Generating a QR code containing a file
For many it is unknown: spreading documents and pictures through QR codes. It is possible, although it is unclear to many how this has to be done. Nevertheless, there is still demand for this QR code application, which might be because of some handy advantages this QR code application has. In this blog it will be explained how you can create a QR code with a file in it.
In short
- Creating a QR code with a file inside allows secure and easy sharing of files on paper and through devices.
- Dynamic QR codes offer easier creation, post-editing, and the ability to track the number of scans.
- For static file QR codes, use a unique link to the file and generate the QR code using the “link” option.
File QR code
A QR code with a file inside is very useful because it allows you to share your file(s) securely, quickly, and easily.
The advantage is that you can share a file using a QR code both on paper and through a device. Examples include a digital packing slip, a manual, or a brochure that you can share with a QR code.
To create this QR code, you can use either a static or a dynamic QR code. With a static QR code, it is not possible to do this directly, and you need to use a trick to use this type anyway. Dynamic QR codes have the advantage in this case that they are easier to create, can be edited afterwards, and you can track the number of scans.
How to create a dynamic file QR code?
When creating a dynamic QR code, you have the choice of several file types such as PDF, MP3, or jpg/png/jpeg. When creating a dynamic QR code with a file inside, you need to choose the appropriate QR code type for your file format.
Here’s how to create a dynamic QR code of this type:
- Log in or create an account.
- Click on “Create QR code.”
- Choose the QR code type that matches the file format you want to upload.
- Enter a name for the QR code – this is for your reference only.
- Upload your file and click on the upload button.
- Optionally, you can further customize your QR code.
- Test the QR code by scanning the draft version on the right.
- If it works, you can click on “Finish and Save.”
Dynamic QR codes that contain a PDF file and an image.
Static QR code
Creating a static file QR code is a little harder, but certainly possible. The first step to create this QR code application is to have a link that leads to the file you want to use.
That’s why we use the option ‘link’ to generate this QR code. The file in question needs a unique link where it is visible. This can be done by oploading the file to a filesharing platform like Onedrive, Google Drive, Dropbox etc.
If you choose to share the document, you have a few options for who is able to see and/or edit the document. This can be everyone with the link, or only people you selected personally. If you chose the right settings, you can copy the link after you have selected to share the document.
In this example the link is restricted, meaning only people you chose personally can open the file.
In this example everyone with the link can see the image.
Putting the file in a QR code
If you have the link, generating the QR code goes just like generating any other QR code.
Now you can put the file in a QR code. For this, you just need the link you copied earlier. You can put the link in the relevant box. Now, you can optionally customize the QR code, after which you can save the QR code. You’re finished!
You can read here for an easy tutorial how you can generate QR codes. See the examples below for static QR codes containing a file.
Static QR code linking to the image on Google Drive.
FAQ
Dynamic QR codes work in 2 steps:
- They first direct towards a unique page. In this case our own website qrcode.me with some data behind the link.
- The page directly sends the scanner to the URL which the creator of the QR code has entered.
Why does it work like this?
Because the link isn’t in the blocks of the QR code itself it can be changed afterwards. After all, the page directs towards the link, and via the page the number of scans is tracked as well. Want to know more about how it works and what the advantages are? Click here.
All data entered when the static QR code was created is coded into the static QR code; it is in the pattern of the ‘blocks’. This means it can’t be edited after it was created, and that the QR code isn’t saved on any server. Read more to see how a static QR code works, and what the difference is compared to a dynamic one.
Advantages of dynamic compared to static:
- You can track the number of scans easily, with just one click needed;
- You can edit the data after the QR-code was created.
Disadvantages of dynamic compared to static:
- You need an account, and QR-code data has to be saved where it was generated; so others can control your QR-code;
- It takes a fraction of a second longer to load a page with dynamic QR-codes;
- Our logo will briefly appear with free dynamic QR-codes.