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PDF QR code generator

Upload a menu, brochure, manual or price list and print one code for it. Swap in a new version whenever it changes; the code on the wall stays the same.

What is a PDF QR code?

A PDF QR code opens a document on the phone of whoever scans it: a menu, brochure, manual or price list. RelyQr hosts the file and the code points to it through a short link, so you can upload a new version any time and the printed code keeps working.

What’s inside the code

https://go.relyqr.com/k7m2p9qa

A QR code can't hold a whole PDF: the largest code holds under 3 KB. So it holds a short link to your file, which RelyQr hosts and you can replace.

How to make a PDF QR code

  1. 1

    Upload your PDF

    Up to 20 MB. Add a title and a short description if you like.

  2. 2

    Style the code

    A “Menu” or “Brochure” frame tells people what they'll get.

  3. 3

    Create it free

    Sign in and print. Upload a new PDF any time; scans get it within a minute.

What happens when someone scans it

The code opens a page with your document's title and a button to view or download the PDF, which opens in the phone's built-in viewer.

Always dynamic

PDF codes are always dynamic, because the file lives online and only a link fits in the code. That's what lets you swap in a new menu or price list without reprinting.

No watermark, and RelyQr codes never expire, on any plan. Static vs dynamic, explained

Where people use PDF QR codes

  • Restaurant menus and price lists
  • Product manuals on the box
  • Brochures and catalogues at trade shows
  • Event programmes and maps

QR codes on product packaging

Printing a PDF QR code

On product boxes and manuals, 2 to 2.5 cm wide. On a menu or table card, 3 to 4 cm. On posters, about a tenth of the distance people scan from. QR code size chart

  • Keep the PDF light (under 5 MB) so it opens fast on mobile data.
  • For menus people browse, the Menu type is easier to read on a phone than a PDF.

PDF QR code not working?

The PDF takes long to open
Big files are slow on mobile data. Export it smaller (aim for under 5 MB) and upload the new version; the code stays the same.
It's hard to read on a phone
Page-sized PDFs need zooming on a phone. For menus the Menu type reads better; otherwise use a single-column layout.
People see an old version
New uploads reach every scan within a minute. A page that was already open shows the new file after a reload.

More causes and fixes: QR code not scanning? and QR code stopped working?

PDF QR code questions

Can I replace the PDF after printing?

Yes. Upload a new file and the same printed PDF QR code opens it, within a minute.

How big can the file be?

Up to 20 MB. Under 5 MB opens noticeably faster on mobile data.

Do people need an app to open it?

No. Phones open the PDF in their built-in viewer, on iPhone and Android.

Can a QR code store a PDF directly?

No. The largest QR code holds under 3 KB, far less than any PDF, so PDF QR codes hold a link to the file. That's also why they can be updated.

Is a PDF QR code free?

Yes. It uses one of the free plan's 3 dynamic codes, with no watermark, and it never expires.

More QR code generators

Scan alerts in your pocket

Everything here works on the web. The app is coming soon to iPhone, iPad and Android, with instant scan alerts, a safe scanner and home-screen widgets.

Coming soon to theApp StoreComing soon toGoogle Play