How to create a QR Code for Google Forms

What is a QR code anyway?

A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of barcode that consists of a pattern of black and white squares arranged in a grid. When scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader, the code can be used to access information or a website.

QR codes are used to store and share information like URLs, product information, and contact details. They're a convenient and efficient way to transfer information without the need for manually inputting data—which makes things easier for your respondents.

By sharing a form through a QR code, you can easily direct respondents to your form, and share it online and offline.

How to create a QR code for Google Forms

Unfortunately, creating a QR code for Google Forms isn’t as convenient or easy as the code itself. Unlike online form builders like Paperform, Google Forms doesn't include a built-in QR code generator.

Never fear. We'll provide a step-by-step guide to the (fairly convoluted) process, and address any potential challenges you may encounter along the way.

Step 1: Create a Google Form

Navigate to Google Forms and open a new form. You can pick from a template, or start from scratch.

Adding a QR code only begins once you've got a finished form, so spend some time making sure you've added your questions, images, header image, etc.

Step 2: Copy the form link

Once the form is finished, head to the top-right of the editor and click Send. From the menu, click the link symbol, and copy the form URL to your clipboard.

Step 3: Add the link to a QR code generator

Google Forms doesn't have a built-in QR code generator, so you'll have to use a third-party tool (something you'll be used to if you're a Google Form user).

We chose Beaconstac for the quick setup and clean layout, but a few other options include: Adobe Express, QR Code Monkey, and Wix.

Whichever you choose, the process is pretty much the same. Copy the form link you've previously copied into the website field and—viola!—you'll have a custom QR code ready to go.

Step 4: Download and save your code

All that's left to do is download the QR code in your format of choice.

Most generators we trialed gave the option to download in PNG format for free, and locked other formats behind their paid plans. PNG should get the job done nine times out of ten.

Step 5: Share the code

Now it's time to share your code. How exactly you'll do that is up to you: you can print the code to use in person, or download it to a device to be scanned digitally.

Whether it's printed on paper or only available on a screen, your QR code will work the same way.

Create forms and QR codes with Paperform

While you certainly can create a QR code for Google Forms, the process is tedious and time-consuming—especially if you need to make more than one code.

Say you wanted to direct each of your students or attendees to a unique form. You would have to go through this process for every single one. Not exactly efficient!

Luckily, there's a better way. Just use Paperform—a form builder that generates shareable QR codes for you.

That's right. No third parties. No extra fees. No back-and-forth. Simply head to the 'Social & URL' menu, click the QR code icon and a unique code instantly appear.

Depending on your needs, you can also copy the link to your form, or share it on social media—all from the same menu.

That’s it! With a little more than three clicks of the button (and without leaving the Editor), you have a new QR code that’s ready to add to your marketing materials, print out for your trade show banner, or add anywhere else you need it.