QR code for a Google Doc, Sheet, Slides or Drive file

The sharing setting that matters

The link only works for strangers if General access is "Anyone with the link". Restricted (the default) sends scanners to a request-access page, which is the most common reason a doc code "doesn't work". Choose Viewer for handouts and references, Commenter for feedback, Editor only for sign-up sheets you actually want people to write on. Test the link in a private browser window before printing.

Docs open in the browser or the Docs app; Sheets and Slides likewise. Slides can be linked in present mode by copying the link from the Present view, which works well for a poster that opens a deck.

Where doc codes belong

• Classroom handouts and the door: the syllabus, the reading list, a sign-up Sheet.
• Staff rooms and workshops: the rota, the checklist, the SOP that changes.
• Events: the schedule Doc, the volunteer Sheet, the slides after the talk.
• Community boards: minutes, the calendar, the sign-up.
• Packaging and manuals: a Doc is easier to keep updated than a PDF.

Doc or PDF?

A Doc updates in place and reads well on a phone if it's short and single-column. A PDF looks the same everywhere and prints well but needs a re-upload to change. For anything that changes weekly, use the Doc; for a designed brochure, the PDF (see the PDF page). PDF QR code size covers hosting and printing that version.

Why make it dynamic

A Google Doc is already a living document; the code should be too. With a dynamic code, the class handout that points at this term's syllabus can point at next term's without a new handout, and the sign in the staff room can go from the rota sheet to the new rota sheet. The count of scans tells you whether anyone reads the thing you keep updating.

Dynamic codes are part of Premium, $4 a month. Static vs dynamic, explained.

Step by step

1. 1

   Share the document

   Share, General access, Anyone with the link, Viewer (or Editor for a sign-up sheet). Copy link.

2. 2

   Paste it above

   Docs, Sheets, Slides or a Drive folder link all work with the Google Doc type.

3. 3

   Caption and download

   "Scan for the schedule", "Scan to sign up"; PNG for handouts, SVG for signs.

4. 4

   Keep it editable

   Update the doc in place, or on Premium repoint the dynamic code to a new doc entirely.

Questions people ask

How do I make a QR code for a Google Doc?

Share the doc with Anyone with the link, copy the link, paste it into the generator here and download the code.

Why does my code ask people to request access?

The doc is still Restricted. Change General access to Anyone with the link and try the link in a private window.

Can people edit the doc from the code?

Only if you set the access to Editor. Viewer is right for handouts; Editor for a shared sign-up Sheet.

Does it work for Sheets, Slides and folders?

Yes. The same share steps apply; the code opens whichever you linked.

If I edit the doc, does the code still work?

Yes. Edits happen in place and the link doesn't change. Only replacing the doc with a new file needs a new link, which a dynamic code handles without reprinting.

Can Chrome or Google Drive make the QR code for me?

Drive and Docs have no QR button, but Chrome on a computer does: with the shared doc open, click the share icon in the address bar and choose Create QR code. It downloads a plain code of the long link with Chrome's dinosaur in the middle; it can't be edited, captioned or counted afterwards. Make it here when the code goes on a handout or a sign.

Does a QR code for a Google Doc cost anything?

No. Making and downloading it is free, and a free account keeps the download unmarked. Premium ($4 a month) lets you point the printed handout at next term's doc without reprinting.