How to Make a QR Code for a Google Doc

Making a QR code for a Google Doc is just making a QR code for its share link, the same as any other webpage. The one thing that trips people up is the sharing permission, so that's covered first.

Step 1: Set sharing to "Anyone with the link"

1. Open the Doc and click "Share" in the top-right corner.
2. Under "General access," change it from "Restricted" to "Anyone with the link."
3. Set the permission to "Viewer" unless you specifically want people to comment or edit.
4. Click "Copy link."

Skip this and the QR code will still generate fine, it just won't open for anyone except people you've individually shared the Doc with. That's the most common reason a Google Doc QR code "doesn't work."

Step 2: Make the QR code

1. Paste the copied link into the link to QR code generator.
2. Generate the code and download it as PNG or SVG.

Step 3: Put the QR code into a document

To place the code inside the same Doc or a different one: click Insert, then Image, then "Upload from computer," and select the file you downloaded. Resize it by dragging a corner handle, and keep clear space around it so it stays easy to scan once printed.

Related: forms and PDFs

Sharing a Google Form instead of a Doc? Use the QR code for Google Form generator, it also warns you if you accidentally paste an edit link. Sharing a PDF export of your document instead of the live Doc? See PDF to QR code or the full guide to creating a QR code for a PDF.