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.
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 Method 2: Upload a PDF and convert it to a QR codeYour 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
STEP 2: Beaconstac’s QR code solution - Creating the static or dynamic QR code
We will use dynamic QR codes to illustrate the process.
You can click on ‘Preview’ to make sure you are converting the right Google Drive file to a PDF QR code.
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:
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 -
Grab the URL of the digital marketing material and link it from the markdown card (mobile landing pages).
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
Similar to the eye-ball, you can also change the eye-frame shape and color.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Since the material is being sent to the smartphone, the users save these documents for future reference and usage.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Promote your mobile app downloads by adding QR codes on marketing collaterals and linking them to app-stores.
Get more like, shares and follows on Facebook with the help of QR codes that lead directly to your Facebook profile/business page.
Deliver deals and offers in real-time using Coupon QR codes. Gain customer loyalty by helping them save some money.
Increase footfalls by assisting customers in hassle-free navigation to your store location.
Let users view your videos with just a scan of a QR code. Get more views to your videos by sharing the videos through QR codes.
Help users share feedback and ratings with a single scan of a QR code that direct users to a feedback form.
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