Put a QR Code or Barcode on Any PDF
Need a QR code on a flyer, a barcode on an invoice or a tracking number on every page of a report? The BoostPDF QR & Barcode tool makes the code and places it right on your PDF, so you don't need a separate QR code generator or image editor.
Codes are added as sharp vector graphics, so they stay crisp when you zoom in and scan reliably when printed. You can change a code at any time, and save it to your stamps to use again on other PDFs. Your saved codes also appear in the Stamp tool.
How to Add a QR Code to a PDF
Follow these steps to add a QR code or barcode to your PDF:
- Load Your PDF Click Select PDF or drag and drop your PDF onto the box above. It opens in the editor with the QR & Barcode window ready.
- Choose the Kind of Code Pick a QR code, Data Matrix or PDF417 for links and text, or a barcode such as Code 128, EAN-13 or UPC-A for numbers and product codes. Each kind shows a short note on what it is used for.
- Enter What the Code Holds Type or paste a link, text or number. For QR codes, quick starts fill in a link, email, phone number, Wi-Fi login or contact card for you. The preview updates as you type.
- Set the Size, Pages and Position Choose S, M or L, or set an exact size in millimetres. Add the code to this page, all pages or the pages you choose, then pick one of nine positions or click the page to place it yourself.
- Place and Download Click Place to add the code. You can still move or resize it. When you are done, click Export to download your PDF.
Pro Tip: Add {page} to your text and every page gets its own code: INV-{page} becomes INV-1, INV-2, INV-3 and so on. {pages} adds the total number of pages. To tell readers what a code is for, you can also add a short line of text next to it.
QR Code and Barcode Types You Can Add
Choose the code that suits where it will be scanned:
- QR Code: Links, text, Wi-Fi logins and contact cards. Any phone camera can read it.
- Data Matrix: A small square code for labels, parts and packaging.
- PDF417: A wide code that holds a lot of text, used on IDs, tickets and shipping labels.
- Code 128 and Code 39: Barcodes for letters and numbers, such as invoice, order and document numbers.
- EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A: Product barcodes for shops. Type the digits and the check digit is added for you.
- ITF-14: Barcodes for boxes and cartons. Type 13 digits and the 14th is added for you.
Common Uses for QR Codes and Barcodes in PDFs
Adding a code to a PDF is useful for many purposes:
- Flyers and Menus: Add a QR code that opens your website, menu, booking page or feedback form.
- Invoices and Orders: Print the invoice or order number as a Code 128 barcode so it can be scanned instead of typed.
- Page Tracking: Give every page of a long document its own barcode, so pages can be scanned, sorted and filed.
- Product Sheets and Labels: Add EAN or UPC barcodes to product sheets and label PDFs before printing.
- Business Cards and CVs: Share your contact details as a QR code that people can save to their phone in one scan.
QR & Barcode Tool Features
Sharp in Print
Codes are saved in your PDF as vector graphics, not images, so they stay sharp at any zoom and print cleanly.
A Code on Every Page
Add the same code to every page at once, or give each page its own code with {page} numbering.
Built-In Scan Check
The tool warns you when a code is too small to scan well, and works out the check digit for EAN, UPC and ITF-14 codes.
Change It Anytime
Double-click a code to change its text, kind or size. A code on several pages can be changed on all of them in one go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a QR code to a PDF?
Load your PDF on this page, choose QR code, then type or paste your link or text. Set the size and position, click Place, and click Export to download your PDF with the QR code on it.
Can I add a barcode to every page of a PDF?
Yes. Choose All pages to add the code to every page, or Choose pages to pick only some. Add {page} to the text and each page gets its own code, for example DOC-1, DOC-2 and so on.
Will the QR code still scan when printed?
Yes. Codes are added as vector graphics, so they print sharp at any size. Keep them large enough: a QR code with a short link scans well at about 2 cm (0.8 in) wide, and the tool warns you if a code is too small.
Which barcode types can I add?
You can add QR codes, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and ITF-14 barcodes.
Does my PDF leave my device?
No. Your PDF is opened and edited in your browser, and the codes are made right there too. Your file stays on your device.
Is adding QR codes and barcodes to PDFs free?
Yes. You can add QR codes and barcodes for free without signing up. Free use has a daily limit, and BoostPDF Pro removes it.
Start Adding QR Codes to Your PDFs
Adding a QR code or barcode to a PDF takes less than a minute. Load your document, choose your code, place it on the pages you need and download the result.