Free PDF QR Code generator
Convert PDFs to QR Codes & Track PDF Downloads

What is a PDF QR Code?

Want to share PDFs easily? Use a PDF QR Code! All you need to do is upload your PDF file and the PDF QR Code generator converts the PDF into a QR Code. Anyone can scan the QR Code with their phone's camera and open the PDF. You can update the PDF anytime, even after printing the QR Code.

Use PDF QR Codes to share:

• Restaurant menus
• Instruction manuals
• Blueprints
• Brochures
• And any other PDFs you want people to access easily

How to create a QR Code for a PDF file?

Let’s look at the step-by-step process to convert a PDF to a QR Code with Uniqode's (formerly Beaconstac)'s PDF QR Code generator:

Step 1: Sign-in to Uniqode's dashboard and choose "QR Codes

Once you choose "QR Codes" from the left-hand menu, click +CREATE." Now choose “PDF” as your QR Code type.

Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) offers pre-built QR Code templates that you can modify based on your marketing campaign-which in this case requires creating a PDF QR Code.

NOTE: To get started, you can sign-up for a zero-cost and no-commitment 14-day trial.

Step 2: Upload your PDF document

You can either upload your PDF file or paste the PDF URL.

You might want to know: All the QR Codes you create with Uniqode's (formerly Beaconstac)'s PDF QR Code generator are dynamic by default. This means that you can always go back and update the destination link of your editable QR Code.

Step 3: Customize the design of the QR Code

Our QR Code maker allows you to customize various aspects of the QR Code to match your brand aesthetic.

Here are 5 keyQR Code design elements that you can customize to create a visually-appealing QR Code:

1. QR Code shape: Choose between a standard square QR Code or a circle QR Code.
2. QR Code color: Make the QR Code consistent with your brand colors.
3. QR Code logo: Add your brand or pdf logo to the QR Code to boost brand recall.
4. QR Code background: Select from colorful, image, or transparent QR Code background.
5. Frame and CTA: Include an attractive frame and an actionable QR Code CTA to improve the scan rate.

Step 4: Download the QR Code in your preferred format and test it before sharing

Once you are happy with how the PDF QR Code looks, click "FINISH," test it, download it in a suitable format, and simply print it.

You can download your PDF QR Code in SVG, EPS, PNG, JPEG, or PDF format.

Can I edit my PDF QR Code?

Creating a QR Code for PDF with Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) allows you to edit them anytime. This is because all QR Codes you create with Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) are dynamic, allowing you to change the PDF URL or replace the PDF file anytime—no reprinting required.

After converting PDFs to QR Codes on the Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) dashboard, you can follow the steps below to update them:

Step 1: In the QR Codes section, select “All”

Choose the QR Code you wish to update and click "Edit."

Step 2: Upload the new PDF

Upload your new PDF and delete the old one and click “Next.”

Step 3: Make any changes in the PDF QR Code design and click “Next”

And just like that, you edited your existing QR Code without creating a new one!

What are the benefits of a PDF QR Code?

1. Customizability

Your audience will likely interact with a customized QR Code representing your brand. You can customize every aspect of your QR Code with a PDF QR Code generator such as Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac). From changing its color, shape, and background to adding a logo and CTA frame, you get a lot of options to make your QR Code on-brand.

2. Password protection

Password-protected QR Codes are useful for documents that require restricted access. Unlike static QR Codes that anyone can scan, the password protection feature on Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) ensures restricted access. Only those who know the password can access the PDF post-scanning.

To password-protect your QR Code, go to the “Advanced settings” option while creating your QR Code and turn on “Password protection.”

3. Detailed analytics

A native feature of dynamic QR Codes is their ability to track scans, the duration of engagement, location, and metrics such as the device used, etc.

These metrics can be handy during presentations, events, and other use cases where customer engagement can provide detailed insights.

4. Retargeting

You can integrate Facebook Pixel and Google retargeting while creating PDF QR Codes on Uniqode.

With this integration, you can retarget customers who scan your QR Codes with relevant ads on Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube.

Retargeting ensures your brand remains visible across multiple platforms and increases the chances of converting potential customers.

For instance, sales teams can retarget users based on the number of PDF downloads or the number of visitors to the website who didn’t download the PDF, etc.

What are the use cases of PDF QR Codes?

PDF QR Codes allow users to access or download content with a simple scan. Here's how various industries can use PDF QR Codes:

1. Educational Institutions

PDF QR Codes offer a seamless way for educational institutions to enhance the learning experience. With this, students can easily access:

• Lecture notes and study materials: Professors can include QR Codes linked to detailed PDFs, allowing students to revisit key points without relying solely on paper handouts.
• Infographics: Complex topics can be explained visually with infographics. Embed a QR Code within the infographic, granting students access to a downloadable PDF with a deeper dive into the subject matter.
• Supplementary learning materials: Provide students with additional resources like articles or research papers by linking PDFs with QR Codes.
• Homework distribution & collection: Distribute homework assignments as downloadable PDFs with embedded QR Codes. Students can access them easily and submit completed PDFs electronically. This can streamline homework management for both students and educators.

2. Restaurants

QR Codes linked to restaurant menus offer a modern alternative to traditional paper menus. However, PDF QR Codes can let you share related information as well, such as:

• Interactive menus: Embed high-quality photos of your dishes in the linked PDF, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Detailed allergen information: Provide comprehensive information in the PDF, ensuring guests with dietary restrictions can make informed choices.
• Seasonal specials and promotions: Regularly update your menu with dynamic PDF QR Codes. This eliminates the need to reprint menus when specials change.
• Link to reservation system or loyalty program: Integrate a call-to-action within the PDF, allowing guests to book reservations or enroll in your loyalty program directly from their phones.

3. Organizations

Organizations can leverage PDF QR Codes to simplify document access and improve information flow:

• Employee handbooks: Share employee handbooks as downloadable PDFs with QR Codes. This gives new hires easy access to essential information and reduces printing costs.
• Trackable whitepapers and ebooks: Generate QR Codes for whitepapers and ebooks. By linking them to trackable PDFs with forms or email capture options, sales teams can identify potential leads interested in their content.
• Brochures and magazines: Embed QR Codes within printed brochures or magazines, linking readers to in-depth PDFs with additional details about your products, services, or company news.

4. Retail

QR Codes can go beyond simply linking to product information to sharing content such as:

• Smart receipts: Replace traditional paper receipts with PDF QR Codes. This reduces paper waste and lets customers access their receipts digitally, making returns or warranty claims easier.
• Assembly Instructions and care guides: Include clear and concise assembly instructions or care guides for complex products as downloadable PDFs linked by QR Codes on the packaging.

5. Manufacturing & Construction

The manufacturing and construction industries rely on clear communication and easy access to crucial information such as blueprints or product usage information. PDF QR Codes can play a vital role:

• Assembly & maintenance guides: Integrate detailed assembly and maintenance instructions in downloadable PDFs linked with QR Codes on product packaging or equipment. This empowers users with self-service capabilities and reduces reliance on physical manuals.

Best practices to follow while creating a PDF QR Code

To ensure optimal results, here are some best practices to follow when creating a PDF QR Code:

1. Add a CTA frame

PDF QR Codes with no CTA or text indicating where they lead to can cause ambiguity and decrease scan rates. QR Codes with text below, such as “Scan to download PDF” or “Scan to view PDF,” can nudge the scanner to engage with your QR Code.

2. Add a logo

Besides the CTA, a QR Code with a logo can help build customer trust. You can include your brand logo or a PDF logo to indicate what the QR Code will lead to upon scanning. This encourages viewers to scan and engage.

3. Pick the right QR Code size

Resizing QR Codes to a size smaller than 2x2 cm can compromise their scannability. Ensure that a minimum size of 2x2 cm is maintained.

Check out this QR Code sizing guide to know the resizing requirements for different materials!

4. Download QR Code in a suitable format

For smaller print materials, such as business cards or brochures, PNG or JPG formats work well. Choosevector QR Code formats such as SVG or EPS for larger media such as billboards. This allows the QR Code to retain its scannability at any size without losing quality.

5. Ensure the content is accessible at all times

When you link your QR Code to an online PDF or upload a PDF, ensure that your content is updated and accessible at all times. This leads to seamless access and downloads from your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions