How to Generate a QR Code for Your Google Form

Create a QR code directly from Google Forms in three steps

Google Forms has a built-in QR code generator. Open your form, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Get pre-filled link," then click the QR code icon. Google will generate a scannable code that opens your form on any device. You can download it as an image or print it directly from that screen.

This QR code works immediately — no third-party tools needed, no setup delays. Anyone with a smartphone camera can point at the code and open your form in seconds. The code stays active as long as your form exists, so you can print it on flyers, posters, or documents without worrying about expiration dates.

Key Takeaways

Google Forms generates QR codes through the three-dot menu under "Get pre-filled link," then the QR code icon.
The QR code opens your form on any device with a camera and internet connection, with no additional software required.
You can download the QR code as an image file and use it in documents, on printed materials, or in presentations.
Pre-filled links let you create QR codes that automatically fill in certain answers, useful for tracking which code brought in each response.

Step-by-step: generating your QR code

Start with your Google Form open in edit mode. In the top right corner, you will see three vertical dots (the menu button). Click it and look for "Get pre-filled link" in the dropdown. This option appears only in edit mode, not when viewing responses.

A dialog box will open showing a link to your form. Below the link, you will see a QR code icon — it looks like a small square with dots in the corners. Click that icon and Google will display a larger QR code. From here you can download it as a PNG image file by clicking "Download," or print it directly using your browser's print function.

Test the code before you distribute it. Use your phone's camera app or a QR code reader to scan it and confirm the form opens correctly. This takes 30 seconds and catches any issues before the code goes public.

Using pre-filled links to track which code brought responses

The "Get pre-filled link" option does more than generate a QR code — it lets you pre-fill answers to specific questions. This is useful when you want to know which code or which location brought in each response.

For example, if you are distributing QR codes at three different events, you can create a separate pre-filled link for each one that automatically fills in the event name. When someone scans the code at Event A, the form will already have "Event A" selected in a hidden field. You can then sort your responses by event without asking people to tell you where they came from.

To set this up, click "Get pre-filled link," then answer the questions in your form the way you want them pre-filled. Google will generate a unique link and QR code for that combination. Create a new pre-filled link for each variation you need.

Downloading and using your QR code image

When you click "Download" on the QR code dialog, Google saves a PNG image file to your computer. The filename will be something like "form_qr_code.png." You can then insert this image into Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Google Docs, or any design software.

The QR code image is small by default — usually around 200 by 200 pixels. When you place it in a document or design, make sure it stays at least one inch by one inch when printed. Smaller than that and phone cameras may struggle to read it. If you are printing on a poster or large sign, you can scale it up to several inches without losing quality.

The image itself is just a picture — it does not expire or change. You can email it, share it in a document, or print it a thousand times and it will still work as long as your Google Form is active.

Printing QR codes directly from Google Forms

You do not have to download the image first. When the QR code dialog is open, you can print it directly using Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac). Your browser's print dialog will open. Choose your printer, adjust the page size if needed, and print. The QR code will appear on the page at a readable size.

This method is faster if you only need one or two printed copies. If you need many copies or want to include the QR code in a larger document design, downloading the image first gives you more control over placement and sizing.

Troubleshooting QR codes that do not scan

If someone scans your QR code and nothing happens, the most common cause is poor image quality. If you downloaded the image and then resized it very small in a document, the code may become unreadable. Always keep the QR code at least one inch by one inch when printed.

Another issue is that the form itself may have been deleted or moved to trash. QR codes only work if the form they point to still exists. If you deleted the form by mistake, you can recover it from Google Forms trash within 30 days — the QR codes will work again once the form is restored.

If the QR code worked before but stopped working, check that your form is still shared correctly. If you changed the sharing settings to "Restricted" or removed public access, the QR code will no longer open the form for most people. Return to the form's sharing settings and make sure it is set to "Anyone with the link" or "Public on the web," depending on your needs.

Using third-party QR code generators as an alternative

Google Forms' built-in QR code is usually the best choice because it requires no extra steps. However, some people use third-party QR code generators like QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com) or Bitly if they want more customization options — for example, adding a logo to the center of the code or changing the colors.

To use a third-party tool, copy your Google Form link from the "Get pre-filled link" dialog, paste it into the QR code generator, and download the result. The QR code will work the same way as Google's version. The trade-off is that you are relying on a separate website to keep the generator running, whereas Google's built-in code is part of your form itself.

For most situations, stick with Google's native QR code. It is faster, requires no extra accounts, and works reliably. Use third-party generators only if you need specific visual customization that Google Forms does not offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the QR code expire or stop working?

No, the QR code does not expire. It will work as long as your Google Form exists and is accessible. If you delete the form, the QR code will no longer open anything. If you restore the form from trash, the QR code works again immediately.

Can I change the QR code without creating a new form?

The QR code itself does not change — it is tied to your form's link. If you want a different QR code, you create a new pre-filled link with different pre-filled answers. Each pre-filled link generates its own unique QR code.

What happens if I share the QR code but then change my form?

The QR code still works and opens the updated form. Any changes you make to questions, answer choices, or form settings will appear when someone scans the code. The QR code link itself does not change.

Can I use the same QR code on multiple materials?

Yes, you can print or share the same QR code as many times as you want. Every scan opens the same form. If you want to track which material brought in each response, create separate pre-filled links instead, each with its own QR code.

What if someone scans the QR code but the form does not load?

Check that the QR code image is at least one inch by one inch — smaller codes are hard to scan. Also verify that your form's sharing settings allow public access. If the form is set to "Restricted," only people you have shared it with directly can open it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.