How Do I Open a PDF with a QR Code?

Jonathan Palley Apr 4, 2025

QR codes are a fantastic way to share information quickly and efficiently. Whether you're sharing a product brochure, an e-book, or even a business presentation, QR codes offer a convenient, contactless way for people to access your content.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to open a PDF using a QR code with QR Codes Unlimited, making it simple to share documents with a wide audience.

What Is a QR Code and How Does It Work?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can store information such as URLs, text, or files. When scanned with a smartphone or other QR code reader, it instantly directs the user to that information. QR codes are used for everything from accessing websites to connecting with Wi-Fi, and today, they’re commonly used to link to PDF files.

Using a QR code to share a PDF makes it easy for people to access the document with just a quick scan. No need to download or manage attachments—just scan the code and open the file!

How to Create a QR Code for a PDF

There are two primary methods to create a QR code for a PDF on QR Codes Unlimited. You can either link to a PDF that’s hosted online or directly upload a PDF from your computer. Let’s break down both options:

How to Open a PDF with a QR Code

QR codes are a fast, efficient way to share information, including documents like PDFs. Whether you're sharing a brochure, an e-book, or a product manual, a QR code can make it easy for others to access your PDF with just a scan. Here’s a simple guide on how to open a PDF using a QR code with QR Codes Unlimited.

Option 1: Creating a QR Code for a PDF Hosted Online (URL Method)

1. Upload Your PDF to a Cloud Storage Platform: First, upload your PDF to a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Make sure the PDF is set to be accessible to anyone with the link.

2. Copy the Shareable Link: Once uploaded, generate a shareable link:

Google Drive: Right-click the PDF > Get link > Ensure it’s set to "Anyone with the link"
Dropbox: Right-click the file > Copy Dropbox link
OneDrive: Right-click the file > Copy link

3. Visit QR Codes Unlimited: Go to the QR Codes Unlimited website. The QR code generator is available directly without needing to log in first.

4. Select the URL Option: In the generator, select the URL option and paste the shareable link to your PDF.

5. Customize Your QR Code: You can customize the appearance of the QR code (e.g., color, logo, or size). The changes will automatically show in the preview.

6: Download Your QR Code: Once you're satisfied with the preview, click Download. To complete the download, you’ll need to log in or sign up. This step is necessary to access dynamic QR codes, which allow you to make changes to the link later and track scan analytics.

Option 2: Creating a QR Code for a PDF from Your Computer (PDF Upload Method)

Go to QR Codes Unlimited: Visit QR Codes Unlimited. The QR code generator is accessible right away, with no need to log in first.
Select the PDF Option: Choose the PDF option in the generator to upload a PDF directly from your computer.
Upload Your PDF: Click to upload the PDF file you wish to link to.
Customize Your QR Code: Personalize your QR code’s appearance (color, design, logo). Any changes you make will automatically appear in the preview.
Download Your QR Code: After customizing, click Download. Again, to complete the download, you will need to log in or sign up. This allows you to manage your dynamic QR code, update the file, or track scan analytics.

Why Do You Need to Sign Up?

After downloading your QR code, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up for a free account. Don’t worry—there are no charges associated with signing up! The reason we ask you to log in is so you can access your dynamic QR code. This allows you to:

Make Changes: You can edit the link or PDF file associated with the QR code without needing to print a new one.
Track Analytics: View important scan data, such as how many times your QR code was scanned and where it was scanned from.

Signing up is quick and free, and it gives you full control over your QR codes, especially if you plan to use them for ongoing campaigns or content updates.

Conclusion

QR codes offer a simple, effective way to share PDFs and other documents. Whether you’re linking to a cloud-hosted file or uploading a PDF directly from your computer, QR Codes Unlimited makes the process easy. Plus, with a free account, you can manage your dynamic QR codes and track valuable scan analytics to better understand your audience.

So why wait? Start creating your QR code for PDFs today and share your documents effortlessly with anyone, anywhere!