Sometimes you want a QR code that doesn't just open a webpage — you want it to trigger a download. A PDF document, an app installer, an image file, or any digital asset. Here's how to set it up.
How It Works
A QR code stores a URL. That URL can point to a file hosted online. When the phone opens the URL, the browser either displays the file (for PDFs and images) or prompts a download.
The behavior depends on the file type and the hosting. PDFs typically open in the browser's built-in PDF viewer. Images display in the browser. Other files (ZIP, DOCX, APK) usually trigger a download prompt.
Step by Step
1. Host the file online
Upload your file to cloud storage or your web server. The file must be accessible via a direct URL.
Google Drive. Upload → Share → "Anyone with the link can view" → Copy link. Google Drive shows a preview page; for direct download, modify the link: change /file/d/FILE_ID/view to /uc?export=download&id=FILE_ID.
Dropbox. Upload → Share → Copy link. Change dl=0 at the end to dl=1 for direct download.
Your web server. Upload the file and use the direct URL (e.g., yoursite.com/files/manual.pdf).
AWS S3, Cloudflare R2, or similar. Upload and set the file to public. Use the direct file URL.
2. Create the QR code
Paste the file URL into qree.app and generate your QR code.
3. Test
Scan the QR and confirm the file opens or downloads correctly on both iPhone and Android. PDF behavior varies — some phones preview in-browser, others download directly.
Common File Types
PDF. The most common download QR. Menus, manuals, catalogs, brochures, reports. Most phones open PDFs in the browser viewer. Users can save from there.
App (iOS/Android). Link to the App Store or Google Play listing. The store handles the download. For cross-platform, use a smart link or landing page. See our app download QR code guide.
Images. Link to a hosted image file. The phone opens it in the browser. Users can long-press to save. Useful for sharing high-resolution photos (event photos, product images).
Documents (DOCX, XLSX). Most phones don't have native viewers for Office formats. The file downloads and users need an app to open it. Consider converting to PDF for wider compatibility.
ZIP files. Download works on most phones, but extracting ZIP files requires a file manager app. Not the friendliest user experience — avoid if possible.
Tips
File size matters. Large files on mobile data are slow and frustrating. Keep PDFs under 5 MB. If the file is larger, compress it or link to a webpage with a download button (so users can choose when to download).
Use dynamic QR for versioned files. When you update the file (new version of the manual, updated price list), a dynamic QR lets you swap the file URL without reprinting. Every existing QR now points to the new version.
PDF over DOCX. For compatibility, PDF is always safer. Every phone can display a PDF. Not every phone has a Word viewer.
Direct download vs preview page. A direct download URL opens the file immediately. A page with a download button gives context first ("Product Manual v3.2 — Click to download"). The page approach is better for larger files or when context is needed.
Track downloads. Dynamic QR codes count scans — each scan approximates a download. For precise tracking, use a download page with analytics.
Create Your Download QR Code
Go to qree.app, paste the file URL, and generate your QR code.