Sharing a long, complicated URL from your desktop browser to a mobile device usually involves emailing the link to yourself or relying on third-party URL shorteners. To streamline this process, Google Chrome includes a built-in QR code generator that instantly converts any active tab’s URL into a scannable barcode, allowing you to instantly open the page on your smartphone or tablet using its camera.
How to Generate a QR Code for the Active Webpage
The QR code generator is natively integrated into the Google Chrome Omnibox (address bar), meaning you do not need to install any external extensions to use it.
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to the webpage you want to share.
- Click once inside the address bar at the top of the browser window. The URL will highlight in blue.
- On the far right side of the address bar, an icon resembling a small square with four corners will appear. Hover over it to see the Create QR Code for this page tooltip.
- Click the QR code icon.
- A small pop-up window will appear displaying a unique QR code with the classic Google dinosaur in the centre.
You can immediately scan this code right off your computer monitor using the camera app on any iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
How to Download or Edit the QR Code
The Chrome QR generator is not just for immediate on-screen scanning. You can also download the code to embed in presentations, flyers, or documents.
- With the QR code pop-up open, click the Download button beneath the image.
- The barcode will be saved to your default Downloads folder as a high-resolution PNG file.
Additionally, the text field below the QR code in the pop-up is fully editable. If you want to direct users to a specific anchor link on the page, or add UTM tracking parameters for marketing purposes, you can manually type or paste text into the box. As you type, the QR code image will dynamically regenerate in real time to reflect your new custom string.