📄 Any file type
PDF, JPG, PNG, Word, PowerPoint, and more. Upload it once — qrli hosts it and gives you a QR instantly.
🔄 Swap without reprinting
Upload a new version of your file from the dashboard. The QR code updates immediately — nothing to reprint.
🔗 Short, clean URL
Your file gets a short redirect link (qrli.app/r/xxxxxxxx) — no ugly long URLs encoded in the QR.
∞ No expiry
Files are stored indefinitely. Your QR code and link stay active as long as your account exists.
What is a PDF QR Code?
A PDF QR code is a dynamic QR that redirects to a hosted file — typically a PDF, but it works for any document or image. Instead of encoding a long file URL directly (which produces dense, hard-to-scan codes), qrli uses a short redirect link so the QR stays clean and scannable.
The real power: if you update the file, the QR code stays the same. Print 500 brochures with a QR to your price list — then update the price list next month. The printed QR still works, pointing to the new version.
How to Create a PDF QR Code
- Create a free qrli account and open the Files section in your dashboard.
- Click "Upload File" and drag in your PDF or document (up to 25MB).
- Add an optional label so you can identify it later.
- Your file gets a short URL and QR code immediately.
- Download the QR code and use it in print or digital materials.
- To update the file: re-upload from your dashboard. Same QR, new file.
Where PDF QR Codes Are Used
- Product manuals & guides
- Restaurant menus (PDF)
- Price lists & catalogues
- Event programmes
- Certificates & credentials
- Portfolios & lookbooks
- Property brochures
- Instruction sheets
Also see: Menu QR · URL QR · Link-in-Bio QR · WiFi QR
PDF QR Code FAQ
What file types can I upload?
PDFs, images (JPG, PNG), Word documents, PowerPoint files, and most common document formats. The file is hosted securely and the QR links directly to it.
Can I replace the file without changing the QR code?
Yes — this is qrli's key differentiator. Upload a new version from your dashboard and the existing QR immediately points to the updated file. Nothing to reprint.
Do people need an account to view the file?
No — the file is publicly accessible. Anyone who scans the QR code can view or download it immediately, with no login required.
Is there a file size limit?
Files up to 25MB are supported. For larger files, compress your PDF or split into sections before uploading.
Can I password-protect my file?
File-level password protection is not currently supported. For sensitive documents, password-protect the PDF itself before uploading — the viewer will need the password to open it.
Is the file QR code feature free?
Yes — uploading files and generating QR codes is free with a qrli account. Files are hosted with no expiry date.
What's the difference between a PDF QR and a URL QR?
A URL QR encodes a web address — you manage the hosting. A PDF QR uploads the file to qrli's storage so we host it, and you can replace the file anytime from your dashboard without changing the QR.