PDF QR Codes

PDF QR codes let you share documents without printing them. Upload a PDF, get a QR code, and anyone who scans can view or download the file on their phone. For use cases and examples, see our PDF QR code guide.

What It Does

When someone scans, their browser opens and your PDF displays in a mobile-friendly viewer. They can scroll through, pinch to zoom, and download a copy if they want. No app needed.

Where They're Useful

Restaurant menus – Put QR codes on tables instead of printing menus. When prices change, just upload a new PDF. No reprinting.

Product manuals – Add a code to packaging so customers can pull up instructions on their phone.

Real estate – Property details and floor plans in a professional PDF that prospects can browse.

Events – Conference schedules, speaker bios, session details.

Training – Employee handbooks, safety guides, procedures.

Forms – Applications, registration docs, contracts.

Update Anytime

PDF QR codes are dynamic, so you can replace the document whenever you want. The QR code stays the same—anyone who scans gets the new version. This is a key benefit of dynamic codes.

Creating a PDF QR Code

Click + Create QR Code, select PDF, and upload your file (max 10MB). Add a title if you want, customize the design, and download.

File Tips

Format: PDF only
Max size: 10MB
Pages: No limit, but shorter is better for mobile
Performance: Compress images for faster loading

Large PDFs load slowly on phones. Keep files under 5MB for the best experience—people won't wait around for a 9MB menu to load.

The Viewing Experience

We host your PDF on fast servers. When someone scans:

The PDF opens in their browser (no app needed)
They can pinch to zoom and scroll through pages
There's a download button if they want to save it
Works on any phone or tablet

Updating Your PDF

Go to your dashboard, find the code, click Edit, and upload the new file. The QR code stays the same—anyone who scans from that point on gets the updated document.

This is the real advantage for things like menus. Print the table tents once, and update the actual menu whenever you need to.

Analytics

You can see how your document is doing:

Total scans (how many people accessed it)
Unique views
Where viewers are located
What devices they're using
When people access it

Security Note

PDFs hosted with us are accessible to anyone with the QR code. Don't use this for confidential documents.

For sensitive stuff, either host the PDF yourself behind authentication and use a Website QR code to link there, or use a service designed for secure document sharing.

Making PDFs Work on Mobile

Most scans happen on phones, so design accordingly:

Use readable font sizes (14pt minimum)
Keep layouts simple—single column works best
Test on an actual phone before printing
Stick to 1-10 pages when possible
Add branding and contact info so people know who it's from
Include a clear next step (visit our website, call us, etc.)

Common Questions

Can I password-protect the PDF? Not through us—the PDF is publicly accessible via the QR code. If you need password protection, host it yourself and use a Website QR code to link there.

How long is the PDF stored? As long as your account is active. If you delete the QR code or your account, the file goes away.

Can people edit my PDF? No. They can view and download a copy, but that's it.

What if my PDF is over 10MB? Compress it with Adobe Acrobat or a tool like SmallPDF, or split it into multiple documents.

Can I see who downloaded it? We track views, not downloads specifically. And we don't collect personal info from viewers.