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How to Make a QR Code for a PDF

Learn how to create and use QR codes for your PDF files, and discover the benefits of this simple yet powerful tool in streamlining your workflow.| …


Updated September 9, 2023

|Learn how to create and use QR codes for your PDF files, and discover the benefits of this simple yet powerful tool in streamlining your workflow.|

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store vast amounts of information, including text, URLs, emails, and even images. They have revolutionized the way we share digital content, making it easy to access and interact with various types of data using mobile devices.

When it comes to PDFs, QR codes offer an innovative way to make these documents more accessible and user-friendly. Imagine being able to generate a QR code that directly links to a PDF file on your device or online storage service. This concept is known as “QR Code for PDF” or “PDF QR Code.”

Importance and Use Cases

The importance of QR codes for PDFs lies in their ability to simplify the process of sharing and accessing digital documents. Here are some practical use cases:

  • Sharing research papers: Academics can create a QR code that links to a PDF version of their research paper, making it easily accessible to colleagues and peers.
  • Presentations: Public speakers can generate a QR code for their presentation slides, allowing attendees to access the content on their devices without needing to physically hand out printed copies.
  • Digital brochures: Businesses can create QR codes that link to PDF versions of their product brochures, making it easy for customers to access and share information about their products.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a QR Code for a PDF

Now that we’ve explored the concept and importance of QR codes for PDFs, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating one:

Step 1: Choose a QR Code Generator

To create a QR code for your PDF, you’ll need to use a QR code generator tool. There are many free online tools available, such as QRCode Monkey or Visme. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the popular online platform, QRCode Monkey.

Step 2: Enter Your PDF URL or File Details

Once you’ve selected your QR code generator, enter the URL of the PDF file or upload the file directly to the tool. If you’re uploading a file, make sure it’s in a format that can be read by the QR code generator (e.g., PDF, JPEG, PNG).

Step 3: Customize Your QR Code

Most QR code generators offer customization options for your code, such as:

  • Color scheme: Choose from various color schemes to match your brand identity.
  • Size and shape: Select a size and shape that fits your design requirements.
  • Error correction: Adjust the error correction level to ensure your code is readable even when damaged.

Step 4: Generate Your QR Code

Click on the “Generate” button to create your QR code. The tool will process your input and generate a unique QR code for your PDF.

Step 5: Download or Embed Your QR Code

Once generated, you can download your QR code as an image file (e.g., JPEG, PNG) or embed it directly into your website or online platform using the provided HTML code snippet.

Tips and Variations

When creating a QR code for a PDF, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Use a clear URL: Make sure the URL of your PDF is easy to read and understand.
  • Choose the right error correction level: Select an appropriate error correction level based on how you plan to use your QR code (e.g., printing it on a poster vs. using it online).
  • Consider adding additional metadata: You can add extra information, such as alt text or a brief description, to enhance the accessibility and usability of your QR code.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking QR code that links directly to your PDF file. Whether you’re sharing research papers, presentations, digital brochures, or other types of documents, QR codes for PDFs offer a convenient and innovative way to make your content more accessible and user-friendly.


In this article, we’ve explored the concept of QR codes for PDFs, their importance, and practical use cases. We’ve also provided a step-by-step guide on how to create such a QR code using a QR code generator tool. Remember to choose the right QR code generator, customize your code according to your needs, generate it accurately, download or embed it as required, and follow best practices for maximum effectiveness.


Want to generate QR Codes??

Click here to use a FREE QR Code Generator