Skip to main content
M
Mateomono
Known Participant
March 29, 2025
Question

PNG QR code to 100k Black

  • March 29, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 1112 views

Hi everyone,

I am working on a print project that includes QR codes. The printer informed me that all QR codes need to be 100% K black. How can I set this up in Photoshop? I know how to do this with an SVG file, but I only have PNGs for the QR codes. I just want to make sure it's done correctly and that the QR codes remain scannable once printed. 

 

Thank you very much for your help!

1 reply

D Fosse
Community Expert
D FosseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 29, 2025

100K applies to CMYK, so PNGs can't be used. PNG doesn't support CMYK. Once you have a CMYK document it's simple. Just make sure it's 100% in the K channel, and zero in the other three.

 

That said, a QR code should normally be made as a vector object. Anything involving vector elements and text shouldn't be made in Photoshop in the first place. Then you make it in InDesign, placing elements created in Photoshop or Illustrator as needed.

M
MateomonoAuthor
Known Participant
March 29, 2025

@D FosseSo, I would need to convert it to CMYK in Photoshop?

 

Since a vector would be better, is there a way to convert it in InDesign? Maybe something like Image Trace? Unfortunately, I can't get new QR codes and am stuck with the provided PNG versions. Also, the QR codes don’t have text.

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 29, 2025
quote

@D FosseSo, I would need to convert it to CMYK in Photoshop?


By @Mateomono

 

Yes, but more work than that would be required. There are many valid variations on the following steps to get to a 0cmy100k QR code:

 

  1. Select any of the R, G or B channels and copy it to the clipboard.
  2. Convert to CMYK mode.
  3. Fill the image with white, deleting everything.
  4. Select the K channel.
  5. Paste in the clipboard content.

 

You will then get something like this:

 

 

You can record these steps into an action and use it on multiple images from the action or running the action via the Batch command or Image Processor script etc.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices