How to make a QR code for a Google Form

To make a QR code for a Google Form, open the form, click Send (or Publish), copy the responder link, paste it into a free QR code generator and download the code. It takes about two minutes, and a static code like this never expires.

A QR code is the easiest way to get people from a poster, table card or slide to your Google Form. They point their phone camera at it and the form opens. Here is how to make one for free in about two minutes, and how to avoid the problems that stop people from filling it in.

Step 1: Copy your form's link

1. Open your form in Google Forms.
2. Click Send (or Publish, then the link option, depending on your version of Google Forms).
3. Choose the link tab and click Copy. Tick Shorten URL if it is offered: a shorter link makes a simpler QR code that scans more easily.

Make sure you copy the link for responders, not the editing link from your browser's address bar. The editing link ends in /edit and asks people to sign in as an editor.

Step 2: Create the QR code

1. Open the free QR code generator.
2. Choose Link and paste your form link.
3. Keep dark squares on a light background. You can add a small logo, but keep it in the centre.
4. Download PNG for slides, emails and social posts, or SVG for posters and printing, because SVG stays sharp at any size.

Step 3: Test before you print

Scan the code with at least two phones, ideally one iPhone and one Android, and check that the form opens and can be submitted. Then do a test print at the real size and scan the paper version too.

Settings that stop people from answering

• Sign-in required. If your form collects verified email addresses or limits people to one response, they must sign in to a Google account first. That is fine at work, but at public events many people give up. Turn these settings off if you do not need them.
• Restricted to your organisation. School and company accounts often limit forms to people in the same organisation. Outsiders scanning the code will see an access message.
• Form not accepting responses. Check the Responses tab: if "Accepting responses" is off, people will see a closed message.

Will the QR code stop working?

No. A code made with DocNova is static: the form link is stored inside the code, so it does not expire and there is no subscription. It keeps working as long as the form exists and accepts responses. If you later make a new form, you will need a new code. To avoid that, you can keep using the same form and just change its questions. Read more in do QR codes expire?

Ideas for using a form QR code

• Event sign-up sheets and attendance check-in at the door.
• Customer feedback cards on tables or receipts.
• Class or training quizzes shown on a slide.
• Volunteer or job interest forms on a noticeboard.

Add a short call to action next to the code, such as "Scan to sign up, 1 minute", so people know what they will get before they scan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Google Forms have a built-in QR code generator?

Google Forms does not make a QR code itself, though the Chrome browser can make one for the page you are viewing. A free QR code generator gives you more control over size and PNG or SVG files for printing.

Is a QR code for a Google Form free?

Yes. A static QR code with your form link is free to make and print, and it keeps working as long as the form exists and accepts responses.

Can I use a QR code for an RSVP form?

Yes. Create the RSVP form in Google Forms, make a QR code from its responder link and print it on invitations or table cards. Guests scan it and reply on their phones.

Why does my Google Form QR code not work?

Usually the code holds the editing link (ending in /edit) instead of the responder link, or the form is closed or limited to people in your organisation. Fix the link or the settings and make a new code.