☐ QR code tested on multiple phones
☐ High-resolution file format supplied
☐ Fonts outlined
☐ Colours in CMYK

Need help?

If you’re unsure about your artwork setup, the Inknition team can:

• Review your file before print
• Generate a professional QR code
• Adjust layout for optimal scanning
• Provide a template for your disc size

We want your disc to look premium — and perform flawlessly.