The ability to quickly share PDF documents using a QR code generator for PDF is a game-changer. It makes sharing PDFs so much easier. A QR code will not have a huge file size. So, attachment file size limits will not block it. You can also scan the QR code to quickly transfer your PDF to a mobile phone.

If you haven't tried them yet, this is your sign. In this article, we will introduce your 5 best options.

In this article
  1. 5 Best QR Code Generators for PDFs
  2. Tips for Using a QR Code Generator for PDF
  3. Conclusion

Part 1. 5 Best QR Code Generators for PDFs

When choosing a QR code generator for PDF files, you should consider several factors. That includes ease of use, price, and reliability. But don't worry. We have reviewed several QR code generators so that you do not have to. Below are your 5 best options:

1. Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement is one of the finest QR code generators from PDF. You can use its Share feature to generate the QR code for the PDF. You can transfer it to your phone immediately by scanning the QR code. Alternatively, you can take a picture of the QR code so you can share it with others.

On top of that, Wondershare PDFelement offers many other features. For example, it lets you combine multiple PDFs so you can send only one QR code. In cases where you still need to send the PDF via email, you can use Wondershare PDFelement to compress the PDFs. It also has a feature that automatically attaches the PDF to a new email.

How To Create a QR Code for a PDF Using PDFelement

Here is how you generate a QR code for your PDF using Wondershare PDFelement.

    1. Open Wondershare PDFelement and click Open PDF. Select the PDF that you want to share via QR code.

open pdf to share as qr code
    1. Click Share.
share feature of wondershare pdfelement
  1. Select the Mobile tab.
  2. You will see a QR code on your screen. Scan it to transfer your PDF to your phone. Alternatively, take a picture of the QR code and send it to others.
wondershare pdfelement qr generator pdf tool
Pros
  • Wondershare PDFelement boasts a user-friendly interface, perfect for beginners and professionals.
  • Wondershare PDFelement has cloud integration, which makes sharing easy and secure.
  • It offers batch processing for quick QR code generation from multiple PDF files.
  • It can merge PDFs before creating a QR code.
Cons
  • It requires a subscription to access all features, such as batch processing.
  • Customization for QR codes is limited compared to other QR code generators for PDFs.

Pricing:

  • Quarterly Plan - $11.99
  • Yearly Plan - $31.99/yr
  • Perpetual Plan - $51.99

Other Wondershare PDFelement Features That Could Help

  • Combine PDFs: Wondershare PDFelement can combine different documents, regardless of the file types, into a single PDF.
  • Encrypt: Wondershare PDFelement lets you set passwords for your PDF to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Edit: Unlike other PDF QR code generators, Wondershare PDFelement can actually edit the PDFs.
  • Convert: Wondershare PDFelement can convert the PDF to an image-based PDF so that no one can edit it.

2. Me-QR

me qr qr code generator in pdf

Me-QR is a fantastic free QR code generator from PDF. This web app allows you to create dynamic and customizable QR codes. Me-QR code provides you with a way to know how many times the QR code has been scanned and who scanned it. Another great thing is that the QR code will continue to work even if you edit the linked PDF.

Pros
  • Me-QR lets you bulk-create QR codes for multiple PDF files.
  • You can customize the QR code to make it visually appealing.
  • It allows you to track the QR codes, letting you know who scanned them and how many times they have been scanned.
Cons
  • When people scan the QR codes, they see will ads first.
  • The only way to remove the ads is by buying a Premium subscription.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Monthly Lite - $9
  • Monthly Premium - $15/month
  • Yearly Lite - $5.75
  • Yearly Premium - $8.75

3. QR Code Generator

qr code generator online tool

QR Code Generator is an online app that lets you create highly customizable QR codes for your PDFs. It lets you edit the frame, the color, and the "Scan Me" logo. That said, the QR codes from this app stand out. It also offers QR code tracking, which tells you who scanned the QR code.

Pros
  • QR Code Generator's QR codes are highly customizable.
  • It offers scan tracking.
  • The QR codes are generated automatically.
  • You can export the QR code as JPG, SVG, or EPS.
Cons
  • You need to register an account before you can do anything.
  • There's limited storage space.

Pricing:

  • Free

4. QR Planet

qr planet planet

QR Planet is a great free QR code tool if you need something to use just one to three times. It allows you to create 1 QR code for free. However, by liking their Facebook page and following their Twitter account, you can get two more. These QR codes are customizable. You can also track how many times they have been scanned.

Pros
  • QR Planet lets you create QR codes for free.
  • You can replace the PDF attached to the QR code anytime.
  • You can customize how the QR code looks.
  • QR codes from QR Planet never expire.
Cons
  • QR Planet gives you only 1 free QR code generation. You have to complete tasks to get the other ones.
  • QR codes of free users can be scanned only 100 times every day.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Starter - $5
  • Premium - $15
  • White Label - $35

5. Adobe QR Code Generator

adobe qr code generator for pdf

Adobe's QR code generator for PDF is perfect for users already using the Adobe ecosystem. While it's not as feature-packed as some other tools, it’s a simple and reliable choice for professionals who prioritize high-quality, professional-looking QR codes.

Pros
  • Adobe Express' QR Code Generator is extremely easy to use.
  • You can edit the style and colors.
  • You can export the QR code as a PNG, JPG, or SVG.
Cons
  • You need to upload the PDF to a cloud storage system or a web page first.
  • It lacks advanced features like analytics and dynamic QR codes.

Tips for Using a QR Code Generator for PDF

  • Test Your QR Code: Always test the QR code after generating it. Scan it with multiple devices to ensure it correctly links to the PDF. However, please remember that some tools limit how many times a QR code can be scanned each day. Do not use them all while testing.
  • Print High-Quality Codes: For print materials, use high-resolution settings (300 dpi or higher) to avoid blurry QR codes that could cause scanning issues.
  • Use Short URLs or Cloud Links: Instead of linking directly to large PDFs, upload the file to a cloud service and generate a short link. This makes the QR code easier to scan.
  • Track Usage: If possible, use a QR code generator that offers analytics to track how many people are scanning your code. Ones that tell you where they are and what devices they're using are also great choices. This helps optimize your strategy.

Conclusion

Using a QR code generator for PDF files makes document sharing easier. You do not have to worry about email file size attachment limits, as these images have a smaller file size than actual PDFs. It also allows people to store links to your PDF more easily since they can keep it in their photo galleries. That is better than searching for the correct emails containing the link or saving the URL on a notes app.

Not all PDF QR code generators are equal. Some offer more features than others. For example, one of your best choices is Wondershare PDFelement. It connects PDFelement Cloud, one of the most secure cloud storage systems for your documents. Its QR code creation is also instantaneous. You click on the button, and you can scan it already. This speeds up the workflow, which you will appreciate.

People Also Ask

  • Can I Create a QR Code for Multiple PDF files?
    Yes, tools like PDFelement allow you to merge multiple PDFs into one and generate a QR code. It allows you to share several documents more easily.
  • Can I Edit the PDF Linked to a QR Code?
    Yes, you can. With dynamic QR codes, editing the PDF does not change anything to the QR code. It will continue to work perfectly.
  • How Secure is Sharing PDFs through QR codes?
    Sharing PDFs via QR codes is generally safe, but tools like PDFelement allow you to add password protection or permissions to your PDFs for added security. However, please note that some tools may also insert ads, which may redirect people to sketchy websites. Thus, we recommend sticking to reputable tools like Wondershare PDFelement.
Audrey Goodwin
Audrey Goodwin Nov 01, 24
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12 years of talent acquired in the software industry working with large publishers. Public speaker and author of several eBooks on technical writing and editing.