How to Create a QR Code for Your PDF (Step-by-Step Guide)

QR codes are being used everywhere nowadays, from restaurant menus to even tickets. But do you know that you can use these codes to share your PDF files, too? Yes, it’s true! Whether you run a business or want to distribute marketing materials, an embedded PDF file in a QR code makes it really easy to share the information with others.

If you don’t know how to make a QR code for your PDF, then don’t worry at all. Because we are going to discuss the procedure of making QR codes for your PDFs by using an online PDF to QR code generator. Let’s get started!

So, What’s a PDF QR Code Generator Anyway?

A tool that helps you generate a QR code to instantly link a PDF file. This way, anyone can access the PDF file by just scanning that QR code. It works as a swift assistant because you don’t need to send any type of link. Once you create the code using the PDF QR code generator, people can easily scan it by using their phones to access the PDF.

Before You Start: Quick Prep

• Always make sure the QR code for PDF must be the final version and doesn’t need any changes.
• Give the PDF a clear and memorable file name so you can recognize it later.
• If the file is very large, first compress it so phones can open it faster. You can use a free online PDF compressor to compress the PDFs.

Once you follow all these steps, you’re ready to create a QR code for a PDF.

Step 1 — Open an online PDF QR code generator:

Your first step is to choose an online tool that lets you convert PDF to QR code with ease and must have following features:

✔️ Must be trusted and reliable
✔️ Must have good reviews
✔️ Should be free to use
✔️ Shouldn’t ask for sign-ups

There are multiple online PDF QR code generators available that provide this service. For instant PDF QR code creation, you can give a try to Pdftoqr.com. This platform lets you upload your PDF file and generate its QR code in no time. It also provides multiple options to customize the format and design of the QR code according to your preferences.

Step 2 — Upload your PDF or paste its link

Upload the PDF

Once you open the PDF to QR code generator tool, you will see a button to upload the PDF file. This could be different on various platforms. Such as, it would be named as “Choose File” or “Upload PDF”. So, press that button and choose the desired PDF file from your computer, mobile, or tablet.

Paste the PDF link

If the PDF for which you want to generate the QR code is already available on platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or on your website. Then, simply paste that link into the PDF QR code generator designated box; this will automatically fetch the PDF document information online. But you have to make sure that the PDF file must be set to “Allow anyone to view” the PDF option.

Step 3 — Customize your QR (keep it simple)

When you upload the PDF file or paste its link into the PDF to QR code tool, it takes a few seconds to process the file.

Choose Your QR Code Style

Once it’s ready, you’ll see different customization options. You can:

✔️ Pick a frame style
✔️ Change background colours
✔️ Adjust font styles and sizes
✔️ Add text above or below the code (like “Scan Here”)

Select the File Format

You can also choose the image format you want to download the QR code in, such as PNG, JPEG, or JPG.

Font Style Options

The PDF to QR code generator also lets you choose text styles like bold, italic, or regular to match your design.

See Real-Time Changes

As you make changes, the PDF QR code generator shows a live preview. So, you can see exactly how your QR code will look before downloading it.

Step 4 — Create and test the QR code

Once you have done all the customization, click on the “Generate” button to embed the PDF to QR code. The QR code generator for PDF will show the QR code on the screen. Now test it:

• Scan the QR code on two different smartphones to confirm its working.
• Confirm that the PDF opens or the landing page appears.
• Check the PDF loads on small screens and that users can zoom and download.
• If you used a cloud link, open the link in a regular browser tab to check sharing permissions.

This step is most important, so be careful and verify all the above tests. If you found anything wrong, fix it right now and recreate a QR code for a PDF by following the same procedure.

Step 5 — Download and use

When all the tests pass, download the QR code by clicking the “Download” button. This will save the QR code to your computer, mobile, or tablet. Now, you can use it anywhere you want without being worried. If you are going to use it online, then download the QR code in PNG or JPG format. But if you want the code for printing purposes, download it in SVG if available. Always save a backup of the generator’s link or the QR file. This will help you share the QR code again if you lose it or if something goes wrong.

Extra checks for real use

• If you plan to print the code, print a sample at actual size and scan it.
• For small printed items, keep the QR at least 2 cm square. For posters, give the code a much larger size so people can scan it from a distance.
• If the PDF contains private data, do not use a public upload. Use password-protected sharing or a secure file system instead. Read the privacy information of the PDF QR code generator before you upload.

Troubleshooting quick guide

• QR does not open the PDF. Confirm the link works in a browser and that the file is public or not.
• PDF loads slowly. Reduce the PDF file size by using online compressors for faster loading.
• Scanner cannot read the code. If the QR code doesn’t scan, try making it bigger, keep some white space around it, or download a higher quality version, which is usually in PNG format.

Wrapping it up!

Using an online PDF to QR code generator is the simplest and fastest way to share a PDF with many people. Upload or link the file, set the code type, test thoroughly, and then use the code in print or online. This way, you can download a ready-to-use QR code for PDF.