If there’s one thing users love about Google Docs, it’s the platform’s seamless sharing feature. You can share your document with practically anyone and everyone, from collaborating teammates to clients who simply need to view the content. However, the share link it generates isn’t always as friendly as you’d hope.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to make a QR code for a Google Doc in three ways: Using Google Chrome, Adobe Express, and QR Code Studio.
Table of Contents
Before Making a QR Code for a Document on Google Docs
The QR code you generate for your Google Docs will contain a link to your document. However, if your file permission is set to restricted, no one will be able to open it. First, change the sharing permissions of your Google Docs file to make the link accessible to your desired audience.
- In your browser, open your Google Docs file. `
- Click “Share” in the upper-right corner of the document.
- Under “General access,” change “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link.”
- If you don’t want others to edit your file, keep the access in the “Viewer” mode. Otherwise, change it to “Editor” (to allow full editing access) or “Commenter” (to comment without editorial privileges.
- Select “Done” to save and exit the share settings.
Now that you have a viewable Google Docs file, you can generate the QR code.
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Making a QR Code for a Google Docs with Google Chrome
Chrome has a built-in QR code generator for Google Docs and other web pages. There are two easy ways to access this generator:
- Using the “Share” button
- Using the right-click context menu.
Here’s how to use both:
Method 1: Use the Share Button
The “Share” options on Google Chrome feature a QR code generator. This means you won’t need to copy links from your browser. Using the “Share” button, follow these steps to create a QR code for Google Docs.
- With your viewable Google Docs file open in your browser, click the “Share” icon in the rightmost of the address bar.
- Select “Create QR Code” from the drop-down menu.
- Click “Download” to download the QR code image to your computer.
Method 2: Using the Right-Click Context Menu
Google Chrome’s QR code generator is also accessible via the right-click context menu. Here’s how to use it to make a QR code for Google Docs:
- Open your viewable Google Docs file in your browser.
- Right-click on the space next to the version history icon.
- From the context menu, select “Create QR Code for this page.”
- Select “Download” to save the QR code image to your computer.
Creating a QR Code for Google Docs with Adobe Express
There are multiple Google Docs QR code program options, but we think one of the most user-friendly ones is the Adobe Express QR code generator. Unlike other QR code generators, the site is free and doesn’t require an account.
To use the Adobe Express QR code generator for your Google Docs:
- Open your shareable Google Docs file.
- Click on “Share” in the top-right corner of the page.
- Click on the “Copy link” button.
- In another tab, go to Adobe Express QR Code Generator.
- Paste your Google Docs link under “Enter or paste the website URL.”
- Click on the drop-down menu under “File type” and select your preferred image format.
- Select “Create QR Code.”
- Press “Download” to save your QR code.
Creating a QR Code for Google Docs Using QR Code Studio
Say you’re making a flyer on Google Docs or writing other promotional pieces that regularly need to be sent to people. You probably don’t want to use an online QR code generator all the time.
Install a QR code maker app (like QR Code Studio) on your computer. The software is free for Windows and macOS — and even works without an internet connection.
- Download and install QR Code Studio.
- Launch your browser and open the Google Docs file.
- Go to “Share” > “Copy link” to get your Google Docs link.
- Launch QR Code Studio.
- In the input field, paste your Google Docs link. This will automatically change the QR code displayed on the app.
- Click on the QR code and select “Export barcode.”
- Enter a name for your QR Code.
- Hit “Save.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are You Providing When You Share a QR Code?
A QR code is a kind of barcode. However, instead of vertical lines forming a rectangle, it’s made up of small pixels forming a square. Made of up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, they make it easier to share different texts like Twitter handles, email addresses, and even business card templates.
When sharing a QR code, you’re essentially sharing a readable text. When QR codes are scanned, no extra information is included except for the data you’ve entered.
Can a Google Doc Be Made Into a QR Code?
Yes, a Google Docs document can be a QR code. However, the document won’t be viewable to others if the share setting is set to restricted. Be sure to change the sharing settings before creating a QR code for the Google Doc.
How Do I Create a QR Code for a Google Doc on My iPhone?
First, copy the link to your Google Docs file. You can do this by going to your Google Docs app, opening the document of your choice, and clicking the three dots (⋮) icon in the top-right corner.
Navigate to “Share & export” > “Manage access.” Change the “General access” from “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link.” Click on the link icon to copy the link to the document. Paste this link to QR Code Generator and select “Download” to save the Google Doc QR code to your phone.
Final Thoughts
QR codes are one of the fastest ways to share your Google Docs file with anyone. Therefore, it’s only fitting to learn how to make a QR code for a Google Doc. With this guide, you’ve found the perfect method for your needs.
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