How to Create a QR Code for a Link, Google Form, Google Review or Location (Free)

A QR code is the fastest way to send someone from paper to a web page: a Google Form for registrations, your Google review page, your shop's location on Google Maps, a PDF menu or your website. Here's how to create a QR code for each of these for free, without signing up or adding a watermark.

The basic rule: every one of these QR codes is a link turned into a picture. Copy the right link, paste it into our free QR Code Generator under URL, and download the QR.

1. QR code for any link or website

1. Open the page in your browser and copy the full address from the address bar.
2. Go to the QR Code Generator, keep the URL tab selected and paste the link.
3. Scan the preview with your phone camera to check it opens the right page.
4. Download it as PNG for WhatsApp and documents or SVG for printing.

Shortcut on a computer: Chrome and Edge can also create a QR code for the page you're viewing from their share menu. That's handy for a quick share, but you can't change colors, add a logo or download an SVG.

2. QR code for a Google Form

1. Open your form in Google Forms and click Send (or Publish, then copy the responder link in newer versions of Forms).
2. Select the link icon. Tick Shorten URL for a simpler QR code, then click Copy.
3. Paste the link into the QR generator and download the QR code.

Tip: make sure the form accepts responses and doesn't require sign-in unless you need it. Many people scanning at an event won't be signed in to Google.

3. QR code for Google reviews

Google now gives businesses an official review link and QR code:

1. On a computer, open your Business Profile (search your business name on Google while signed in, or go to business.google.com).
2. Select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
3. Copy the review link, or right-click the QR code Google shows and choose Save image as.

Google's QR is plain black and white. To match your brand, paste the same review link into our generator, choose your colors and add your logo. Place it at the billing counter, on receipts and on delivery packaging.

Stay within the rules: Google doesn't allow offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews, or asking only happy customers to review. Simply ask every customer for honest feedback.

4. QR code for a Google Maps location

1. Open Google Maps and search for your shop, office or venue, or drop a pin.
2. Tap Share and copy the link (it looks like maps.app.goo.gl/...).
3. Paste it into the QR generator and download.

This is perfect for wedding cards, event invitations, delivery instructions and "find us" signs.

5. QR code for a PDF (menu, brochure, price list)

A QR code can't hold a whole PDF, but it can link to one:

1. Upload the PDF to Google Drive (or OneDrive).
2. Right-click it, choose Share, and set access to Anyone with the link (viewer).
3. Copy the link and turn it into a QR code.

If you later replace the file using Drive's Manage versions option, the link and QR code keep working. Need to shrink, merge or convert the PDF first? Use our free PDF Tools.

6. QR codes for WhatsApp, Wi-Fi and contacts

Our generator has dedicated tabs for these, so you don't need a link:

• WhatsApp: opens a chat with your number and an optional pre-filled message.
• Wi-Fi: guests join your network without typing the password.
• Contact: saves your name, phone and email as a contact card. Great on visiting cards.
• UPI: collects payments with a fixed amount. See how to create a UPI QR code with amount.

Make it scan every time

• Test with two or three phones before printing.
• Keep dark on light: dark modules on a white or light background, with a white border around the code.
• Size matters: at least 2 x 2 cm on cards; much bigger on posters and standees.
• Use short links: a shorter link produces a simpler code that scans faster from a distance.
• Add a call to action next to the code, such as "Scan to review us" or "Scan for directions".

Static vs dynamic QR codes

The QR codes above are static: the link is stored inside the code, so they never expire and have no scan limits. "Dynamic" QR services let you change the destination later and count scans, but usually need a paid plan, and the code stops working if you cancel. A simple workaround: point the QR to a page you control, such as your blog or website, and update that page when needed.

FAQ

Do free QR codes expire?

Static QR codes from our generator never expire. Some other websites create "dynamic" codes that stop working after a free trial, so check before printing.

Can I add my logo to the QR code?

Yes. Click Add logo in our generator. Error correction switches to High automatically so the code still scans.

Is it safe to scan QR codes?

Check the link your camera shows before opening it, and never enter passwords or UPI PINs on a page you reached from an unknown QR code. Our guide on signs your phone is hacked explains what to do if something feels wrong.