QR code PDF

Turn your PDF into a QR Code

Got a PDF that you want to share with the world? With QRStuff’s widget, you can create, save, print, and share a QR code that lets people download your PDF by simply scanning the code on their mobile device. The possibilities are endless! Read on to find out more.

What is QR Code Generator for PDF?

QRStuff’s generator takes a PDF file and converts it into a QR code, which is a type of scannable barcode. When someone scans the code on their cell phone or tablet, the device automatically downloads the PDF for their perusal. Pretty neat, right? And there’s more: subscribers also get total control over customizing their QR code – we’re talking colors, images, and file types – plus analytics data showing them how their code is used, and dynamic editing that lets them update the PDF at any time without having to change the QR code itself.

Why should I use a PDF QR Code?

QR codes are all the rage right now, and they’re sure to be a trend that sticks around for years to come thanks to their versatility and ease of use. More and more people have smartphones nowadays, and with newer models usually equipped with QR scanning capabilities as standard, these codes are accessible to practically everyone. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using a QR code PDF.

Reduced printing costs

Whatever kind of content your PDF deals with, printing a sheet full of QR labels rather than a series of brochures, menus, or manuals is sure to save you plenty of money.

Better for the planet

In a similar vein, there’s a lot of focus on the environment and sustainability right now. Anything that reduces the amount of paper we use – and therefore the number of trees we need to cut down – can only be a good thing.

Easy to use

It doesn’t get much simpler than opening up the camera app on a phone and pointing it at a code: no need to remember a web address or type anything in, and no more shuffling through reams of paper.

What information is stored in a PDF QR Code?

A QR code PDF from QRStuff converts any PDF file of up to 5 MB into a machine-readable barcode. When someone scans this code using a mobile device, the PDF is automatically downloaded. As for the content of the PDF itself, well…that’s up to you! It could be anything. And if that’s not enough, the design of your QR code PDF can be customized exactly to your liking with stylish visual elements.

What are the benefits of using a QR code PDF?

QR code PDFs are simple, convenient, inexpensive, versatile…should we go on? With a dynamic QR code from QRStuff, you can update the PDF in question whenever you want – which is perfect for restaurants that change their menu seasonally, for example. And if you’re into visual design, you’ll understand how important it is to create a clean, uncluttered look. Adding a QR code PDF is the ideal way to offer more information without compromising style.

How to create a QR code PDF?

Step 1

Head to qrstuff.com in your browser. Under “Data Type”, select “PDF file”. Note that you’ll need to be a paid subscriber to access this service, so be sure to sign up to QRStuff first.

Step 2

Simply drag and drop your chosen PDF file, or browse to find it. Be aware that the maximum file size is 5 MB – if your PDF is larger than this, try compressing it using a free online software.

Step 3

Time to customize: adjust your code’s size, file type (e.g. .png, .jpeg., .gif), and colors. You can even add your own image or logo to make it unmistakably yours.

What is error correction for QR codes?

An introduction to error correction

When creating your QR code, you’ll see the option to choose the error correction level. In short, this means the code’s ability to sustain “damage” and continue to function correctly thanks to “backup data” contained within it.

Which level is right for you?

The lower the error correction level is, the smaller you can print the code. The higher it is, the more damage it can take. So think about where you’ll use your QR code (e.g. marketing versus industrial use) to help you decide what’s more important.

Where can you use a QR code PDF?

A PDF is a great replacement for printed written material, so anywhere you might find a booklet, brochure, or manual, a QR code PDF could be the 21st-century solution. Let’s take a look at some examples.

User manuals

Sticking a QR code PDF label on packaging or on a tool itself is a great way to give users easy access to the manual in PDF form if they run into any problems.

Restaurants

Let diners download your menu to their phone quickly and easily with a QR code PDF sticker on every table. No more handling and cleaning physical menus, which means less risk of infection in these hygiene-conscious times.

Real estate brokers

Add a QR code to each real estate listing in your office window, allowing passers-by to download the full brochure and specifications for that dream house that catches their eye.

QR code PDFs in education and academia

QR code PDFs are a perfect fit for the world of education, as they give students an easy way to access key documents with low printing costs. Putting a QR code on the front of classwork or lecture handouts lets learners download notes to their device and store them for reference at a later stage. Teachers can also add QR code PDFs to classroom displays and posters to bridge the gap between physical and digital learning.

Take your marketing to the next level

QR code PDFs are also ideal for business marketing. For example, imagine a “Scan here for an extra chapter” code on the back of a book by your favorite author. Who wouldn’t scan that? Brands can boost customer engagement by incentivizing users to scan: for baking products, think a QR code leading to a PDF full of tasty recipes using the product. There are so many possibilities, so what are you waiting for?

Become a paid subscriber and reap the benefits

QR code PDFs are only available to paid subscribers of QRStuff. The great news is that subscribers get access to an enormous range of benefits! These include unlimited QR codes, unlimited scans, analytics, and much more. One of the standout features on offer to subscribers is the use of dynamic QR codes. Picture the scene: you run a restaurant and have QR code menu stickers plastered all over your tables. When the seasons change and it's time to update your dishes, you need to create a new QR code, print a new set of labels, and start over, right? Actually, no! With a dynamic QR code from QRStuff, all you need to do is log in to your account dashboard, find the QR code in question, and hit the “Edit” button. The secret is that the QR code itself never changes, but the address it links to does, so you can upload an updated PDF and get on with your day.

All about analytics

Another exciting feature for paid subscribers is analytics data, which is available for redirected (dynamic) QR codes that use QRStuff’s URL shortener service. This feature gives you an overview of the location, date, time, and device used each time your code is scanned: perfect for businesses targeting various markets and wanting to keep an eye on their popularity in different areas. Reporting is available in both table and graph form and can also be downloaded as an Excel or PDF file.

Some businesses prefer to create static QR codes for a number of reasons. One of the most compelling is that users won’t be redirected via a short URL, so customers scanning your code will only ever see your branded website address – a great way to instill consumer confidence. Unlike other QR code generators, QRStuff gives you the choice between static and dynamic so that you can decide based on your specific needs. Users who do opt for a static QR code will need to set up their own analytics tracking on the landing page of their URL: Google Analytics is a great option for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! The QR code is dynamic, which means you can update or replace the linked PDF at any time. To do so, visit your QRStuff account dashboard and click on the “Edit PDF file” option. Your QR code will remain unchanged – no need to invest in more printer ink – but will now link to your shiny new PDF.

No problem: search Google for free PDF compression tools such as the one offered by Adobe. These are designed to reduce the file size without compromising quality by removing unused elements and optimizing images. If you don’t wish to compress your PDF, consider if there are any unnecessary elements (e.g. large images) that you can cut out of it instead.

It’s very straightforward: they simply need to take their phone or tablet, open up an app that can read QR codes, and hover over the code so that it fills the frame on the screen. A lot of newer devices have built-in QR code scanning capabilities in the camera app as standard, so there’s no need to download any additional software.