PDF QR Code Generator for Free
The code updates automatically as you type.
Enter a valid URL, like www.example.com
Digital business card information
Enter a valid email, like name@example.com
Scanning saves this straight into a phone's contacts.
Up to 300 characters, any language.
Enter a valid phone number, digits only (plus an optional +)
Opens the messaging app with this text ready to send.
Enter a valid email, like name@example.com
Connects a phone to the network without typing the password.
This tool can't store files. Upload your PDF somewhere first (Google Drive, Dropbox, your own website), then paste that file's link here. Don't paste the PDF itself.
Enter a valid link to your uploaded file, like drive.google.com/file/...
Fill in just one link for a code that goes straight to that store. Fill in both if you want one code that sends iPhones to the App Store and Android phones to Google Play.
Enter a valid App Store link
Enter a valid Google Play link
Since you filled in both links, this code needs to check the visitor's phone first. That check happens on a page included in this site (redirect.html). Just enter your site's plain address here, the same one people type into a browser to reach your homepage, for example https://mysite.com. Nothing more than that; you don't need to add "/redirect.html" or anything else yourself.
Enter your site's address, like https://mysite.com
Works with Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, or any other profile link.
Enter a valid profile link, like instagram.com/yourprofile
Opens a pre-filled tweet ready to post.
Opens the Facebook page directly when scanned.
Enter a valid Facebook URL, like facebook.com/yourpage
Enter a valid Bitcoin address
Opens the scanner's wallet app with these details pre-filled.
Fill in the fields on the left to activate the download
What Is a PDF QR Code?
A PDF QR code is a QR code that opens a PDF file the moment someone scans it, instead of making them search for a link or type an address by hand. Since a PDF can already be viewed on almost any phone, a single scan is often all it takes to hand someone a menu, a manual, or a document without any extra steps.
How Does This Generator Handle My PDF?
This tool doesn't store or host files. Instead, you upload your PDF somewhere first, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or your own website, and then paste that file's link into the field above. The QR code encodes that link directly, so scanning it opens your PDF from wherever you've hosted it.
What Are the Advantages of a PDF QR Code?
It Is a Low Effort Call to Action
Asking someone to type out a web address from a printed ad or a poster is asking a lot. A scan takes a couple of seconds and opens the document directly, no typing involved.
It Shares Detailed Information Without Cluttering a Design
A poster, a business card, or a product label only has so much room. A PDF QR code lets you point to a full manual, catalog, or document without squeezing all of that text onto the printed material itself.
It Works for Almost Any Document
Menus, manuals, brochures, portfolios, resumes, and reports all work the same way, as long as the file is already hosted somewhere with a link you can share.
How Do I Create a PDF QR Code?
1Upload Your PDF Somewhere Else First
Since this tool doesn't store files, upload your PDF to a service like Google Drive or Dropbox, or host it on your own website, and copy the link to it.
2Paste the Link
Drop that link into the field above. The QR code builds itself automatically.
3Test It
Scan the code yourself to make sure it opens the correct document before using it anywhere.
4Choose Your Colors and Size
Set the pattern and background colors, then pick the size you want to download.
5Download and Use It
Save it as a JPG, PNG, or SVG and add it to whatever you are printing or sharing.
A Few Ways People Use PDF QR Codes
Restaurants
Printing a PDF QR code on a table tent or a sign lets a restaurant link to their full menu, and swapping in a new file later just means updating the link, not printing anything new.
Education
Teachers can add a PDF QR code to a handout or a slide so students can pull up the full reading, a worksheet, or a syllabus straight to their phone.
Product Packaging
A PDF QR code on packaging can link to a full instruction manual, freeing up space on the box itself for other information.
Real Estate and Listings
A PDF QR code on a for sale sign or a flyer can link to a full property listing or a floor plan, giving a potential buyer more detail than fits on a printed page.
Any Tips for a PDF QR Code?
Keep Your PDF Link Stable
Since the code points to wherever you've hosted the file, moving or deleting that file later will break the code. If you think you'll need to update the document, consider linking to a page on your own website instead, one that you can update to point at a new file without touching the code itself.
Check Sharing Permissions
If you're linking to a file on Google Drive or Dropbox, make sure it's set to allow anyone with the link to view it. A private file will show an error instead of your document.
Keep It Big Enough to Scan
Print it at least 2 by 2 centimeters, or about 0.8 by 0.8 inches.
Pick the Right File Format
JPG, PNG, and SVG are all free to download here, no account needed for any of them.
FAQ
How do I scan a PDF QR code?
Open your phone's camera app and point it at the code for a second or two. Most modern phones will show a notification or open the link automatically. If yours doesn't have a built in scanner, a free QR reader app from your app store will do the job.
Can this tool convert or store my PDF?
No. This tool only encodes a link into a QR code, it doesn't upload, store, or convert your file. You'll need to host the PDF somewhere yourself first, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and provide the link here.
What is a PDF QR code generator?
A PDF QR code generator turns a link to a document into a scannable QR code, so someone can open your menu, manual, or report with a single scan instead of typing an address by hand.
Is there a file size limit for my PDF?
Not from this tool, since it never touches the file itself, only the link to it. Any size limit would come from wherever you've hosted the PDF, such as Google Drive's own limits.
Is my information sent to a server when I create the code?
No. The QR code is built entirely in your browser from the link you paste in, nothing is uploaded anywhere by this tool.
What other types of QR codes can I create?
Quite a few, including Website, vCard, Text, SMS, Email, WiFi, App Store, Social Media, Twitter, Facebook, and Bitcoin, all free and built the same simple way.