How to Create a QR Code for Google Sheets? | Google Sheets QR Code Generator

In this article, we will cover the basics on Google Sheets and Google Sheets QR code. We will also go over how to obtain a Google Sheets URL, how to create a Google Sheets QR code and how does it work? We will also look at the applications of Google Sheets QR code. 

What is Google Sheets? 

Google Sheets is a free web tool to create and edit spreadsheets, a part of the free Google Drive service. Like Excel, this application allows users to create and format various types of data. Additionally, it offers a visual tracking of changes and communication within the sheets. 

Google Sheets is accessible from a computer or mobile device web browser, and no special software is required. It is also available as a mobile app on iOS and Android devices. An internet connection and a Google account are required to access Google Sheets.  Every change in a Google spreadsheet is automatically saved, guaranteeing no data loss. There’s no fear of forgetting to hit the save button. Also, even when there is a sudden Internet connection error, editors can still make changes to the Google Sheets offline. 

Google Sheets also facilitates real-time editing, meaning many people can work on the spreadsheet at one time instead of having to send a file to and fro repeatedly. You can also restrict editing access to only certain people to protect your sheets while still giving view or comment access, allowing people to read your data. 

What is a Google Sheets QR Code? 

When you scan a QR code for Google Sheets, the Google Sheets file encoded in the QR code will load on your device. You must have a Google account to access the Google Sheets file. A Google Sheets QR code can be created with a QR code generator. 

How to Obtain Google Sheets URL? 

You would need to obtain the Google Sheets URL before making a QR code for Google Sheets. 

Computer 

Step 1 – Click on ‘Share’  

On Google Sheets, go to ‘File’ and click on ‘Share’. 

Step 2 – Click on the ‘Copy link’ Button 

On the ‘Get link’ pop-up, click on ‘Copy link’ to copy the URL. 

You can also set the link parameters as ‘Restricted’ or ‘Anyone with the link’. 

The default is ‘Restricted’ where only people added can open with this link. That means when someone scans the QR code, they would need to seek permission to access the file. If you change to ‘Anyone with the link’, then anyone with this link can access the file and no permission is required. 

Mobile 

Step 1 – Tap on the Three Horizontal Dots Icon 

On the Google Sheets app, select the file you want to share and tap on the three horizontal dots icon on the top right. 

Step 2 – Click on the ‘Copy Link’ Button 

On the pop-up menu, tap on ‘Share and export’, followed by ‘Copy link’ to copy the URL. 

The default is ‘Restricted’ where only people added can open with this link. That means when someone scans the QR code, they would need to seek permission to access the file. You can also set the link parameters to ‘Anyone with the link’ where anyone can access the file and no permission is required. You can change this by tapping on ‘Manage people and links’. 

How to Make a QR Code for Google Sheets? 

You can generate a Google Sheets QR code for your requirements using our free QR code generator: 

Step 1 – Enter the URL 

On our QR code generator’s ‘Link’ tab, paste the URL into the empty field. 

Step 2 – Customize the QR Code (Optional) 

You can customize your QR code with the following options:  

Colors – Colors for the background and foreground can be specified. You may use the hex code color picker to get a particular color. 

Design – Choose a pattern for your QR code. The markers at the corners of the QR code can also be customized. 

Logo – You can choose to upload your own logo or select from the pre-existing images. 

Frame – Add a frame, including a label. For example, you can type in “Scan Now’ in Sans Serif font. 

Option – Edit the size and precision of the QR code. By default, it’s set to 600 and medium. 

Step 3 – Download the QR Code 

You can save the QR code as a PNG or SVG file or print it if your device is linked to a printer. It is a good practice to scan your QR code to ensure it works correctly before using it. 

How Does a QR Code for Google Sheets Work? 

When the user scans the Google Sheets QR code using an iOS or Android device’s camera, the Google Sheets app will launch on their device. Google Sheets will load in the browser if the user does not have the Google Sheets app installed on their device. If the camera is unable to read the QR code, the user must download and install a third-party QR code reader to scan the QR code. 

If you designate the Google Sheets file as ‘restricted’ during the configuration, the user will be prompted to request authorization to access it. They will have access to the Google Sheets file once consent is granted by the file’s owner. If you configure it to ‘anyone with the link’ during setup, the user will have immediate access. 

In any case, Google account is required to access the Google Sheets document. 

Applications for Google Sheets QR Code 

While it is possible to use conventional ways to share Google Sheets online, QR codes are undoubtedly handy when it comes to sharing access offline due to their convenience. Considering the task of sharing Google Sheets at an event, listing the Google Sheet URL on the screen or poster is too cumbersome. It’s a hassle for users to type every single character in the URL of the Google Sheet. Instead, you can save their day by using a QR code for Google Sheets, so they can scan in seconds and have instant access.  

QR codes are ideal when sharing Google Sheets access in schools, companies or organizations, as well as during conferences and seminars. During a meeting or seminar, the speaker might need to share access to some valuable data in Google Sheets. So as a substitute to a long URL, a QR code can be displayed on the slides. Even attendees sitting at the end of the room would be able to scan the QR code, as mobile phone allows for zooming. 

Google Sheets QR Code Generator 

With our QR code generator, you do not need to be a professional designer or developer to create a variety of QR codes (URL, text, vCard, and more). Our free QR code generator has a plethora of options that will assist you in creating and designing your QR code. After you’ve created it, all that’s left is for you to download your QR code free of charge.