How to Create a Custom QR Code for Google Sheets in 7 Steps

Did you know that you can generate a QR code for Google Sheets? With this QR code, you can easily share your Google Sheets with anyone with just a scan using a smartphone. 

You can make one using Google Chrome’s in-app share via the QR code feature. And here’s more: It’s also possible to create QR codes right in Google Sheets!

And if you want an advanced Google Sheets QR code that you can customize with colors and change its embedded content, you can use a professional dynamic QR code generator.

Ready to learn how to do this? Check out the guide below for more.

How to create a QR code using Google Chrome’s generator

The Google Chrome generator can’t create dynamic QR codes, but it can generate static ones. To create a static QR code straight from Google Chrome:

• Open your Google Sheets in the Google Chrome browser.
• Click the Share this Page button beside your Sheet’s link.
• Drag and drop to the Create QR code tab.
• Download the QR code to save it on your device.

How to create QR codes in Google Sheets

You can also create a QR code right inside the Google Sheets interface. You will need three things to make this: the ENCODEURL function, the Google Chart API request, and the IMAGE function.

Begin using the ENCODEURL function on the cell containing the URL or text data you want to embed in a QR code, then add the Google Chart API request as a prefix.

Lastly, wrap the formula with the image function. This function will create the QR code for you and automatically display the code image in the cell.

The disadvantage of Google Chrome and Google Sheets’ in-app QR codes

Google Chrome generator and Google Sheets both produce static QR codes. Aside from the lack of advanced features, static ones are also not suitable for larger data.

This is because it directly stores the data in the QR code, which affects the density of the code’s pattern. Bigger data leads to more congested patterns prone to scanning errors.

Aside from that, the code provided by Google Chrome and Google Sheets doesn’t have customization options. You will have to use their default black-and-white template, which can be a setback for businesses that want their code to have more scans.

QR TIGER: An alternative QR code generator for Google Sheets

With QR TIGER, you can create a dynamic code that lets you enjoy more features than static QR codes can offer.

Dynamic QR codes store short URLs which redirect to your actual data. Since your data is not hard-coded on your QR code, you can change the data anytime. This allows you to use one QR code to share different Google Sheets at a time.

You can also replace the Google Sheet link in the QR code with another one, customize the code’s visual appearance, and add a password to your QR code to limit user accessibility.

How to generate a custom Google Sheets QR code using QR TIGER

To create a dynamic QR code from QR TIGER:

1. Go to the QR TIGER generator online and sign in to your account. Don’t have one? You can sign up for the freemium version; you’ll get three dynamic QR codes for free.
2. Click on the URL QR code solution.
3. Paste your Google Sheets link.
4. Hit the Generate QR code button.
5. Customize your QR code. You can add colors, modify the frame and eye shape, add a call-to-action tag, and a logo.
6. Test-scan your QR code on your device first
7. Download, print, and share your QR code.

Best practices when customizing your QR code for Google Sheets

Follow these helpful tips when creating and using a QR code to guarantee efficiency and readability.

Do not over customize

Customization can be overwhelming, especially when using a QR code generator with many custom features. This can help attract scanners, but it’s important not to overdo it.

You’re doing it wrong if the design or color choices compromise the code’s scannability. For a more scannable QR code, maintain proper contrast using a dark pattern and a light background.

Avoid using pastel colors, as scanners may find these colors difficult to detect. 

Also, do not use the same colors for both the pattern and the background; scanners won’t be able to identify the modules and eyes of your code, which is necessary to interpret the data.

Choose your colors wisely

You should always remember when choosing colors that the background must always be lighter than the pattern. Maintaining proper contrast will ensure its readability.

Also, never use the same colors for the pattern and background since the scanner won’t distinguish one from the other. These two are essential points when scanning Sheets QR codes.

It’s also not advisable to use pastel colors for your QR codes, as scanners might take time to scan your Google Sheets QR code due to difficulty detecting them.

Use a call to action

A compelling call to action will help users identify what to do with your QR code for Google Sheets. It can serve as a quick guide, especially for those who don’t know a thing about QR codes. 

You can use the pre-generated CTA or create your own. Ensure your CTA is direct to the point and expresses a sense of urgency to compel users to scan.

Use the appropriate QR code type

Assess what kind of data you are going to embed in your code. By now, you already know that a static QR code will become denser if your data’s huge.

So for a safer move, you can use a dynamic solution instead. It only stores short URLs, allowing it to hold huge amounts of data without affecting its pattern density. 

Print in high quality

Although there is no specific paper material where you must print your QR code for Google Sheets, just make sure you print it on flat, non-texture, matte-finished paper.

Glossy materials are also not advisable because they reflect light which might affect readability. 

Note also that each material has a specific printer and ink. For instance, Inkjet printers work best with regular matter papers. Considering the compatibility on medium-used will allow you to create quality and clear QR codes.

Why use QR TIGER for Google Sheets QR codes?

Here’s a list of reasons why you should use QR TIGER’s dynamic URL QR code:

Customization tools

QR TIGER has a wide range of customization tools that you can use to produce unique-looking QR codes. This allows you to be creative with your QR code.

You can redesign the typical black-and-white QR code by modifying the frame shapes and colors, changing the eye and pattern styles, and adding a logo and a call-to-action. 

Edit feature

You can use the dynamic QR codes’ edit feature, too. This will allow you to use one QR code for all your Sheets by quickly updating the embedded link on your account dashboard.

This can save you more time than generating a new code for another sheet. By just editing the embedded link, you won’t have to go over the QR code generation process again.

You don’t have to worry about the previously printed Google Sheets QR code because it will change in real-time.

Password

Google Sheets already have its access feature, allowing users to access the Sheets as viewers, commenters, or editors. This feature can help you control and manage users of your file.

But if you want another layer of security, the password feature can help you with that. You can add a password to your QR code, so anyone who scans your code can only access the sheet after inputting the correct password.

Save QR codes in high quality

After creating and customizing your QR code, you can generate it in PNG or SVG format.  

PNG is great for online posting since it requires no resizing. But if you plan on printing a QR code, SVG is the best choice. Since it’s vector-based, you can expand it to any size without affecting the image resolution.

What makes QR TIGER the best QR code generator?

QR TIGER makes the best partner in QR code generation, and here are some of the reasons why:

Comprehensive QR code solutions

QR TIGER has 20 QR code solutions for various data, ranging from URL, file, vCard, location, and more that you can choose from.

Among these are the social media QR and multi-URL QR codes. The social media QR code can store all your social platform links in one QR code, displaying them on a single landing page. 

Multi URL QR code, also known as a QR code for multiple redirections, is another excellent solution. It redirects scanners to different websites depending on these five factors: time of scanning, language, location of scanners, number of scans, and geo-fencing.

Static and dynamic QR code options

QR TIGER offers both static and dynamic QR codes, so you can choose the QR code type that matches your campaign, intent, or preferences.

Static QR codes are more favorable for permanent, usually one-time campaigns, while dynamic ones suit complex campaigns like advertising or marketing.

Bulk URL QR code generation

You can also create bulk URL QR codes in one go. QR TIGER generator offers a QR code generation of up to 3,000 custom URL QR codes.

This feature is very beneficial for those who need to generate more than one QR code for different links. It can save you time and lets you work fast with minimal effort.

Precise QR code tracking

The tracking feature lets you monitor valuable QR code metrics: the number of scans, time and date of scanning, location, and devices used in scanning.

QR TIGER also offers precise location tracking—it lets you identify the exact location of scanners, but only if they consent to provide their location data.

Advanced dynamic QR code features

Aside from editing and tracking, QR TIGER offers more advanced features for its dynamic URL, File, H5 page, and Google Form QR code solutions. These include edit, track, expiry, email notification, password-protect, and GPS tracking.

The edit feature lets you change the embedded link in your QR code anytime, while the tracking feature lets you monitor the scan analytics of your code.

The password-protect secures the data by requiring the correct password before the user can access the file.

You can set the expiry, too, of your QR code to control accessibility and opt to receive email notifications, depending on your chosen frequency: hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly.

Lastly, GPS tracking allows you to get the precise location of scanners; however, users must consent first to share their location.

It also has a geofencing feature that lets you set the boundaries of your QR code’s scanning zone.

Safe and secure

If you’re keen on data protection, QR TIGER has ISO-27001 certification and is GDPR compliant.  

This means that QR TIGER adheres to the guidelines and standards set by the International Organization for Standardization in safeguarding users’ data from all forms of harm.

Meanwhile, GDPR compliance means that QR TIGER abides by the data protection and privacy rules set by the European Union.

QR TIGER: The best QR code generator to use

If you’re looking for the best partner to help you create a custom QR code, not just for Google Sheets, the best you can have is QR TIGER.

It’s packed with lots of customization features that you can use to bring a splash of color and life to your plain old black-and-white QR codes.

And with its user-friendly interface, you can surely navigate into it swiftly even if you’re still a beginner. Over 850,000 brands worldwide trust QR TIGER, and you can be one of them too!

Visit QR TIGER today, create your own QR code for Google Sheets, and experience the ease of data sharing right at the tip of your fingers.