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ballyd
Participant
August 24, 2013
Answered

Generating QR code in Illustrator

  • August 24, 2013
  • 19 replies
  • 471873 views

Why has Adobe not seen it fit to include a QR code generator in Illustrator? Currently, getting QR code "images" into Illustrator is a pain in the a##. Adobe please wake up.

Correct answer Anubhav M

Hello @strongmtn,
 

Thanks for reaching out. Could you please try using the link below to generate QR codes via Adobe Express, download them as SVG files, and share your observations?

https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator


Thanks,
Anubhav

19 replies

barbara_a7746676
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 25, 2026

Good idea. InDesign has had that feature for ages. Seems like Adobe could easily incorporate it into Illustrator.

strongmtn
Participant
February 24, 2026

Sadly Adobe has killed this link. You can find it with a search in express but no more svg download. 🙄

Anubhav M
Community Manager
Anubhav MCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
Community Manager
February 24, 2026

Hello @strongmtn,
 

Thanks for reaching out. Could you please try using the link below to generate QR codes via Adobe Express, download them as SVG files, and share your observations?

https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator


Thanks,
Anubhav

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 7, 2025

This is a free extension that creates codes:

https://exchange.adobe.com/apps/cc/108905/qr-code-maker-ii

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
CathDesign
Participating Frequently
November 7, 2025

I fully agree ! 

Currently, for me, the steps are the following:

1. create the link in a UTM generator 

2. open InDesign

3. create a new doc

4. paste the link in the QR code generator

5. copy the QR code

6. paste it in Illustator

7. group it

8. merge the QR Code eyes

9. remove the unnecessary anchor points

10. make round corners to the eyes

11. select all QR code items except the eyes

12. give them round corners

13. draw an ellipsis in the center

14. put a logo in the center

 

This takes AGES and I have to do it nearly once a day !!! If I could at least avoid the InDesign part, that would be GREAT help. 

Participant
January 28, 2024

The Adobe Express one will not generate with custom colors. Best to just open InDesign and use the well-built QR code generator there. This will allow you to export an EPS to use in Illustrator. Why this isn't in Illustrator is a mystery to me. 

Participating Frequently
November 8, 2023

You can use adobe in design. Object/Generate QR Code.

strongmtn
Participant
April 18, 2023
Inspiring
April 3, 2025

Be careful! Adobe Express creates such links in its qr codes!

https://go.adobe.io/url/xyz

 

tonyharmer
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 28, 2022

If you also have InDesign, this feature is built-in! You can then copy/paste into Illustrator.

 

🙂

 

Participant
March 8, 2022

s

paniaguawebb
Participant
February 23, 2022

Hi, I´ve been using Indesing QR generator, it works great even with variable data (data merge tool).  Let me know ifyou need an example.

Participant
March 2, 2022

Hello,

I would LOVE to know how to do this. I have about 500 pages I need to make with a different QR code for each one. If there's a way to do this programmatically I'd love it. I use Illustrator currently, but if I can generate that file in the proper spot on the page in Indesign I'm happy to switch.

 

Thanks!

 

James