QR Code Generator

Stop switching tabs to generate QR codes. With this tool, you can create fully customized, branded QR codes directly inside your document. Whether you need a simple link for a handout or a stylized code for a presentation, you can build it with a live preview.

How to Access#

Open the add-on sidebar and go to Insert & Create. The QR Code panel is on that screen. There is no separate Extensions menu item for it.

Step-by-Step Guide#

1. Enter Content

Type the text or URL you want to link to.

• Tip: Click Use this document's link to fill in the shareable link of your current Google file.

2. Customize the Look

Use the Basic and Advanced toggle to switch between simple and detailed options. The live preview updates as you change them.

3. Test It

Always scan the preview with your phone camera to ensure the code works before finalizing it.

4. Insert or Download
   • Insert: Places the image into your file (at the cursor in Docs, on the slide or sheet, or as an image item in Forms).
   • Download: Saves a PNG to your computer.

Smart Shortcuts#

Share the current document#

Instead of manually copying your browser URL:

1. Click Use this document's link next to the input field.
2. The tool grabs the shareable link of your open Doc, Sheet, or Slides file.
3. A QR code is generated instantly.

Edit existing QR codes#

Did you make a mistake on a QR code you already inserted? You don't have to start over.

1. Select the QR code image inside your document.
2. Click Load selected.
3. The add-on reads the settings stored with the image and restores your data, colors, and logo so you can make quick edits.

Customization Options#

Use the Basic and Advanced toggle at the top of the options.

Basic#

• Size & Margin: Size is 50 to 250 px, with a default of 150. The preview is scaled down, and the inserted image uses the full size.
• Add Logo: Upload your company logo or an icon for the center of the code.
• Background Color: Use a single color or a gradient.

Advanced#

• Dot and corner styles: Move away from the standard blocky look with rounded dots or specific corner styles. Each has its own color or gradient.
• Hide Background Dots, Image Size, and Image Margin control how the logo sits in the code.
• QR Options: includes the Error Correction Level: L, M, Q (the default), or H. Higher levels let the code scan even if part of it is damaged or covered, but make it denser.
• Reset options returns everything to the defaults.

Logo behavior#

A default logo is added to new QR codes. Upload your own to replace it, or click Clear to leave the center empty. Whenever a logo is present, the error correction level is forced to H so the code still scans, whatever you selected in Advanced. Remove the logo if you want to use L, M, or Q.

QR Codes in Google Forms™#

In Forms, the panel shows extra settings:

• QR Code Link: Responder Link (for filling out) (the default, so people can fill out the form), Edit Link (for collaborators) (for collaborators only), or Custom Link or Text.
• Insert Position: At Top or At Bottom (the default). The QR code is added to the form as an image item.

Common Use Cases#

• Classroom Handouts (Docs): Add a QR code to the bottom of a printed worksheet that links to a helper video or the digital version of the assignment.
• Presentation Engagement (Slides): Place a large QR code on a slide to poll the audience, link to sources, or share your contact info.
• Inventory Management (Sheets): Generate codes for product SKUs and insert them next to inventory rows.

Related Teacher Guides#

• Safety Net for Lost Pages - How to add QR codes to handouts so students never lose the original digital doc.

• Link to Video Context - Embed QR codes linking to YouTube lessons directly in your teaching materials.