# ZPL QR code command reference: ^BQ explained

> In ZPL, ^BQ prints a QR code: ^BQa,b,c with a = orientation (N), b = model (default 2) and c = magnification 1–10 (dots per module). Error correction and input mode ride in the field data: ^FDQA,https://example.com^FS means EC level Q, automatic input. Magnification times printer dot size sets the module size.

Source: https://useqr.app/docs/print/zpl-qr-code-command-reference · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, no signup.

---

## The ^BQ command

```
^BQa,b,c
```

| Parameter | Meaning | Values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| `a` | Field orientation | `N` (normal) is the documented value | `N` |
| `b` | Model | `1` (legacy), `2` | **2**, always use 2 |
| `c` | Magnification: printer dots per module | 1–10 | 1 at 150 dpi, 2 at 200 dpi, 3 at 300 dpi, 6 at 600 dpi |

Recent firmware documents two further optional parameters: `d` for error correction
(`H`, `Q`, `M`, `L`) and `e` for the mask value, but the portable, universally supported
way to set error correction is in the field data, below. Rotation is not done through `a`;
a QR code scans at any rotation, so rotate the label layout if you must, never the code.

Magnification is the whole sizing story: **module size = magnification × dot size**. On a
203 dpi head (0.125 mm dots), `c=4` gives 0.5 mm modules, the minimum from the
[4-dots-per-module rule](/docs/print/qr-code-dpi-for-printing), and `c=6` gives a
comfortable 0.75 mm. On 300 dpi (0.085 mm), `c=4` is 0.34 mm and `c=6` is 0.51 mm.

## Field data: error correction and input mode

The `^FD` string starts with two switch characters before the payload:

```
^FD<error correction><input mode>,<data>^FS
```

- **Error correction**: `H` (ultra-high, ~30%), `Q` (high, ~25%), `M` (standard, ~15%),
  `L` (high density, ~7%), the same levels described in
  [error correction levels explained](/docs/spec/error-correction-levels-explained).
- **Input mode**: `A` (automatic: the printer picks encoding; use this) or `M` (manual,
  where the data must then declare its own character mode: `N` numeric, `A` alphanumeric,
  `Bxxxx` byte with a 4-digit count, `K` kanji).

So `^FDQA,https://useqr.app/m/42^FS` encodes that URL at level Q with automatic input. The
same payload in manual byte mode is `^FDQM,B0022https://useqr.app/m/42^FS`; the count
`0022` is the exact byte length, which is why automatic mode is the sane default.

## A complete working label

```
^XA
^PW406
^LL406
^FO60,60^BQN,2,6^FDQA,https://useqr.app/m/42^FS
^FO60,330^A0N,28,28^FDScan for the menu^FS
^XZ
```

At 203 dpi: magnification 6 → 0.75 mm modules; this 24-character payload at level Q is a
version 3 symbol (29 modules), so the code prints 21.75 mm wide plus a
[quiet zone](/glossary/quiet-zone) you must leave as empty label space, `^FO` places the
symbol origin, and nothing else may sit within 4 modules (3 mm here) of it on any side.

## Common mistakes

- **Omitting the switch characters.** `^FDhttps://…` makes the printer read `ht` as the
  switches, corrupting or refusing the symbol. Conversely, sloppy generators emit payloads
  with a literal `QA,` prefix baked into the URL. Decode a printed label once and read
  exactly what is in it.
- **Magnification too small.** `c=2` at 203 dpi is a 0.25 mm module, half the reliable
  floor. If the label is too small for `c=4`, shorten the payload instead.
- **Sending a bitmap instead of ^BQ.** Resampling softens module edges; firmware rendering
  is exact. See [thermal printer QR codes](/docs/print/thermal-printer-qr-codes).
- **Trusting the preview.** Emulators render `^BQ` slightly differently from real firmware.
  Verify the physical label: scan it and compare the payload, or automate it with
  `POST /api/v1/decode` as part of the workflow in
  [Zebra and label printer settings](/docs/print/zebra-and-label-printer-qr-settings). You
  can also sanity-check the intended payload itself in the [validator](/validate).

## FAQ

### How do I print a QR code in ZPL?
Use ^BQ followed by the data in ^FD with two switch characters: ^BQN,2,6 then ^FDQA,yourdata^FS prints a model 2 code at magnification 6 with error correction Q and automatic input mode.

### What does the magnification in ^BQ mean?
Printer dots per module, 1–10. Multiply by the dot size for physical module size: magnification 6 on a 203 dpi printer gives 0.75 mm modules. Keep it at 4 or above for reliable scanning.

### What does QA mean in a ZPL QR code?
They are the field-data switches: Q selects error correction level Q and A selects automatic input mode. They precede the payload in ^FD and are consumed by the printer, not encoded.

### Why does my ZPL QR code contain extra characters?
Either the switches were omitted, so the first payload characters were eaten as switches, or a generator baked a literal switch prefix into the data. Decode one printed label and inspect the exact payload.

## Try it

- https://useqr.app/url
- https://useqr.app/validate
- https://useqr.app/bulk