How to Create a QR Code Log Matrix with Microsoft Forms
Question details
The user wants to set up a log matrix using Microsoft Forms to collect weekly QR code scans, submission dates, and inventory information, and then export this data to Excel.

- Product
- Microsoft Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Tracking weekly inventory and submission data by having colleagues scan a QR code to fill out a matrix.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Forms needs to be configured to act as a log matrix, but it lacks a built-in QR code generator to distribute the form.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft account to create the form, and open a reliable web-based QR code generator in a separate tab, as Microsoft Forms does not natively generate QR codes.
Generate a QR Code for Your Microsoft Form
Since Microsoft Forms lacks a built-in QR generator, you will need to build the form, copy its link, and use an external QR code generator for distribution.
To successfully create a log matrix, you must first design the data collection fields in Microsoft Forms. Once the form is ready, you can convert its sharing link into a QR code so colleagues can quickly scan and log their weekly inventory.
Log in to Microsoft Forms, click 'New Form', and add necessary fields such as Date, Inventory Item, and Quantity. This will serve as your digital log matrix.
Click the 'Collect responses' or 'Send' button located in the top right corner of the screen, and copy the provided URL for your form.
Open a trusted third-party QR code generator website. Paste the copied Microsoft Forms URL into the generator and click 'Create QR Code'.
Download the generated QR code image. You can now print this QR code and place it near your inventory or share it digitally for colleagues to scan with their mobile devices.
As colleagues submit their logs, navigate to the 'Responses' tab in your Microsoft Form and click 'Open in Excel' to download and review the matrix data.

Analyze Your Matrix Data Seamlessly with WPS Office
After exporting your Microsoft Forms responses, you can use WPS Office to open, analyze, and format your Excel (.xlsx) file. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and entirely free solution for managing your log matrices and inventory spreadsheets.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft Forms generate a unique QR code for each inventory item?
No, Microsoft Forms generates a single URL for the entire form. If you need distinct tracking for different items, you must use an external generator to create separate QR codes that perhaps link to uniquely pre-filled URLs, or ask the user to select the item manually within the form.
Why can't respondents submit the form multiple times?
By default, your form might be restricted to a single submission. To fix this, open your form in Microsoft Forms, go to Settings (the three dots in the top right), and uncheck the 'One response per person' option so colleagues can submit weekly logs.
Do my colleagues need a Microsoft account to scan and submit the form?
It depends on your form settings. If you select 'Anyone can respond' under the 'Send and collect responses' menu, colleagues can scan the QR code and fill out the matrix without needing to sign in to a Microsoft account.




