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What is a QR Code PDF?

A QR Code PDF or a PDF QR Code is a QR Code which when scanned by users opens up a PDF. This does not require an additional app to be downloaded. All the latest smartphones can scan a QR Code natively.

How to create a PDF QR code

Converting a PDF to QR code does not require you to be a developer or any complex tools. You can either create a PDF QR code if it is hosted online or simply upload a PDF and convert it to a QR code.

Method 1: Convert a PDF to a QR code when it is hosted online

(i) From Google Drive
(ii) From an online link

Method 2: Upload a PDF and convert it to a QR code

You will need a good QR Code Generator for PDFs to create QR Code PDFs. Choosing the best QR Code Generator is no easy feat, so check out the must-have features of the best QR Code Generators.

If you need to create PDF QR Codes for your app or website, you should consider a QR Code Generator API that you can easily integrate in a couple of steps.

#Method 1: Convert a PDF to a QR code when it is hosted online

(i) Create a PDF QR Code from a Google Drive link

Your Google Drive files can now be shared with a single QR code. Here’s a simple, step-wise guide on how to do that.

STEP 1: Google Drive - Copying the link of the Google Drive file

Upload your PDF on Google Drive

Open the Google Drive file you want to share as a QR code

Open the Google Drive to create your Google QR code

Open the file and click on three dots on the top right corner. Select ‘Share’.

Choose the type of access you want others to have - edit, comment or view

Share your Google file to create the QR code

Click on ‘Get Shareable Link’ and select the Link Sharing options. You can either share it within your organization or anyone with the link can be granted access. Copy the link you get.

Get the link for your Google file to create the QR code

STEP 2: Beaconstac’s QR code solution - Creating the static or dynamic QR code

We will use dynamic QR codes to illustrate the process. A dynamic QR Code is one that can be edited even after it has been created whereas Static QR Codes cannot be edited once created. Here’s everything you need to know about dynamic QR Codes and Dynamic QR Code generators.

Click on Create QR Code

You can click on ‘Preview’ to make sure you are converting the right Google Drive file to a PDF QR code.

Choose ‘PDF’ QR Code

Paste the Google drive link

Paste the link to convert PDF to QR code

Convert your PDF to QR code

Test and download it in your preferred format

(ii) Create a PDF QR Code from an online link

You can simply skip to STEP 2 to create a PDF QR code from an online link. However, for greater impact and to add compelling images and CTAs that accompany the PDF, create a markdown card.

MARKDOWN CARD

A PDF can be turned into a QR code in 3 easy steps:

1. Generate a quick landing page using the Beaconstac platform.

You could use one of our markdown card templates or build one from scratch. It doesn’t require any coding! Here are a few examples of landing pages created for this purpose -

2. Link the PDF from these landing pages

Grab the URL of the digital marketing material and link it from the markdown card (mobile landing pages).

3. Creating the PDF QR code

Generate a QR code on the Beaconstac platform and assign the landing page to it.

If you are not looking to create landing pages and want to send users directly to the PDF, skip step 1 and 2. Start by creating a QR code for the digital PDF.

#Method 2: Upload a PDF and convert it to a QR code

You know what to do when you have the PDF available online. But, what if you have a PDF on your local drive and want to share that as a QR code?

It’s simple. Our QR code solution allows you to convert any PDF into a QR code instantly.

Click on 'Create QR Code'

Choose ‘PDF’ QR Code

Upload your PDF

Customize your QR code

Generate and download it in your preferred format

How to customize a PDF QR Code

You can change the color of the PDF QR Code, add a logo and even change customize the way the corners (position markings) of the QR Code. If you don’t know where to begin with customization, choose a template.

Read our complete guide on how you can design customized QR Codes

How to choose a template for the PDF QR Code

Click on one of the 4 templates to change the way your PDF QR Code looks. To change the template, click on other available templates. To remove the template, click on ‘Remove’.

How to change the shape and color of the eye-ball of the PDF QR Code

Click on the shape of the eyeball that you want and enter the hex code of the color or choose a color from the color palette.

How to change the shape and color of the eye-frame of the PDF QR Code

Similar to the eye-ball, you can also change the eye-frame shape and color.

How to add a logo to the PDF QR Code

You can choose a PDF icon or upload your brand’s logo to the QR Code for custom personalization. You can also make the logo bigger or smaller by using the slider.

How to change the pattern and color of the QR Code

Pattern

The pattern of the QR Code is what actually contains the data. The black and white squares can be turned into different shapes.

Color

You can make the QR Code a monochromatic PDF QR Code or use a color gradient (radial, horizontal or vertical).

Here is an example of a gradient PDF QR Code with a dot pattern

What else can you do to customize your PDF QR Code?

You can also add a solid color behind the PDF QR COde or a background image instead of a logo. However, to ensure your QR Codes are scannable, always test it before downloading or printing them.

Quick and easy guide on how to scan QR Codes

How to edit a PDF QR Code

Once your PDF QR code is created, you can always go back to the dashboard to either re-upload a new PDF or change the link and point to a new PDF.

STEP 1: Find the PDF QR code that you created

STEP 2: Click on Edit

STEP 3: Click on PDF QR Code

STEP 4: You can either upload a new PDF or point to a PDF link

STEP 5: Save your changes

Challenges with promoting digital magazines, catalogs and manuals with URLs

The straightforward approach to delivering online documents is to include a short URL on the sales receipt, product packaging or on posters. However, the challenge with this approach is, it works only if users remember to visit the URL. It also involves manual typing of URLs which is fine when the URL in picture is short. But it gets complicated and risky for longer URLs.

Advantages of using a PDF QR Code

Enhanced customer experience

PDFs are compact and easy to exchange. This is why PDF QR codes are the easiest and most seamless way to learn about products or services in detail.
Scan-save-go | Read later

Since the material is being sent to the smartphone, the users save these documents for future reference and usage.
Multiple Campaigns | 1 QR code

Use the power of dynamic QR codes and re-use the same QR code to deliver different PDFs. Schedule these campaigns automatically or make updates when you need to.

Other types of QR code available

Where can you use PDF QR codes

At events, concerts and conferences:

Hit the right audience and generate high quality leads at events you attend. Give them quick access to eBooks, interview documentation, or property listings in your locality, and all it would require of them is to point their smartphone cameras to the QR code and scan!
At physical stores:

From in-store posters to pamphlets to product packaging and more, PDF QR codes can be used extensively to boost engagement and store interactivity. Stick QR codes on product aisles, packaging and posters. Allow users to scan and access user manuals, product comparison sheets, tips, inspirations, best practices, related products or product reviews before they move onto other errands of the day.
At banks:

Send forms and other annexures that need to be filled and submitted at banks. You could also send sample application forms to new users trying to open a bank account at your branch.
At restaurants:

Send restaurant menus or daily specials by allowing diners to scan a QR code on their table. You could also send quality certifications or collections of photos - maybe of local celebrities who visited your restaurant or just happy people stopping by to enjoy a premium lunch!
For real estate

This industry involves excessive use of PDF and documents - starting from property listings, to filling out property requirements, digital catalogs, real estate magazines, to soft copies of house documents. To make these pieces of information more accessible and handy, tech-savvy realtors are opting for PDF QR codes.

Multi-campaign (dynamic) QR codes are especially helpful for latest property listings because you print and distribute the QR code once, and then keep updating new properties as and when required.

How to create and use QR codes for businesses

Organizations that use PDF QR codes

CBIC: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, India is replacing paper copies of Bill of Entry and Shipping Bills that are usually a PDF with QR codes that will allow authentication directly.
UIDAI: Indian Citizens can save their Aadhaar card as a QR code instead of carrying the physical card or the PDF document. This QR code contains all the information of the PDF.

Now that you’ve created your PDF QR code, here are a few tips on how to share it.

1. Share it over email: Instead of having to download a PDF, users can simply scan the QR code on their smartphone for on-the-go applications.

2. Place it on documentation: You can place a PDF QR code on hard copies of important documents to let users have a soft copy of the same.

3. Add it to the study guides: Teachers can add PDF QR codes to notes that they share with the class to give their students some online resources to understand the course better.

4. Place it on tickets: Instead of having a cluttered design, you can add a PDF QR code which will let attendees know more about the event - schedule, timings and headliners. If anything changes, you can edit the PDF QR code and updated information will be available to all ticket holders.

Best practices to follow when creating & using PDF QR codes

Add the PDF logo at the center of the QR code

One of the biggest reasons people refrain from scanning QR codes is that they do not know what is behind the QR code. Adding a PDF logo in the center gives an indication of what to expect. You can also choose a logo from one of the several available designs.
Use the right color palette

To drive your branding home, leverage your brand colors while creating the PDF QR code. Choose a color from the color palette that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reinforces your organization’s branding.
Optimize PDF files for display on mobile devices

Since PDF QR codes direct to viewing on mobile devices, the readability of fonts, the size of the PDF and the overall formatting plays a major role. Use PDFs that read well on mobile screens. Avoid using multi-column text in PDFs, as it becomes difficult to navigate through these.
Pick the right size of QR codes.

Marketers usually tend to optimize for size, especially on product packages so that multiple other highlights could fit in. But too small QR codes tend to go unnoticed and end up being unscannable. These QR codes should be at a minimum of 2cm x 2cm.

Frequently Asked Questions for PDF QR code

Can you make a QR Code for a PDF?

Yes, you can make a QR Code for a PDF. Either save the file online and grab the link or upload the PDF to the PDF QR Code Generator and convert your PDF into a QR Code.

How do I scan a QR Code to open a PDF file?

Depending on your OS, QR Code scanning will work differently but generally speaking, QR Code scanning happens through the camera app. Open your camera and point it at the QR Code to start scanning. If you have an iOS device, pull up the Control Center to use the QR Code Reader or use the native camera.

How to turn a picture into QR code?

You can save the picture as a PDF and upload or host it online. Then use a good PDF QR Code Generator to create your QR Code. Customize it as needed and download it in the required format. When you scan the QR Code, you will see the picture.

How do I add a QR Code to a PDF?

To add a QR Code to your PDF, save it as an image - PNG or JPG format and upload it to your PDF. You can also download it in SVG format if you want to add more elements to the QR Code later.