How to Create a Professional QR Code for Google Docs

May 6, 2025 - 10:27 PM

Are you looking for an easier, faster, and more professional way to share your Google Docs? Let QR codes help you! With just a few simple steps, you can generate a QR code for your Google Doc, allowing others to access it instantly with a single scan—no need to send long, complicated links or worry about typos.

In this article, iCheckQR will guide you through various methods to create a QR code for your Google Docs—from the fastest way using Chrome to more advanced customization with add-ons and professional websites. Whether you're a beginner or seeking an optimized solution for work, this guide provides everything you need—clear, detailed, and up-to-date for 2025.

Let’s get started!

1. Introduction to QR Codes and Google Docs

What is a QR Code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of two-dimensional barcode developed by Denso Wave in Japan in 1994. It stores information in a visual format that can be quickly scanned using mobile devices like smartphones. QR codes are commonly used to share links, contact info, or other data conveniently and efficiently.

Why Use QR Codes to Share Google Docs?

Instant access: Users only need to scan the QR code to open the document—no manual URL input required.
Mobile convenience: Especially useful at events, in classrooms, or public spaces where people can access documents instantly via their phones.
Enhanced collaboration: QR codes can link to Google Docs with specific sharing permissions—view, comment, or edit.
Easy integration into print materials: QR codes can be printed on flyers, posters, or business cards to direct users to digital content.

When Should You Use a QR Code to Share Documents?

In presentations or seminars: To provide supporting materials to attendees quickly.
In education: Teachers can share lessons, study materials, or homework.
In business: Share contracts, reports, or marketing documents professionally.
On digital platforms: Share QR codes via social media, emails, or websites.
In advertising campaigns: Direct users to promotional content, coupons, or product info.

Using QR codes to share Google Docs not only improves communication but also enhances user experience through seamless access and interaction.

2. Methods to Create a QR Code for Google Docs

Here’s a comparison table of the three most popular methods to generate a QR code for Google Docs:

Method	Quick Description	Pros	Cons
Directly via Chrome	Use Chrome’s built-in QR code feature.	Fast, easy, no add-ons required.	No customization (color, logo, frame, etc.).
Using Add-ons	Install an add-on like “QR Code Barcode Generator” in Google Docs.	Allows QR customization (size, color, logo), integrates directly in Docs.	Requires installation and permission access.
Using External Websites	Use tools like GET-QR, QRCode Chimp, iCheckQR, ME-QR, or QRCode-Tiger.	Extensive customization, supports dynamic QR codes, no software needed.	Requires manual link copy-paste; some features may require sign-up.

Note:

Make sure your document has the appropriate sharing settings (e.g., "Anyone with the link can view").
For tracking scans or editing the link later, consider using dynamic QR code tools like ME-QR or QRCode-Tiger.
For quick, no-frills sharing, Chrome's built-in QR generator is the most convenient.

3. How to Create a QR Code for Google Docs Using Chrome

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create a QR code for a Google Document using the Google Chrome browser, allowing you to share your document quickly and conveniently.

Step 1: Enable Sharing for Your Google Docs

Open the Google Docs document you want to share.
Click the “Share” button located in the top right corner of the screen.
In the sharing popup window, find the “General access” section and click on “Anyone with the link.”
Choose the appropriate permission level: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
Click “Done” to save your sharing settings.

Step 2: Generate a QR Code Directly in Chrome

While your document is open in Chrome, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Create QR code for this page.”
A popup window will appear showing a QR code along with the document link.
Click the “Download” button to save the QR code to your computer.

Important Notes:

This feature is only available in the Google Chrome browser. If you are using another browser, the “Create QR code” option may not appear.
The QR code generated links directly to your Google Docs document. Make sure you have set the correct sharing permissions so that recipients can access the content.
If you need advanced customization (e.g., adding a logo, changing colors), consider using online QR code generators such as iCheckQR, QRCode Chimp, or ME-QR.

Using a QR code to share Google Docs allows recipients to access your document instantly by simply scanning the code with their phone—saving time and improving team collaboration.

4. How to Create a QR Code Using a Google Docs Add-on

Step 1: Install the QR Code Generator Add-on

Open the Google Docs document you want to create a QR code for.
In the top menu bar, click “Extensions” → “Add-ons” → “Get add-ons.”
In the Google Workspace Marketplace window, search for “QR Code Generator Free.”
Select the add-on with the QR code icon and click “Install.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to grant the necessary access permissions for the add-on.

Step 2: Use the Add-on to Generate a QR Code for Your Document

After installation, return to your Google Docs document.
From the menu bar, click “Extensions” → “QR Code Generator” → “Start.”

A sidebar will appear on the right side of the document.
In the sidebar, enter the content or link you want to encode (e.g., the current document link).
Click the “Generate” button to create the QR code.
The QR code will be displayed, and you can click “Insert” to place it directly into the document.

Step 3: Customize the QR Code

The QR Code Generator Free add-on allows you to customize the QR code based on your needs:

Size: Choose a size that fits your document layout.
Colors: Modify the background and QR code colors to match your design.
Style: Choose between classic or modern QR code styles.
File Format: Select either PNG or SVG format when downloading.

Once you finish customizing, you can either insert the QR code into the document or download it for external use.

Quick Tips:

Add-on Availability: The QR Code Generator Free add-on is only available through Google Docs via the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Document Sharing Settings: Before generating the QR code, ensure your document has the appropriate sharing settings (e.g., “Anyone with the link can view”) so that recipients can access it after scanning the code.
Advanced Customization: If you need additional features such as adding logos or changing the shape of the QR code’s corners, consider using online QR code tools like iCheckQR, QRCode Chimp, or ME-QR.

Using the QR Code Generator add-on in Google Docs allows you to share documents in a professional and efficient way, making it especially useful in educational, business, and event settings.

5. Creating QR Codes via Online Tools

Below is a comparison table of the top three online QR code generators to help you choose the best tool for sharing your Google Docs:

Website	Key Features	Pros	Link
Adobe QR Code Generator	Free static QR codes with color, style, file type (PNG, JPEG, PDF); integrates with Adobe Express.	User-friendly, no sign-up required.	Adobe QR Code Generator
QRCode Monkey	Custom colors, logos, eye shapes, vector export (SVG, PDF, EPS).	Free with advanced customization.	QRCode Monkey
QR TIGER	Static & dynamic QR codes, advanced customization, scan analytics.	Great for professional campaigns.	QR TIGER
iCheckQR	Static & dynamic QR codes, editable links, dashboard tracking, API integration.	Ideal for Vietnamese users, supports CRM/ERP.	iCheckQR

Notes When Choosing a QR Code Generator:

Adobe QR Code Generator: Ideal for users who need to quickly generate simple QR codes without creating an account.

QRCode Monkey: Suitable for individuals or small businesses who want to customize QR codes with their logo and brand colors.

QR TIGER: A great choice for businesses that require dynamic QR codes and need to track and analyze marketing campaign performance.

iCheckQR: The perfect solution for Vietnamese businesses looking to manage and monitor QR codes in-depth, with a Vietnamese-language interface and system integration support.

6. Quick Comparison: Which Method Suits You?

Decision Diagram: Methods for Creating QR Codes for Google Docs

Explanation

Google Chrome: Built-in QR code generation feature with no additional installation required. Ideal when you need to share quickly without any customization.
Google Docs Add-on: Allows you to create and insert QR codes directly into your document with customization options such as color, size, and logo. Suitable when you want the QR code to align with your branding or document design.
Online QR Code Generators: Offer advanced features like dynamic QR codes (which allow link editing after creation), scan tracking, and custom design options. Best suited for professional needs such as marketing campaigns or bulk printing.

7. Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Table: Common QR Code Scanning Issues and How to Fix Them

Issue	Cause	Solution
QR not working	Incorrect sharing permissions	Set to “Anyone with the link” and adjust access.
Blurry QR	Low-resolution or wrong print size	Use PNG/SVG format, print at least 2×2 cm.
Not scanning	Poor contrast or inverted colors	Use dark code on light background, avoid color blends.
Wrong content	Broken or expired link	Check and update the link; use dynamic QR tools.
Too small or misplaced	Hidden, curved surface, too tiny	Keep at least 2×2 cm, place it visibly on flat surfaces.
Complex design	Over-customization	Keep it clean, avoid blocking the data matrix.

Quick Tips to Check Before Sharing a QR Code

Test on multiple devices: Scan the QR code using different devices and scanning apps to ensure compatibility.
Verify the link: Make sure the URL embedded in the QR code works correctly and doesn’t lead to errors.
Keep the design simple: Avoid using too many colors or adding complex design elements that may affect scanability.
Use dynamic QR codes: If you need to edit the link after the QR code has been created, use dynamic QR code generators such as iCheckQR, QR TIGER, or ME-QR.

8. Quick Tutorial Video

How to Create a QR Code for Your Document in the Simplest Way

9. Frequently Asked Questions About QR Codes for Google Docs (FAQ)

Can I create a dynamic QR code for Google Docs?

Yes. You can create a dynamic QR code for your Google Docs using tools such as iCheckQR, QRCode-Tiger, MyQRCode, or ME-QR. A dynamic QR code allows you to:

Edit the link even after the QR code has been printed or shared.
Track scans, including the number of scans, time, and location.
Set a password or expiration date for access to the QR code.

This is especially useful for marketing campaigns, education, or any situation where you need to update the content regularly.

Does the QR Code Automatically Update When the Document Changes?

Yes, as long as you don’t change the document’s link. A QR code contains the URL of your Google Doc—so if you update the content within the document without altering the link, the QR code will still lead to the latest version.

However, if you change the link (for example, by creating a copy of the document or modifying the sharing permissions), you will need to generate a new QR code to reflect the updated link.

Can I Create a QR Code for a Private Document?

Yes, but you must configure the sharing settings properly. If the document isn’t shared publicly, anyone scanning the QR code will not be able to access it.

To share a Google Doc via QR code:

Open your Google Docs document.
Click the “Share” button in the top right corner.
In the “General access” section, select “Anyone with the link”, and choose the appropriate access level: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.

Note: If you want to restrict access, you can use a dynamic QR code that includes password protection or an expiration date.

Do QR Codes Expire?

Typically, static QR codes do not expire. However, if you're using a dynamic QR code, you can set an expiration date for it.

This feature is especially useful when you want to share a document for a limited time—such as during marketing campaigns or temporary events.

Can I Track How Many Times a QR Code is Scanned?

Yes, if you use a dynamic QR code. Tools like QRCode-Tiger, iCheckQR, and ME-QR offer analytics features that allow you to track:

The number of scans
The time of each scan
The location of the scan

Conclusion

QR codes have become one of the most effective and intelligent ways to share documents today—including Google Docs. Through this article, you’ve discovered multiple methods to create QR codes for Google Docs—ranging from quick and simple approaches to advanced customization techniques tailored to specific needs.

Don’t forget to check your document’s sharing permissions before generating a QR code, and always use high-quality QR codes to ensure the best experience for your users.

We hope this guide has provided you with useful and practical knowledge. Wishing you success in creating QR codes for your Google Docs and sharing them more professionally every day.