The closest thing to a Google QR code generator
There is no separate Google QR code generator product. What Google does have is a QR code option in Chrome's share menu, which makes a code for the page you are on. Chrome on phones has a similar option in its share sheet.
Chrome's code is plain, has a dinosaur in the middle and comes with no design options. It is fine for passing a link to the phone in your hand. For anything printed or branded, a dedicated generator gives you more control.
How to create a QR code in Google Chrome
Chrome used to show this as a button in the address bar. The NeoReader QR extension brings back a one-click button, with styling and downloads.
- Open the page you want to share in Chrome.
- Open Chrome's menu with the three dots in the top right.
- Go to the share options (currently named Cast, save and share) and choose Create QR code. Menu names change between versions.
- Copy the code, or download it as a PNG.
QR codes for Google Drive, Forms, Maps and your Business Profile
The code holds only the link, so it keeps working as long as the file, form or page exists and sharing stays switched on.
For a PDF, menu or price list, a Google Drive link is often the simplest free way to share a file by QR code. Upload the file, set sharing to "Anyone with the link", and make the code from that link. If you later replace the file, use Drive's option to upload a new version of the same file rather than deleting it, so the link and the printed code stay the same.
- Google Drive file or folder: select Share, set General access to "Anyone with the link", copy the link and paste it above.
- Google Forms: select Send, choose the link option, copy the link and paste it above.
- Google Maps: open the place, select Share, copy the link, or use the Location type with map coordinates.
- Google Business Profile: copy the review link from your profile and turn it into a code for your counter or receipts.
Why use NeoReader instead of Chrome's QR code
Like Chrome's own option, NeoReader makes static codes: the link is stored in the code, with no redirect through our servers and no tracking of who scans it. Codes are generated in your browser, so your links stay on your device.
- Add your logo, colours, gradients and dot styles.
- Frames with a call to action label such as "Scan me".
- SVG and PDF for print, PNG up to print resolution.
- Wi-Fi, contact card, WhatsApp, calendar event and other content types.
- A live scan test with a warning when a design becomes unreliable.
- No account, no watermark, and codes that never expire.
