PDF QR Code Generator (Free, Link Any PDF)

Sometimes you don’t want to send people to a full website. You just want them to open a single PDF: a brochure, price list, eBook, intake form, flyer, menu, or instructions. A QR code that opens a PDF does exactly that in one scan.

This free PDF QR code generator lets you paste a link to any PDF file and turn it into a clean, scannable QR code you can download and use on flyers, signs, handouts, or emails. No sign-up, no branding, no monthly fees.

What Can You Use a PDF QR Code For?

If you can put it in a PDF, you can turn it into a QR code. Common examples include:

• Price lists for salons, barbers, repair services, and small shops.
• Brochures for events, nonprofits, or local services.
• Intake and registration forms for clinics, schools, and programs.
• Instruction sheets or manuals for products and devices.
• Menus and specials for restaurants, cafés, and bars.
• Event programs for conferences, concerts, and ceremonies.
• Flyers and promotions with more detail than will fit on a postcard.

A PDF QR code is perfect when you don’t want to redesign your whole website just to share one document.

Step 1: Make Sure Your PDF Is Online

This tool doesn’t upload or store your file. It simply turns a link into a QR code. So first, you need your PDF to be accessible online. Here are easy options:

• On your website – Upload the PDF to your media library and copy the file URL.
• Google Drive – Upload the PDF, set it to "Anyone with the link can view," then copy the link.
• Dropbox – Upload the file and copy a view-only share link.
• Other cloud services – As long as someone can open the link without logging in, it works.

Once you have a working link, paste it into the generator at the top of this page.

How to Create a PDF QR Code (3 Simple Steps)

1. Paste your PDF link. Use the direct URL that opens your PDF file.
2. Choose a QR code size. Medium or large works best for printing.
3. Click “Generate” and download. Save the PNG image and drop it into your designs.

You can reuse the same QR code anywhere you want people to be able to open that file with one scan.

Where to Print Your PDF QR Code

Here are practical places to use it:

• Flyers and posters – "Scan to view full details."
• Postcards and mailers – Great for price lists and brochures.
• Signs and displays – At your counter, booth, or trade show table.
• Product packaging – Scan for instructions or warranty info.
• Event badges or programs – Link to the full schedule or map.
• Classrooms or trainings – Handouts, worksheets, or slide PDFs.

Anywhere you would normally say “visit this long URL,” you can swap in a simple QR code.

PDF QR Code Best Practices

• Use a high-contrast design. Dark QR on a light background is easiest to scan.
• Leave some white space. Don’t crowd the QR code with other graphics.
• Add a short label. For example: "Scan for full menu" or "Scan for price list."
• Test at real distance. Stand where your customers will be and scan it with your own phone.
• Keep the link stable. If you move or rename the PDF, the QR will break—so pick a URL you can leave alone.

Static QR Code, Flexible Content

The QR codes you generate here are static, which means:

• The QR always goes to the same URL you entered.
• You don’t pay for a monthly “QR platform.”
• You don’t have to log into anything to keep it active.

But your PDF file can still change. If your PDF lives at the same link, you can replace it behind the scenes (for example, uploading a new version to the same location), and your QR code will still work. The QR only cares that the link is valid.

PDF QR Code Generator FAQ

Do I have to host the PDF myself?

Yes. This tool doesn’t store or host your files. You stay in full control of where your PDF lives. As long as the link works without logging in, the QR code will work.

Does the PDF have to be on my own website?

No. It can live on your site, on Google Drive, Dropbox, or another service. Just make sure it’s publicly viewable via link.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes. You can create and download as many static PDF QR codes as you need, at no cost.

Can I track how many times people open the PDF?

Not directly from the QR code itself. If you want tracking, you can use a special URL with analytics (for example, a page on your site that redirects to the PDF, or a link shortener with stats).

Will this work on all phones?

Yes. Most modern phones can scan QR codes with the built-in camera app. As long as the PDF opens in a mobile-friendly viewer, you’re good.

Make Your PDFs Easy to Open, Not Hard to Find

Instead of hoping people type in a long URL correctly, give them a QR code they can scan in one second. Use the generator at the top of this page to create your PDF QR code, then:

• Add it to printed marketing materials.
• Stick it on product packaging or displays.
• Use it on signs where people might want more details than you can fit on a poster.

If you work with local businesses, events, or restaurants, you might also want to use:

• PDF Menu QR Code Generator – built specifically for food and drink menus.
• Google Review QR Code Generator – turn happy customers into 5-star reviews.
• Digital Business Card QR Code Generator – for networking and follow-ups.
• Standard QR Code Generator – link to any page, form, or file you want.

Start simple: get your PDF online, paste the link into the box above, generate your QR code, and put it where the right people will actually see and scan it.