A Google Form code turns a poster, a table card or a slide into a way to answer: sign-ups, feedback, RSVPs, quizzes, orders. The code holds the link to your form, nothing else, so it works for as long as the form does and costs nothing to keep.
The one thing that goes wrong, again and again, is the link itself. This page checks it for you before you print.
Step 1: Get the link people can fill in
- Open your form in Google Forms and press Send at the top right.
- Choose the link tab (the chain icon).
- Tick Shorten URL. You get a link like
forms.gle/AbC123xYz. - Press Copy and paste it into the box above.
The short link makes a smaller, simpler code than the long docs.google.com/forms/d/e/.../viewform address. Both open the same form.
The mistake to avoid: the edit link
The address in your browser bar while you build the form ends in /edit. That is your editing page. Someone who scans a code made from it does not get the form: they see a sign-in screen or a request for access. It looks like a working code on your own phone, because you are signed in as the owner, which is why it so often reaches the printer.
If you paste an edit link above, we stop and say so. Use the link from the Send button instead.
Three settings to check before printing
- Accepting responses. In the Responses tab the switch must be on. A form that is closed still opens, but only shows your closing message.
- Who can answer. Forms made in a work or school account are often limited to people in that organisation. Under Settings, then Responses, turn that limit off if the public should answer, or strangers will be asked to sign in with an account they do not have.
- Limit to one response. This asks everyone to sign in to a Google account. Leave it off unless you really need it, because each sign-in prompt loses people.
Prefilled answers for each table, room or event
Google Forms can fill in an answer through the link. Open the three dot menu, choose Get pre-filled link, fill in the answer (for example the table number), and copy the link it gives you. Make one code per table or room, and every response arrives already labelled. The bulk generator makes a whole set from a list of links.
Prefilled links are longer, so their codes are denser. Watch the print size under the code and test the smallest copy.
Test it the way a stranger would
Scan the printed code with a phone that is not signed in to your Google account, or open the link in a private browser window. If you see the form ready to fill in, it works. If you see a sign-in page or "You need permission", go back to the settings above.
Where form codes earn their place
- Feedback at the till or table. A short form with three questions gets more answers than a long survey link in an email.
- Event sign-ups and RSVPs on posters and invitations.
- Classroom quizzes and attendance, shown on a slide.
- Orders and requests where a full shop would be too much.
Put a sentence next to the code that says what happens after the scan, such as "Scan to tell us how we did, 30 seconds". People scan more when they know the cost.
Common questions
Will the code stop working if I edit the form?
No. The link stays the same while you add or change questions, so the printed code keeps working. It stops only if you delete the form or stop accepting responses.
Can I see how many people scanned it?
The form shows how many people answered, which is the number that matters. To count scans as well, you need a dynamic code, which routes the scan through a service first.
Does this work with Microsoft Forms or Typeform?
Yes. Paste the share link of any form. We point out that it is not a Google Forms link, and the code works the same way.
Does anyone at QRotto see my form link?
No. The code is drawn in your browser and the link is not sent to us.