How to Generate a QR Code in Excel (Free Methods)

Method 1 — Online generator (fastest for one-off codes)

Open the [QR Code Generator](/generator/qr-code-generator), select the URL or text payload type, enter the value from your spreadsheet cell, and download the PNG. Insert the image into Excel via Insert → Pictures → This Device.

This is the quickest method for generating 1–5 QR codes. For bulk generation (10+ codes), use one of the methods below.

• Best for: 1–5 codes, any payload type
• Output: PNG or SVG image file
• Time: under 2 minutes per code

Method 2 — Free Excel add-in

Go to Insert → Get Add-ins and search for "QR4Office" or "QR Code Generator" in the Microsoft AppSource store. Several free add-ins are available that add a QR code pane directly inside Excel.

Once installed, select a cell value, open the add-in panel, and insert the QR code as an image next to the cell. This works well for inventory sheets, product catalogs, and event check-in lists where each row needs a unique QR code.

• Best for: 5–50 codes, column-by-column workflow
• Output: image inserted directly into spreadsheet
• Requires: Microsoft 365 or Excel 2016+

Method 3 — IMAGE formula with a QR API

[Excel's IMAGE function](https://support.microsoft.com/office/image-function-7e112975-5e52-4f2a-b9da-1d913d51f5d5) can display images from an HTTPS URL in Microsoft 365, Excel for the web, and newer Excel versions. Free QR code APIs return a QR image for data passed as a URL parameter, so you can combine the two into a formula.

In a new column next to your data, enter: =IMAGE("https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?size=150x150&data="&ENCODEURL(A2),"QR code") — replacing A2 with the cell containing your URL or text. Drag the formula down the column and each row gets its own live QR code image that updates when the source cell changes.

This method sends each cell value to the QR API provider as part of the image URL. Do not use it for private document links, customer data, internal URLs, tokens, or anything sensitive. Excel may also block external images, authenticated sources, redirected image URLs, or very long image URLs depending on your version and security settings.

• Best for: 50+ non-sensitive codes, dynamic data that may change
• Output: live image inside the cell, updates automatically
• Requires: Excel IMAGE function support and internet access

Which method should you use?

Use Method 1 (online generator) for occasional one-off QR codes where you want control over the format and error correction level.

Use Method 2 (add-in) for medium-volume projects where you want the QR codes embedded in the Excel file and do not want external API dependencies.

Use Method 3 (IMAGE formula) for large, non-sensitive data sets where the source values may change — the QR codes regenerate automatically as the cell data updates, but they depend on a third-party QR API.

Related QR resources

For browser-based QR batches that do not use a third-party image API, open the [QR Code Tools hub](/collections/qr-code-tools) and start with the Bulk QR Code Generator or the main QR Code Generator.

If your spreadsheet values are customer review links, read [How to Generate a Google Review QR Code](/blog/how-to-generate-a-google-review-qr-code). If they are payment contacts or private document links, also read [Are Free QR Code Generators Safe?](/blog/are-free-qr-code-generators-safe).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I generate QR codes in Excel without an internet connection?

Method 1 (online generator) and Method 3 (API formula) require internet. Method 2 (add-in) may work offline once installed, depending on the add-in. For fully offline bulk generation, consider a desktop QR generator application.

Can I bulk generate QR codes from a column of URLs in Excel?

Yes. For non-sensitive URLs, use Method 3: enter the IMAGE formula in the first row of a new column and drag it down alongside your URL column. For private or permanent QR images, use a browser-based bulk generator and embed the downloaded PNG files instead.

Are the QR codes generated by API formulas permanent?

They depend on the API staying live. For permanent codes that do not rely on a third-party API, download the QR images using the online generator and embed them as static images in the file.

Does the IMAGE formula send my Excel data to a third party?

Yes. The cell value is included in the QR image URL requested from the API provider. Do not use API formulas for private, internal, or customer-sensitive values.