How to Generate a QR Code for a File (PDF, DOCX & More)
You can generate a QR code for any file — PDF, DOCX, XLSX, JPEG, or PNG — with QuikQR. Upload your file, customise the QR code design, and share it on print or digital materials. When the file changes, replace it without reprinting the QR code. File QR codes are available on Starter, Growth, and Business plans, all with a 14-day free trial.
Updated 20 March 2026
How to Generate a QR Code for a File
1
Sign up and choose a plan with File QR codes
Visit quikqr.app and create an account. File QR codes are included on Starter (5 files), Growth (25 files), and Business (100 files) plans. Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial — no credit card required to begin.
2
Upload your file
Click "Create QR Code" and select the File QR option. Upload a PDF (up to 15 MB), Word document (10 MB), Excel spreadsheet (10 MB), or image (5 MB). Your file is hosted on a branded QuikQR bridge page at quikqr.app/f/[id].
3
Customise your QR code design
Use the QR Style Studio to match your brand. Choose colours, patterns, and corner styles. The QR code encodes a short redirect URL, keeping the pattern clean and easy to scan even at small sizes.
4
Download and share your QR code
Download your QR code in high resolution and add it to business cards, packaging, flyers, or digital materials. When someone scans it, they see a branded bridge page where they can preview the file (PDFs and images) or download it directly (DOCX and XLSX).
5
Replace the file without reprinting
Need to update the file? Upload a new version from your dashboard. The QR code stays the same — no reprinting required. This is ideal for documents that change regularly, like price lists, menus, timetables, or product specs.
Supported File Types and Size Limits
QuikQR supports the most common document and image formats. Each file type has a size limit designed to balance quality with fast loading times for people scanning your QR code.
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PDF — up to 15 MB
Ideal for brochures, catalogues, menus, price lists, and instruction manuals. PDFs open in an in-browser preview so recipients do not need to download anything.
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DOCX — up to 10 MB
Word documents are offered as a direct download. Useful for editable templates, forms, and contracts.
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XLSX — up to 10 MB
Excel spreadsheets download directly. Suitable for data sheets, order forms, and scheduling templates.
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JPEG and PNG — up to 5 MB
Images open in an in-browser preview. Great for product photos, infographics, maps, and floor plans.
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File replacement at any time
Replace the file behind any QR code without changing the code itself. The new file appears immediately for anyone who scans.
Use Cases for File QR Codes
File QR codes bridge the gap between physical materials and digital documents. Here are the most common ways businesses use them.
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Product packaging and inserts
Link to instruction manuals, safety data sheets, or warranty forms. Replace the document when product details change — no need to reprint packaging.
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Menus and price lists
Upload a PDF menu and print the QR code on table tents or signage. Swap in a new PDF whenever prices or seasonal items change.
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Event and conference materials
Share schedules, speaker bios, or session slides via a QR code on badges or programmes. Update the file in real time as the agenda evolves.
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Real estate and property listings
Print a QR code on a "For Sale" sign linking to a PDF brochure with floor plans and photos. Replace the file when the listing details change.
Why QR Codes Beat Email Attachments and Cloud Links
Sharing files via email attachments or cloud-sharing links works for one-to-one communication. But when you need to distribute a document to many people from a physical location, QR codes are faster, more reliable, and easier to update.
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No email address required
Recipients scan and access the file instantly — no need to collect or type email addresses.
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Works from print materials
A QR code on a poster, flyer, or product label gives anyone with a smartphone instant access to your document.
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Replaceable without reprinting
Update the file behind the QR code any time. Email attachments and static cloud links cannot be changed after sending.
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Download analytics included
Track bridge page views, file previews, and downloads from your QuikQR dashboard. Email attachments offer no visibility into whether recipients opened the file.
File QR Codes vs Email vs Cloud Sharing
| Feature | File QR Code (QuikQR) | Email Attachment | Cloud Sharing Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works from print | Yes — scan to access | No | Only if URL is short enough to type |
| Replace file after sharing | Yes — instant swap | No — must resend | Depends on service |
| Recipient needs account | No | No | Sometimes |
| Download analytics | Yes — views, previews, downloads | No | Limited |
| Branded experience | Yes — QuikQR bridge page | No | Provider-branded |
| In-browser preview | Yes (PDF, images) | Depends on client | Depends on service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about How to Generate a QR Code for a File (PDF, DOCX & More).
QuikQR supports PDF (up to 15 MB), DOCX (10 MB), XLSX (10 MB), JPEG (5 MB), and PNG (5 MB). PDFs and images open in an in-browser preview; Word and Excel files are offered as a direct download.
Yes. Upload a new file from your QuikQR dashboard and the existing QR code will point to the updated version immediately. No reprinting needed.
The Starter plan includes 5 File QR codes, Growth includes 25, and Business includes 100. All plans come with a 14-day free trial.
No. Anyone who scans the QR code sees a branded bridge page where they can preview or download the file — no login or account required.
Yes. Your QuikQR dashboard shows bridge page views, file preview opens, and downloads for every File QR code.