File to QR Code: Share Any File with a Single Scan
Upload any file — PDF, Word, Excel, images, or audio — and get a scannable QR code. No app needed to scan.
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Five steps
How to Turn a File Into a QR Code
Converting a file to a QR code takes under two minutes with QRKIT. Upload your document, customize the design, and download a print-ready code. Every code is dynamic by default, so you can swap the linked file later without reprinting.
Open QRKIT and Select “File”
Go to the file to QR code generator above. The file type is pre-selected. All formats supported: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, audio, video, and ZIP archives. No account required to get started.
Upload Your File
Drag and drop or click to select your file. QRKIT hosts it securely on a global CDN and creates a shareable link automatically. File size limits depend on your plan (2 MB free, up to 60 MB on Ultra). Supported formats include PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, audio, video, and ZIP.
Customize Your QR Code
Add your brand colors, logo, and a frame with a call-to-action like “Scan to download” or “View document.” Choose from multiple patterns and templates to match your brand. See all QR code types.
Download and Share
Download as PNG for digital use (email, social media, websites) or SVG for high-resolution print (packaging, flyers, posters, business cards). SVG scales to any size without losing quality.
Test Before Printing
Scan from both iPhone and Android before committing to print. Verify the file loads correctly, displays well on mobile screens, and downloads at an acceptable speed. Test in different lighting conditions if the QR code will be used outdoors.
Pro tip: QRKIT creates dynamic QR codes — you can replace the linked file anytime from your dashboard without changing the QR code itself. Perfect for documents that get updated regularly.
Supported formats
What File Types Can You Turn Into a QR Code?
QRKIT supports every major file format. Whether you need to convert a PDF file to a QR code, share an Excel spreadsheet, or distribute a ZIP archive, the process is the same — upload your file and generate a scannable code. Each format is optimized for mobile viewing, following the ISO/IEC 18004 QR code standard for maximum scan reliability.
| File Type | Extensions | Max Size* | Best For | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDF Documents | 2–60 MB | Menus, manuals, brochures | PDF QR Code | |
| Microsoft Word | .doc, .docx | 2–60 MB | Contracts, forms, letters | — |
| Microsoft Excel | .xls, .xlsx | 2–60 MB | Price lists, schedules, reports | — |
| PowerPoint | .ppt, .pptx | 2–60 MB | Presentations, pitch decks | — |
| Images | .jpg, .png, .gif | 2–60 MB | Photos, artwork, diagrams | Image QR Code |
| Audio | .mp3, .wav | 2–60 MB | Music, podcasts, voice memos | Audio QR Code |
| Video | .mp4, .mov | 2–60 MB | Tutorials, promotions, demos | Video QR Code |
| Archives | .zip, .rar | 2–60 MB | Software, bundles, collections | — |
*Max file size depends on your plan: Free = 2 MB, Starter = 5 MB, Plus = 10 MB, Pro = 20 MB, Ultra = 60 MB.
Pro tip: For files you update regularly (product manuals, price lists, menus), always use a dynamic QR code. You can swap the linked file from your dashboard without changing the printed code. For one-time shares (event flyers, wedding programs), a static code works just as well.
Use cases
Where to Use File QR Codes
Converting a file to a QR code bridges the gap between print and digital. Anywhere you place a code — packaging, signage, business cards, or flyers — recipients can scan to instantly download or view your file. Here are the most common use cases.
Product Manuals & Safety Sheets
Print a QR code on packaging that links to the latest PDF manual, safety data sheet, or assembly instructions. When products change, update the file from your dashboard — no repackaging needed. Customers get the current version every time they scan.
Education & Training
Teachers share worksheets, study guides, audio lectures, and course materials by printing a QR code on the syllabus or classroom poster. Students scan to access files on any device — no email distribution or USB drives needed. Update materials mid-semester without redistributing.
Real Estate & Property
Share floor plans, property brochures, and inspection reports via QR codes on “For Sale” signs or listing sheets. Prospective buyers scan to download the full property package on the spot. Swap files when listing details change or new photos are available.
Healthcare & Medical
Distribute patient intake forms, consent documents, post-visit instructions, and health education materials. Print QR codes on intake paperwork, waiting room signage, or discharge summaries. Patients scan to view or download files on their own device. Learn more about QR codes for healthcare.
Events & Conferences
Share schedules, speaker bios, venue maps, and presentation slides with a single QR code on attendee badges or event signage. If the schedule changes last minute, update the linked file from your dashboard — every scan delivers the latest version automatically.
Business & Sales
Attach product catalogs, price lists, proposals, and pitch decks to business cards, trade show booths, or email signatures. Prospects scan to download your latest materials instantly. Swap files each quarter to keep pricing and product information current.
Cloud files
How to Create a QR Code for a Google Drive File
Many people store documents in the cloud and want to know how to create a QR code for a Google Drive file. You can turn any Google Drive file — Docs, Sheets, Slides, or uploaded PDFs — into a QR code using two methods. The same approach works for Dropbox and OneDrive files.
Method 1: Upload to QRKIT (Recommended)
Download the file from Google Drive, then upload it using the file to QR code generator above. This gives you a dynamic QR code with scan analytics and the ability to swap the file anytime. Your file is hosted on QRKIT's CDN for fast loading worldwide. This method also works if you need to create a QR code for a PDF file stored in Drive — download first, then upload to QRKIT.
Method 2: Use the Google Drive Share Link
Right-click your file in Drive, select Share, set access to “Anyone with the link,” copy the link, then paste it into QRKIT's URL QR code generator. This creates a static link that opens the file directly in Drive. Caveat: if you change share settings or delete the file, the QR code breaks. For Dropbox, use the shared link; for OneDrive, use the “Share” link — same process, different interface.
Recommended: Upload to QRKIT
- Dynamic — update file anytime
- Scan analytics included
- Password protection available
- Fast CDN hosting
This method works for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDFs, and any file stored in Google Drive. The same approach works for Dropbox and OneDrive — just copy the sharing link.
Compare plans
Free vs Paid File QR Codes
Every file-to-QR-code link on QRKIT is dynamic. Here's what you get at each tier.
- Upload any file type (up to 2 MB)
- Dynamic QR code (update file anytime)
- Custom colors/logo/frames
- PNG and SVG download
- 3 free dynamic QR codes
Best for: Personal use, one-off file sharing
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Larger file uploads (5–60 MB by plan)
- Unlimited dynamic QR codes
- Scan analytics (when/where/device)
- Password protection
- Bulk QR generation
- Custom branding
Best for: Business use, teams, ongoing campaigns
Start converting files to QR codes free — no credit card required. Upgrade when you need scan analytics and unlimited codes.
Best practices
Best Practices for File-to-QR-Code Success
Optimize File Size
File size limits range from 2 MB (Free) to 60 MB (Ultra). Compress PDFs with tools like Adobe's PDF compressor and resize images before uploading. A 2 MB file loads in under 2 seconds on 4G, while a 10 MB file may take 5–8 seconds.
Test on Multiple Devices
Scan your QR code from both iPhone and Android before committing to a print run. Verify the file opens correctly on small screens and downloads quickly. Test in different lighting conditions if the code will be outdoors.
Add a Call-to-Action
Never print a bare QR code. Add a frame with text like “Scan to download” or “Scan for menu.” QRKIT's frame feature lets you add custom CTA text around the code. Studies show framed QR codes get scanned up to 30% more often.
Use Password Protection
For sensitive files like contracts, medical documents, or internal reports, add a password-protected QR code from your dashboard. Only people with the password can access the file. Available on paid plans.
Track Performance
Use QR code scan analytics to see how many people scan, when they scan, and from which locations. Use the data to optimize placement, decide which files to update, and measure campaign ROI.
Choose Dynamic Over Static
Dynamic codes let you replace the linked file without reprinting. This is essential for product manuals, menus, and price lists that change regularly. When you convert a file to a QR code with QRKIT, it's dynamic by default — no extra setup needed.
File QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions
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Files with a QR Code?
Upload any file and generate a free, trackable QR code in seconds. Share documents, images, audio, or any file type — and update it anytime without reprinting. No sign-up needed.
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