How to Make a QR Code for a File or Folder in Your Google Drive

With almost a billion daily users, Google Drive is undoubtedly the most popular tool for storing and sharing files and folders. And the reason behind this widespread usage of Google Drive is fairly easy to understand.

It is easy to use and convenient since anyone can access Google Drive files and folders anytime, anywhere. Moreover, Google Drive acts as a versatile storage option as it can hold various types of files—documents, PDFs, images, and videos.

However, it is not very user-friendly when sharing files directly from Google Drive. This is because you need to copy and present the URL every single time you wish to share your files with someone.

Instead, you can create a QR Code for your file or folder in Google Drive to easily share the code with people. Upon scanning, users can view the linked file or folder and engage at their convenience. And when you use a dynamic QR Code, you can track user engagement with your files, providing you the opportunity to measure the results of your efforts.

Below are a few quick and simple ways to make a QR Code for a Google Drive file or folder.

Table of contents

#1 What is a Google Drive QR Code?

#2 How to generate a QR Code for Google Drive

a. Method 1: Create a URL QR Code for your file or folder in Google Drive 

b. Method 2: Connect Beaconstac with Zapier to automate Google Drive QR Code creation

#3 Can you generate Google Drive QR Codes in bulk?

#4 Why should you choose Beaconstac for creating Google Drive QR Codes?

What is a Google Drive QR Code?

A Google Drive QR Code is a type of QR Code that, upon scanning, directs users to a shared file or folder located in Google Drive.

How to generate a QR Code for a file or folder in Google Drive

Method 1: Create a URL QR Code for your file or folder in Google Drive 

A URL QR Code for Google Drive is a type of QR Code that helps you convert any URL to a QR Code. When scanned, the user is redirected to that file or folder URL in Google Drive.

STEP 1: Go to the file you wish to share on Google Drive. Click on ‘Share’.

STEP 2: Change the ‘General access’ to ‘Anyone with the link’.

STEP 3: Click on ‘Copy link’. Then, click ‘Done’.

STEP 4: Go to the Beaconstac dashboard and click on ‘+Create QR Code’ at the top right corner of your screen. 

STEP 5: Select ‘Website’ from the list of dynamic QR Code campaign types.

STEP 6: Paste the Google Drive link in the box provided. Click ‘Next’.

STEP 7: Customize your QR Code. When you’re done, click ‘Next’.

STEP 8: Name and save your QR Code, and download it in the format of your choice: PDF, EPS, SVG, etc.

That’s it! A QR Code to share a file or folder in your Google Drive is now ready.

Method 2: Connect Beaconstac with Zapier to automate Google Drive QR Code creation

Why should you use Zapier for generating Google Drive QR Codes?

With Zapier, you do not need to manually create a QR Code every time a new file or folder is added to your Google Drive. By integrating Beaconstac with Google Drive through Zapier, you can automatically make a Google Drive QR Code for such a scenario.

Connect Beaconstac and Zapier

STEP 1: Log in to the Beaconstac dashboard. Click on ‘Integrations’ from the left panel. Choose Zapier.

STEP 2: Click on ‘Connect’.

Make a note of the API Key and Organization ID as it will be used later while creating a Zap.

Step 3: Click on ‘Accept Invite & Build a Zap’.

Now that Beaconstac is connected with Zapier, you can log in to your account and create Zaps that will automate Google Drive file sharing.

How to create a Zap to automate QR Code creation for files or folders in Google Drive

Once you integrate Google Drive with Beaconstac via Zapier, you’ll discover several Zaps that can help you automate QR Code creation for your files or folders in Google Drive.

Zaps are simple, automated workflows that link your apps and services together. There is a trigger (if this happens) and an action (do this) involved in every Zap. As soon as the Zap is activated, the corresponding action steps will be carried out each time the trigger event occurs.

Below are 3 triggers you can use to automate QR Code creation.

Trigger number 1: When a new file is added to Google Drive -> Create a dynamic QR Code

With this trigger, a dynamic QR Code will be automatically created in your Beaconstac dashboard whenever a new file is added to any Google Drive folder.

Here’s how to do it:

Configure your Trigger event: New File in Google Drive

1. Choose app and event: Select ‘Google Drive’ and ‘New File’.
2. Choose account: Connect your Google account.
3. Set up trigger: Select ‘My Google Drive’ under ‘Drive’ and click on ‘Continue’.
4. Test the trigger.

Configure your Action event: Create a Dynamic QR Code in Beaconstac

1. Choose app and event: Select ‘Beaconstac’ and ‘Create Dynamic QR Code’.
2. Choose account: Sign in and connect your Beaconstac account. Enter the API Key and Organization ID saved earlier.
3. Set up action: Fill in the QR Code Name, ID, Design (enter manually or select from templates), Campaign Type (1 – Website), and Website URL.
4. Test the action: Check if your Zap works.

Publish your Zap

It’s time to publish your Zap. This starts the process of dynamic QR Code generation as new files are added to your Google Drive. 

Click ‘Publish Zap’.

Trigger number 2: When a new file is added to a specific folder in Google Drive -> Create a static QR Code

With this trigger, Beaconstac will automatically make a static QR Code each time a new file is added to a specific Google Drive folder. 

Here’s how it works:

Configure your Trigger event: New File in Folder in Google Drive

1. Choose app and event: Select ‘Google Drive’ and ‘New File in Folder’.
2. Choose account: Connect your Google account.
3. Set up trigger: Select ‘My Google Drive’ under ‘Drive’ and choose the specific folder. Then, click on ‘Continue’.
4. Test the trigger.

Configure your Action event: Create a Static QR Code in Beaconstac

1. Choose app and event: ‘Beaconstac’ and ‘Create Static QR Code’.
2. Choose account: Connect your Beaconstac account.
3. Set up action: Fill in the QR Code Name, ID, Design (enter manually or select from templates), Campaign Type (1 – Website), and Website URL.
4. Test the action: Check if your Zap works.

Publish your Zap

Now that you’ve tested your trigger and action, it’s time to publish your Zap. This begins the process of static QR Code generation as new files are added to a specific folder in your Google Drive. 

Click ‘Publish Zap’.

Check out the difference between static and dynamic QR Codes

Trigger number 3: When a new folder is added to your Google Drive -> Update the dynamic QR Code

With this trigger, Beaconstac will automatically update a dynamic QR Code every time a new subfolder is added to an existing folder in your Google Drive.

Configure your Trigger event: New Folder in Google Drive

1. Choose app and event: Select ‘Google Drive’ and ‘New Folder in Google Drive’.
2. Choose account: Connect your Beaconstac account.
3. Set up trigger: Select the specific folder where new subfolders will be added. Then, click on ‘Continue’.
4. Test the trigger.

Configure your Action event: Update Dynamic QR Code in Beaconstac

1. Choose app and event: ‘Beaconstac’ and ‘Update dynamic QR Code’.
2. Choose Account: Connect your Beaconstac account.
3. Set up action: Fill in the QR Code Name, the ID of the dynamic QR Code you want to update, Design (enter manually or select from templates), Campaign Type (1 – Website), and Website URL.
4. Test the action: Check if your Zap works.

Publish your Zap

It’s time to publish your Zap. This begins the process of updating the selected dynamic QR Code as new subfolders are added to a specific folder in your Google Drive.

Click ‘Publish Zap’.

Can you generate Google Drive QR Codes in bulk?

What if you need hundreds or thousands of Google Drive QR Codes in a short period of time? 

With Beaconstac’s bulk QR Code generator, you can create up to 2,000 QR Codes in less than 5 minutes. This is the perfect solution when you need thousands of QR Codes but you’re in a pinch.

Here’s how it works:

STEP 1: Log in to your Beaconstac dashboard and click on the ‘QR Codes’ button in the left panel.

Then, select ‘Bulk Upload’.

Now, you can choose to create either static or dynamic QR Codes in bulk. You can also choose from an array of use cases for your QR Code. For this example, we’ll create a batch of dynamic QR Codes linked to different web pages.

STEP 2: Upload QR Code data.

After choosing the QR Code type you wish to create, you will need to upload the data for your QR Codes.

You can do this by inputting details for your QR Codes into Beaconstac’s pre-defined spreadsheet template.

If you haven’t already downloaded our template, click the ‘Download‘ button as highlighted.

This will prompt a download of our template in .csv and .xlsx formats. 

Upon opening the downloaded file, you will see the following spreadsheet.

Beaconstac’s template for bulk URL QR Code creation is made up of 3 columns: Name, URL, and Frame Text. You can alter these columns according to your needs and preferences. 

Once you’re done altering, return to the bulk upload page and upload your spreadsheet in the ‘Upload your data’ section.

Note that the spreadsheet needs to be in .csv or .xlsx format.

STEP 3: Customize the QR Code batch.

STEP 4: Label your batch for easy identification. Click ‘Apply‘.

STEP 5: Submit a request for bulk QR Code creation.

You will receive an email to your registered email to view the generated QR Code batch once it is ready.

You can also check out the complete list of our QR Code generator pricing.

Why should you choose Beaconstac for creating a Google Drive QR Code?

Beaconstac’s QR Code generator is easy to use

With Beaconstac, you get an easy-to-use and intuitive platform that helps you create a Google Drive QR Code within minutes.

P.S. Beaconstac is rated 9.7/10 for Ease of Use and 9.8/10 for Ease of Setup on G2.

Beaconstac is the most secure QR Code solution

Beaconstac’s QR Code generator offers best-in-class security features: SOC 2® Type 2 certified, GDPR compliant, URL-based phishing detection, SSO login, custom domain/URL, multi-factor authentication, etc., to protect your data.

Beaconstac offers excellent customer support

When using any software, technical concerns can happen anytime, anywhere. This is why you need a QR Code provider with great customer support. Beaconstac is rated 9.5 for customer support in G2. 

Below are some testimonials from real customers.

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You get high-quality QR Codes with Beaconstac at all times

The creation of error-free QR Codes requires a reliable platform that goes above and beyond to ensure quality every step of the way. Beaconstac’s scannability checker notifies you of your QR Code’s scannability in real-time. It also gives you customization tips on how to fix scannability issues, if any.

Create QR Codes for Google Drive files or folders with Beaconstac

Now you know how to make a QR Code for files or folders in Google Drive. Feel free to explore the possibilities! With Beaconstac, you can create a QR Code for any image, document, video, or form inside your Google Drive for quick and easy file sharing.

• Author Details

Author Details

Liberty B

Enthusiastic about marketing and improving the ROI of businesses.

https://blog.beaconstac.com/

[email protected]