In 2025, the PDF to QR code combination is a must-have for anyone who works with documents: from a cafe with a PDF menu to educational courses, instructions, tickets, or commercial presentations. One dynamic code and your document is available everywhere. In this article, we will specifically compare the best QR code generators for PDF without watermarks, stretching, and unnecessary adjectives.
How to Choose the Best QR Code Generator For PDF?
Before moving on to the tables and reviews, here is a list of the main criteria:
- No watermark
- Analytics (number of scans, country, user language)
- Dynamic QR – the ability to change the PDF after generating the code
- Branding: logo, colors, customization
- Support for multi-file uploads in one QR
- Adaptability for smartphones
- Generation speed, simple interface
- File protection and privacy
- Code upload in SVG, PNG formats
- QR code expiration date / whether it has any restrictions
| QR Generator | Free Plan | Dynamic QR | No Watermark | Analytics | Branding | File Hosting | Multi-PDF Upload | Platform Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViralQR.com | No | Yes | No Watermark | Advanced | Full | Secure cloud | Yes | Web, Mobile |
| Beaconstac | No | Yes | No Watermark | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Web |
| Flowcode | No | Yes | Watermark | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Web |
| QR.io | No | Yes | No Watermark | Yes | Limited | Yes | N/A | Web |
| Me-QR | Yes(Limited) | Yes | Watermark | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Web |
| GoQR | Yes | No | No Watermark | No | No | No | No | Web |
Overview of Each QR Code Generator (Free and Paid)
ViralQR.com
The best choice for businesses and professionals. ViralQR is positioned as a premium marketing service with advanced analytics capabilities. ViralQR gives users complete control over QR campaigns. You can track scan data (device, location, time) in real time and change the PDF target as needed (dynamic QR).
Features:
- Dynamic codes: you can change the PDF without updating the code.
- Detailed analytics: geography, devices, scan time.
- Professional design and branding (colors, logos).
- Reliable hosting and document security.
- You can upload multiple PDF files to one QR.
Best for: Business, educators, marketing, law firms, NGOs.
Beaconstac
Enterprise solution with an emphasis on scale and integration. Beaconstac, recently renamed Uniqode, is designed for large teams and companies that need powerful analytical dashboards and CRM integrations.
Features:
- Reliable service with an emphasis on security
- Flexible settings
- Good UI.
The main disadvantage is the price. Beaconstac is one of the most expensive solutions and is aimed at corporations: even the basic plan is paid, and advanced features are quite expensive.
Flowcode
Flowcode is aimed at creators, educators, and small businesses who value design and privacy. This QR code generator is known for allowing you to create wonderful, visually appealing QR codes, with animation, gradients, original shapes, and branded frames.
Strengths: Easy to use, fast code generation.
Limitations: Watermark on the free plan, limited branding options.
Best for: Beginner marketers, influencers.
QR.io
Balanced functionality is what this generator is about. QR.io is positioned as a tool for professionals: especially useful for marketing agencies, medium-sized businesses with numerous campaigns, or companies that want to fully control the user experience after scanning (through custom pages.
Strengths: Has dynamic codes and basic analytics.
Limitations: Limited branding, the interface is a bit outdated.
Disadvantages: first, the service does not have a permanently free plan – only a 7-day trial period. So, for long-term use, you will have to subscribe.
Me-QR
Me-QR is an excellent choice for beginners, small businesses, and one-time promotions when you need a functional QR code here and now with minimal effort and cost.
Strengths: Dynamic, basic analytics, hosting.
Limitations: Watermark in the free version, no multi-file.
Best for: NPOs, personal use.
GoQR
GoQR is a fast and straightforward tool that developers and technical users especially love.
Strengths: Free, no registration required.
Limitations: Static codes, no hosting, no analytics.
Who is it for: Single-use, developers, students.
New Trends in the Use of PDF QR Codes in 2025
QR codes leading to PDF documents have become an everyday tool for various industries in 2025. Businesses are increasingly using QR codes instead of outdated ways of distributing documents. Our team has collected usage trends in multiple niches for you.
Restaurants have massively switched to QR codes for menus – over 52% of establishments in the US already use menus via QR codes, and this figure continues to grow.
Educational institutions: about 45% of educational institutions in the US distribute educational materials (electronic textbooks, assignments) precisely via QR codes, which gives students instant access to PDF files.
In marketing, creative solutions have been seen. For example, a TV commercial might feature a QR code that the viewer scans to receive a PDF with recipes or coupons.
Even in the legal field, QR codes have gained popularity, from scanned court summonses to password-protected contracts that a client can open with their phone.
In general, PDF QR codes help deliver information to the user instantly without unnecessary steps and with minimal friction.
In addition, dynamic QR codes now turn static PDFs into interactive resources – businesses can track scans, update files without replacing the QR code, and collect valuable analytics for decision-making.
In 2025, such smart PDF QR codes will no longer be a novelty but a necessity for companies striving to be closer to the customer in the digital space.
Where and Why are PDF QR Codes Used: Popular Use Cases
PDF QR codes have become a universal tool that combines printed media with digital content. Let’s take a closer look at the most common use cases and their benefits:
Restaurant Menus
Many establishments have replaced physical menus with PDF files available via QR codes. Customers scan the code on the table and immediately view the menu on their phone. This is not only safe (contactless), but also convenient for updating. Just change the PDF, and all scanners will see the current menu. According to research, the implementation of QR menus increases guest satisfaction: 51% of respondents positively assessed viewing the menu via QR code.
In addition, more than half of the restaurants in the US have already switched to QR menus, which has become a noticeable trend after the pandemic.
Product Instructions
Retailers and manufacturers are actively adding QR codes to product packaging so that the consumer can receive detailed instructions or user manuals in PDF format. Instead of a thick brochure in the box, there is a small sticker with a QR code. For example, a technology manufacturer can provide access to a full manual or warranty terms by scanning the manual or warranty terms. This approach reduces printing and translation costs (a PDF can contain many language versions at once) and is always available online.
In retail, this is already standard: “product packaging now contains QR codes that lead to digital manuals or instructions.” This is convenient for users and allows brands to update instructions after the fact if changes occur.
Educational Materials
Schools, universities, and courses are massively implementing QR codes to distribute educational materials. The teacher can print a QR code on the board or in a textbook, which students scan to download a PDF with a summary, presentation, or homework. This method saves paper and time – there is no need to send files to everyone.
In the US, 45% of educational institutions already use QR codes to distribute e-textbooks or collect completed assignments online. For example, ABM College gives students QR codes to access PDF job guides. This simplifies access to current information and promotes interactivity in learning.
Brochures and catalogs
Marketing and sales have also switched to PDF QR codes to distribute a large amount of information. Instead of printing hundreds of pages of a catalog, a company can place a QR code on an advertising poster or flyer that leads to a PDF catalog or brochure. The customer scans it and receives a full list of products or services on their phone. This is especially useful at exhibitions and in stores: one page with a QR code replaces a pack of booklets.
Businesses are already practicing this: in printed advertising (posters), QR codes direct customers to digital product catalogs or special offers. For example, a food brand in an advertisement can provide a QR code that opens a PDF with recipes or discount coupons – such content increases loyalty (70% of consumers like to receive coupons, and 68% say that it strengthens their commitment to the brand). For marketers, a plus is that the PDF can be updated or personalized for a promotion without re-issuing printed media.
Event Tickets
In the event industry, QR codes have long been used as electronic tickets, but a PDF QR code adds flexibility. The organizer can send a QR code to a guest, and when scanned, a PDF ticket with a barcode or seat will open. At the entrance, such a code is scanned, and registration takes place.
Modern platforms automate this process: companies generate PDF tickets automatically and link them to QR codes for each guest. Scanning at the entrance not only validates the ticket, but also instantly updates the registration status in the system – for example, marking the visitor as present in the Airtable table in real time.
Thus, the PDF QR code simplifies the logistics of events: fewer paper tickets, faster admission, and the ability to fit more information into the PDF (event map, program, sponsors, etc.). After the event, the QR code can lead to conference materials or a photo report, continuing to engage visitors.
Reports for Clients
In consulting, finance, and other B2B industries, it is common to hand out large reports, presentations, or analyses to clients. To avoid printing hundreds of pages, companies use PDF QR codes. For example, a financial firm can add a QR code to the last page of a short report that leads to a detailed PDF report with all the charts and appendices. This is convenient: the client scans the code from a paper resume or business card and downloads the complete document to themselves. PDF QR codes simplify working with documentation (contracts, reports, presentations).
There is no longer any need to send large files by email or hand over USB drives. The company can provide secure access to the current version of the document and even track when and how many times the client scanned the code. This increases the efficiency of collaboration: clients always have the latest version of the report at hand, and managers receive interest statistics.
Additionally, confidential PDFs can be password-protected within a dynamic QR code, ensuring data security – an approach increasingly used by legal and financial firms.
Which PDF QR Code Generator to Choose in 2025? Final Thoughts
In 2025, PDF QR codes have turned from a trend into an integral part of the digital strategy. They simplify information exchange, allow you to update content on the fly, and collect user interaction statistics.
When choosing a QR code generator, you should consider your needs. Fortunately, there are enough tools for all occasions. If branding and changing PDF after creation are important, then the choice is obvious, and it is ViralQR. If you are looking for analytics, multi-file, flexibility, and it is again ViralQR.
ViralQR is the leading solution for small and medium-sized businesses, marketing, and professional document flow. Reliable, customizable, analytical. The strength of the service is flexible branding. There is a powerful design editor where you add a logo, change colors, shapes, and even create animated QR codes to attract attention.
Documents accessible, interactive, and measurable – this is what the digital era of 2025 requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a PDF after creating a code?
Yes, if you choose a generator with dynamic QR codes (for example, ViralQR or Beaconstac).
How to create a QR without a watermark?
Use ViralQR or GoQR.me – they do not put a watermark on codes in the free version.
Is it safe to upload documents to these services?
ViralQR and Beaconstac provide secure hosting with encryption.
Which QR format is best for printing?
SVG – for high-quality printing, PNG – for ease of use.
How to generate QR code for PDF document?
It is an easy process with Viralqr. Just upload your PDF file into the PDF QR code generator, then make some design if needed, and generate the QR code.
