Printing a QR-bill: is perforated paper required?
In short: a QR-bill sent as PDF needs no perforation; a dividing line with a scissors symbol or the note “Separate before paying in” is enough. For bills on paper, the guidelines call for perforation. Here is what that means in practice and how to manage without a special printer.
Updated November 2026
What the guidelines require
For bills on paper, perforation is required between the invoice details and the payment part, and between the payment part and the receipt. Among other things, it helps visually impaired people find the payment part by touch and scan it with their phone.
For a QR-bill as PDF, the perforation is replaced by a line, with a scissors symbol or the note “Separate before paying in”. Scanbill puts this line and the note in every PDF.
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Three simple options
- Send the PDF by e-mail: no perforation is needed, and your customer scans the code on screen or prints it themselves.
- Print on pre-perforated A4 paper: office supply shops sell QR-bill paper with the perforation ready. Your normal printer is enough.
- Print on plain paper: the QR code works just the same and scans fine. The scissors line shows where to cut; strictly speaking, though, this does not meet the perforation rule for paper bills.
Measurements for perforated paper
The horizontal perforation sits 105 mm above the bottom edge of the sheet and runs across the full width. The vertical perforation separates the receipt and sits 62 mm from the left edge, from the bottom of the sheet up to the horizontal line.
When buying, check that both perforations are there, and print at original size (100 %) so the lines and the perforation line up.
How it works
- Create the bill in the generator.
- Download the PDF.
- Send it by e-mail, or print it on perforated A4 paper.
- When printing, choose 100 % or “Actual size”, not “Fit to page”.
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Common questions
Will a QR-bill without perforation still get paid?
Yes. The QR code holds all the payment details and can be scanned on plain paper too. Perforation is a rule for the paper form, not for whether the code can be read.
Do I need perforation for a PDF?
No. For a PDF, the line with a scissors symbol or the note “Separate before paying in” is enough. Scanbill adds the line with this note automatically.
Where can I buy perforated paper for QR-bills?
In office supply shops and online stores for office materials, usually under “QR-bill paper” or “perforated paper QR”. What matters is the horizontal perforation 105 mm above the bottom edge and the vertical one at 62 mm.
Do I have to print in colour?
No. Black and white is fine, and the QR code is black on white anyway.