Overview: Creating QR Codes in Excel

This document outlines two primary methods for generating QR codes directly in Microsoft Excel, utilizing Excel’s built-in features and Python integration.

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Method 1: Using the IMAGE Function with a Free API

Key Points

• No Add-ins Required: Utilizes Excel’s core IMAGE function.
• External Service: Relies on the free goqr.me API.
• Bulk Generation: Easily generate multiple QR codes by dragging down formula.
• Customization Available: Parameters such as size and color can be modified by referring to documentation.
• Implementation Steps:
  1. Prepare a list of links/data in Excel cells.
  2. Compose formula:

     =IMAGE("https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=" & [CellWithData])
     

  3. Use anchoring (F4) to fix the API URL reference for easy copying.
  4. Drag formula down to generate multiple QR codes.
• Limitations:
  • Depends on an external, non-Microsoft service.
  • Not as flexible as Python-based approach.

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Method 2: Using Python Integration in Excel (Excel 365)

Key Points

• Python Availability: Integrated into Excel 365; accessible through the Formulas tab (“Insert Python”).
• Library Needed: Requires the qrcode Python library (and optionally Pillow for advanced customization).
• Advantages:
  • Greater customization: Control color, error correction, size, and more.
  • Can create standard, colorful, or even fancy QR codes.

Basic Workflow

1. Import QR Code Library (one-time):

   import qrcode
   

   • Run via =PY(...Python code...) in Excel cell.

2. Generate Simple QR Code:

   qrcode.make([CellWithData]).show()
   

   • Use PY mode to execute inside Excel.
   • Resulting image can be inserted as an Excel value.

3. Generate Colorful QR Codes:

   • Reference cell values for colors (e.g., fill_color, back_color).
   • Example code:

     qr = qrcode.QRCode()
     qr.add_data([CellWithData])
     qr.make_image(fill_color=[CellWithFillColor], back_color=[CellWithBackColor]).show()
     

4. Batch Processing:

   • Place code/formulas inside an Excel table.
   • Drag down to auto-generate QR codes for multiple entries.

Advanced Customization (Fancy QR Codes)

• Use Pillow (Python Imaging Library):
  • Import Pillow to manipulate images.
  • Allows pixel-level customization (gradient, multi-color, etc.).
  • General steps:
    1. Create QR code with qrcode.
    2. Modify pixel colors using Pillow.
    3. Integrate into Excel via Python mode.

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Tips & Additional Notes

• Documentation: Further customization (e.g., size, color) available in respective API and library documentation.
• Excel Table Compatibility: All methods work within Excel tables; auto-fill formulas are supported.
• AI-Assisted Coding: For complex customizations, leveraging AI tools can simplify code generation.

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Summary Table

| Method | Requirements | Customization | Bulk Creation | Works in Table | Notes | |----------------|---------------------------|----------------------|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------| | IMAGE + API | Excel (IMAGE function) | Limited (via API) | Yes | Yes | Needs internet, external service | | Python (365) | Excel 365 + Python | High (color, style) | Yes | Yes | Python integration required |

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You can choose between a quick, formula-based approach (Method 1), or leverage Python for more advanced and colorful QR code generation (Method 2), right inside Excel.