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How to Add a QR Code to a Microsoft Access Report for Free

Maira Mehtab Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

A user needs a free method to add two-dimensional QR barcodes to a Microsoft Access report without purchasing expensive commercial components.

How to Add a QR Code to a Microsoft Access Report for Free

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating database reports for a nonprofit sports organization that require embedded QR codes.
Observed behavior: Looking for cost-effective alternatives to paid commercial add-ins for integrating QR code generation directly into Access reports.

Before you start

Ensure you have design access to the Microsoft Access report you wish to modify and verify that your organization's IT policy allows the use of open-source command-line tools or third-party web APIs.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Online QR-Generation API

An online API allows you to dynamically generate QR code images on your Access report by simply passing your data through a URL.

This is the simplest method if your database has internet access. By using an Image control in your report, you can set the Control Source to fetch the QR code directly from a free API provider.

Identify a Free QR API

Find a free online QR generation service or API. Review their terms of service and privacy policy to ensure they meet your organization's standards.

Add an Image Control

Open your Microsoft Access report in Design View. Insert an Image control into the section where you want the QR code to appear.

Set the Control Source

In the properties sheet of the Image control, set the Control Source to an expression that dynamically builds the API URL using data from your report fields (e.g., ="https://api.example.com/qr?data=" & [YourFieldName]).

Data Privacy Warning: Be cautious when sending sensitive or personally identifiable data to online QR code generators. Online APIs are best suited for public data like website URLs.

Solution 2

Integrate an Open-Source Library (Like QR-RS)

Use a free, open-source command-line library to generate QR codes locally without relying on external web services.

Solution 3

Embed a Free ActiveX Control

ActiveX controls can be directly embedded into your Access forms and reports for native offline QR code generation.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Free Data Management Solution? Try WPS Office

While Microsoft Access requires a paid subscription, you can handle most data management, reporting, and QR code generation needs seamlessly using WPS Spreadsheets. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing spreadsheet to manage your data.
2. Access the QR Code Tool: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Picture', and select 'Barcode/QR Code'.
3. Generate the QR Code: Input your data or reference a specific cell, adjust the size settings, and click 'OK' to instantly generate and embed a QR code without any third-party add-ins.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and Word (.docx) formats.Includes a built-in, free Barcode and QR Code generator directly within Spreadsheets.Lightweight and completely free for standard use, perfect for nonprofits and small organizations.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for users switching from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I generate a QR code in Access without an internet connection?

Yes, you can generate QR codes entirely offline by using a local open-source command-line tool (such as QR-RS) triggered via VBA, or by installing and registering a free local ActiveX control.

Is it safe to use online APIs for generating QR codes in my business reports?

It depends heavily on the data being encoded. If the data is public (like website links or generic product codes), online APIs are perfectly safe. However, you should strictly avoid sending sensitive, confidential, or personally identifiable information through unverified third-party APIs.

Why is my installed ActiveX QR control not showing up in Microsoft Access?

The ActiveX control may not be properly registered in Windows, or there could be a bitness mismatch. For example, if you are using a 64-bit version of Microsoft Access, a 32-bit ActiveX control will not appear in the Insert ActiveX Control menu.

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