How to Add a QR Code in Word

The simplest way to create a QR code in Microsoft Word is to make the code elsewhere and insert it as an image. Word itself doesn't generate QR codes in most versions, so this is the option that works regardless of which Word you're using.

Insert an image (works in every version)

1. Generate your QR code on a tool like the QR code generator and download it as PNG or SVG.
2. In Word, place your cursor where you want the code, then click Insert > Pictures > This Device.
3. Select the downloaded file to insert it.
4. Click the image, drag a corner handle to resize it proportionally, and use "Wrap Text" if you need it to sit next to a paragraph rather than on its own line.

This works the same in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word Online, since it's just inserting a picture, not using a feature specific to one version.

Word's own QR options and add-ins

A few Microsoft 365 subscriptions include an Insert > Add-ins store where third-party QR code add-ins show up. What's available there changes over time and by subscription, and some add-ins charge for full features, so check what's currently listed for your plan rather than relying on any add-in name staying the same. Inserting an image, as above, doesn't depend on any of that and always works.

Printing tips

• Use the SVG download if your Word version supports it, or a large PNG (at least 500px) so resizing doesn't blur the code.
• Don't stretch the image unevenly, hold Shift while dragging a corner to keep it square.
• Check Word's print preview at 100% before printing a large batch of copies.
• Leave clear white space around the code, don't let text or borders crowd it.

For a full breakdown of print sizes by use case, see QR code minimum size for print and screens. Need a true vector file for a large print run? Use the SVG QR code generator instead of a PNG.