How to convert a pdf to a QR code

Despite being a technique that emerged in the 90s, in recent weeks we have been observing and the willingness to use systems that help transfer pdfs or any type of file into a QR code has been increasing in order to spread it easily.

Before continuing, I would like to provide some introductory context to discuss what a QR code is? Where do they come from? What are they used for? Before we move on to talk about how to convert an image into a QR code using our QR generator.

What is a QR code?

A QR CODE is a two-dimensional barcode, usually in a square shape, that collects encoded data that is stored behind a specific URL or domain.

Its inception was in 1994, created by Denso Wave of the Toyota Group, although it wasn’t until 2010 that its use began to spread in the USA and Europe where we could see how its application grew.

It is noteworthy that in recent months, due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the growth of digitalization, it has become a very common way to use it across many supports and enhancements to expand or provide information.

The way to decipher the documentation found in these qr codes is by using a QR code reader, which you can currently find on any mobile phone.

The most common use is to display a website as well as in a physical format like an advertisement, poster, etc. Furthermore, we are also seeing an interest driven by the purpose of this technique for various uses such as sharing PDFs, images, videos, lottery results, and even to memorize your wifi password, etc.

And for a few weeks now to insert menus and digital menus in QR codes for restaurants, bars, and cafes to avoid the use of physical menus as a preventive measure for Covid.

I have even noticed that some newspapers apply these qr codes as a resource to develop printed information and guide users towards other types of content and audiovisual.

A common and important question in these times is how to (convert) a pdf into a QR code.

The use of digital files, as they can represent images, PDFs, or Word documents is quite common nowadays, especially if you need to be able to insert a contactless option using QR codes.

The QR code technology has been with our platform for many years, but it wasn’t until this new situation caused by the CORONAVIRUS that its capacity to maintain a contactless policy was demonstrated.

What is a QR code useful for?

This technology initially emerged from the Japanese automotive sector, also intended to be an alternative code to the existing barcodes, which were used to catalog inventories and vehicle parts along the production chain, in a way that would enhance the efficiency of industrial processes.

Around 2010, the license was released, and this technology began to be adopted, first in the USA and subsequently worldwide.

Regarding its utilities and why a QR code might be useful for us, we can distinguish between:

Storing information and disseminating it

We refer to storing documentation for the purpose of disseminating it. It is quite intuitive to use and for the customer, it is fairly easy to access. In summary, it is a very interesting way to connect the offline world with the online world, since we provide a code on a physical support that will take us to digitized documentation.

It usually guides us to a website with specific comments: an article, form, etc. But it can also accept other utilities like storing a document, audiovisual format, etc.

As a marketing tool

Because in addition to storing information, it could be used by your company as a powerful platform aimed at being closer to your customers and that you can leverage your communication with them: know what they like best about your business, share relevant information, promote promotional actions, etc.

How to scan a QR code?

To be able to read the data and content behind a QR code is very simple. You just need to have a scanning application on your mobile device.

Depending on the type of operating system you have on your mobile device, access to the data may be different.

Different phones may natively have the ability to decipher QR codes without needing to use any application. For example: Samsung, Apple, etc.

Additionally, if you need to have a QR code scanner on your device, there are many applications available, both free and paid, for you to install. It will depend on what you are looking for or the functionalities you wish to have: from reading history, storing QR codes you have previously scanned, etc.

In the case of Android: you will need to have a downloaded tool beforehand on your support to be able to read it.

If we have to recommend any app, we would mention: QR Reader, QR Droid, Bar Code…

Another option that you might not know is that there are applications installed on your phone that can also serve as a QR code scanner. On this website, we provide you with a list from Xatakandroid where you will see that if you already have the Facebook, Twitter app, or the Opera browser, you won’t need to download any new applications.

Others devices like Apple or Samsung already include this feature natively, and by just using the camera and focusing on the code you wish to read, you’ll receive the information. A message will appear on the screen to continue with the initiation and decoding of the information included behind it.

And once you understand the QR code technique a bit better, we will tell you in a few simple points how you can convert a pdf into a QR code.

How to convert a pdf to QR code

Choose the pdf you want to convert

You can (convert) almost any type of pdf into QR: whether it is a jpg, png, tiff, pdf, etc.

And not only can you (convert) pdf but you can also create QR codes, etc.

Store in a domain

You will need to have a hosting or website to host your QR code. If you have a website, with the function of an ftp host, you can do it very easily, just access, upload your file, and implement the web that will show the content you choose to display.

But in most cases, and I suspect that this is why you are here, it is because you do not have your own domain, but you would like to encode certain information to provide it and make it available through a QR code.

If that is your case, you don’t have to worry because you are in the right place. From Haztucartadigital, we offer you our QR generator without the need to have a published domain for your documentation to develop the QR code of your pdf.

We provide you with space under our domain and our hosting so that you can create your pdf and receive in return your QR code that you can scan and share with your friends, guests, etc.

Choose a QR code generator

Select the QR code generator you prefer to convert your QR code. There are thousands of options and alternatives, but in addition to those, we want to use to present our generator.

We provide you with our totally free generator so that you can (convert) your pdf into a QR code.

You will find other services, and the key point of our QR code generator is that we offer you a free, simple, and instant platform. With our Freemium plan, you will have your QR code without the need to make any payment.

Check your QR code

It is very important that once the generator returns your QR code, you check and validate that it works correctly. To do this, select your smartphone or mobile/tablet, open your QR code scanner, and scan it to verify that you are actually viewing your document and information.

Download your QR code

Once your QR code is created, you will need to have it in a file that allows you to share it, print it, and make it public.

The format in which you can download it is a high-quality graphic file in a 24-bit compressed format: PNG that you can modify and work with: resize, embed in a design, etc.

The key point is that it does not have a background color, so you can install it within any graphic piece you may have.

Create and print your QR code

In the png format in which we provide the code, you can use it wherever you want to integrate it into a design, signage, photographs, corporate design pieces like business cards, flyers.

You can even insert it into digital design formats to disseminate in digital formats and publications on Facebook, websites, etc.

Transmit the content

How you promote and disseminate your QR code will depend on the marketing strategy you choose and the purpose for which you opted to use this technique for yourself or your business.

And we provide you with some recommendations on how to disseminate it and use it in physical supports.

• Stickers: If you have a business, for example a restaurant, cafe, the best way to make your QR visible is with stickers that you will place on your tables, bar, decorative formats, etc. Your customers will be able to access the digital menu clearly and easily.
• A recommendation we give is that the stickers should have a medium size, meaning they should not be so small that they are hardly visible, nor so large that they seem exaggerated. Our platform suggests a size of 7×3.5 cm for you to create your stickers. If you would like help, we leave you our variety of them on this website.
• Labels: Complete the labels of your services with additional information, adding a QR code that provides more details.
• Flyers: If your commercial strategy is to distribute advertising flyers, don’t wait any longer and use it on this medium to connect the physical world to your virtual reality from now on. A new way for both your current and potential customers to connect with your brand and access your information. For example, a hair salon could include its entire catalog of services and treatments in a code, or an ice cream shop could offer its menu in this format. You could also use it to provide your customers with a promotion or discount, or a form on a landing page to capture contacts.
• Showcases: Another way to provide information and display your QR code is to attach it inside your establishment’s showcase, with a sufficiently visible adhesive to draw attention. There is relevant information and your menu for both your followers and potential ones to see, or promote your social media or website.

These are just some options, and there are many alternatives for you to analyze and promote your QR code among your diners and potential customers, through your stationery, on vehicles, or the packaging of your product.

Now that you know all this, what are you waiting for to start using QR codes for your business? From haztucartadigital, we provide you with our QR code generator so you can start with it.