QR code for files (PDF, image, video) — how to share documents by scan

A QR code for files turns a PDF, an image or a video into a scannable link: someone scans the code and gets the file straight on their phone, with no email, no USB drive and no complicated link. It is ideal for product manuals, PDF menus, portfolios, presentations or any document you want to hand out physically.

What a file QR code is

An ordinary QR code holds text or a link. A file QR code holds a link to a viewer page where your file (PDF, image, video) is hosted and can be viewed or downloaded. In practice, you turn a physical document into a scannable code you can put on any printed material.

What file types you can share

• PDF — manuals, catalogues, menus, brochures, invoices, contracts;
• Images (JPG, PNG) — portfolios, infographics, certifications, floor plans;
• Video (MP4) — product demos, tutorials, video messages.

How to create a file QR code on getQR

1. Create a free account on getQR (an account is needed to host the files).
2. From your dashboard, go to File QR → Create new.
3. Give the code a name (e.g. "Product X manual") and upload the files.
4. You can upload multiple files for the same code — they will all be accessible on the same page.
5. Save and download the generated QR code.

Where to use a file QR code

• Product packaging — user manual, spec sheet or certification, accessible by scan;
• Marketing materials — a full catalogue or PDF brochure on a simple flyer;
• Restaurants — a PDF menu on a table code, with no repeated printing;
• Events and conferences — presentations, agendas or extra materials accessible by scan;
• Construction and real estate — plans, energy certificates or spec sheets accessible on site;
• Business cards — a portfolio or CV attached to a digital business card.

The difference from a simple link QR code

A simple link code leads to a web page — if the file is on Google Drive or Dropbox, it is a quick solution, but the link can break and you get no analytics. With getQR File QR, the files are hosted on the getQR platform, the viewer page is optimised for mobile, and you can update the files without changing the code.

Practical tips

Optimise file sizes: a 20 MB PDF is slow to download on a phone with mobile data — compress it if possible. If you share multiple files, give them clear names so the visitor knows what they are downloading. Test the code with your own phone before distributing it.

Create a file QR code

Start now: create a free account on getQR and upload your first file. The QR code is generated automatically, ready to print or share digitally.