PDF to QR code: How to create a QR code for a PDF.

A man in an office uses his laptop to learn how to create a QR code from a PDF.

Discover how to convert PDF files to QR codes to easily share your documents with this handy guide.

Today, QR codes are everywhere – from restaurant menus to business cards. They’ve become one of the primary methods of sharing information, whether that’s documents for work, school projects, or product details. So, knowing how to use the Adobe QR code generator can be handy.

Want to know how to convert a PDF document into an easily shareable QR code with Adobe? Learn how to create a QR code for a PDF document in our helpful guide below.

In this guide:

What are QR codes?
How to convert your PDF to a QR code in 3 steps.
What are the advantages of converting a PDF into a QR code?
When should you create a QR code for a PDF?
FAQs.

What are QR codes?

Quick Response (QR) codes are a fast, machine-readable way to store and share information. Think of them like a modern take on a barcode – except, instead of black and white bars they’re assembled into an array of black and white squares.

Want to try making your own? Use the Adobe QR Code Generator to create one for free.

How to convert your PDF to a QR code in 3 steps.

You can easily convert your PDFs to QR codes using online tools like the Adobe QR code generator. Whether it’s a professional portfolio, student project or business document, with Adobe, you can easily transform your PDF into a shareable QR code to add to digital assets, or print and display.

1. Upload your PDF.

To start the process of creating your QR code, you first need to select a PDF file to share. If it’s digital – great. If it’s a physical document, use the free Adobe Mobile Scanner App to scan and save it as a PDF.

Next, you need to upload your PDF file. To do this, use an online file-sharing platform to host your PDF document publicly – this could be a website or cloud hosting platform.

2. Use the Adobe generator to create your QR code.

Next, copy the PDF URL and put it into the Adobe QR Code Generator.

lternatively, some file-sharing systems may be able to generate it internally, however, the QR code generator on Adobe Express allows you to create, save and add your codes to different assets – all for free.

Once you’ve successfully transformed your PDF into a QR code, test and review it to make sure it works. Just scan it with your phone and see if it directs you to the right URL. Then, there’s only one thing left to do – share it. Upload it onto your website, attach it to your email or print it onto pamphlets, leaflets or business cards to share.

What are the advantages of converting a PDF into a QR code?

Using Adobe to convert your PDF to a QR code comes with a host of advantages:

Easy way to share information. You can provide co-workers, customers, clients or business partners with additional information such as your website, documents, a portfolio of images, a social media channel, or even instructions or a calendar. With a mobile friendly page, this information can be clear and easily accessed even when people are out and about.
Trackable. QR codes can be tracked, meaning you know where, when and how people scanned it. That means you get data points about how your QR code is being shared, so you know what works, and what doesn’t.
Organisation. Improve your organisation and keep your advertising materials, documents and images in an easy-to-access place.
Improved customer experience. QR codes are an excellent way to improve your customers’ experience. They no longer need to wait for menus, can easily access the information they need with a scan, or access customer support.
Brand recognition. You can utilise QR codes in marketing campaigns to boost engagement and grow brand recognition. Easily share important marketing materials that can be instantly accessed, with little to no effort from the customer.

When should you create a QR code for a PDF?

There are a range of reasons why you might want to create a QR code for a PDF file using Adobe tools:

Presenting. You can use a QR code to store a PDF file on the cover page of a presentation if you want people to view or download further materials. Then, they can revisit key points and data in their own time.
Sharing infographics. A PDF QR code can provide more information – they’re the perfect companion to include on something like a poster or infographic. You could link to a website booking platform, or provide more context for a visual. Information can be easily accessed, amended, edited and updated while retaining the same QR code.
Creating a restaurant/café menu. Physical menus require resources, design time and maintenance. Meanwhile, PDF QR codes save you from having to reprint as your menu changes, and they allow customers to scan in, browse and order at their leisure. That’s less clutter on the table, smooth service even when things are busy, and an easily altered menu.
When advertising. QR codes are an excellent addition to your ad campaigns. They’re cheap, easily displayed, and can be used to link people directly to storefronts. Best of all, distributing your QR code is as easy as printing it out, adding it to existing materials, or posting it on your social media assets.

FAQs.

What information is stored in a QR code for PDF files?

QR codes can store a variety of information, such as URLs, email addresses, calendar information, product details and phone numbers. It essentially acts as a link to any file or digital location.

Whatever you decide to share, an editable and dynamic Adobe QR code can make it fast and easily accessible.

Can you edit an existing QR code to link to another PDF?

Once you’ve finished creating your QR code, you can easily link to an updated PDF. All you need is a dynamic (or editable) QR code, which you can create using the Adobe QR code generator.

Editable QR codes allow you to change the URL content – which means no need to reprint materials even after they’ve been distributed.

What happens if I edit the PDF after I create a QR code for a PDF?

If you edit your PDF after you create a QR code using the Adobe QR Code Generator, the linked content will still update. This is because Adobe QR codes are naturally dynamic, meaning you can easily edit the content at any time. Not every QR code generator is the same, but, if they’re dynamic or editable, you should be okay to edit your PDF.