Creating a QR code for a report in Power BI

QR codes in Power BI can connect anything in the real world directly to related BI information - no navigation or search needed.

You can create a QR code in the Power BI service for any report, even for a report you can't edit. Then you place the QR code in a key location. For example, you could paste it in an email, or print it out and place it in a specific location.

Colleagues can scan the QR code for access to the report, right from their mobile device. They can also scan a report QR code with the Power BI for mixed Reality app.

The Power BI mobile app supports QR codes with URLs query parameters, so you can create URLs with query parameters that will filter report data when the report opens. The QR code generated by the built-in Power BI QR code generator described in this article does not support URL query parameters. To create a QR code with URL query parameters, use an external generator.

Create a QR code for a report

1. Open a report in the Power BI service.
2. Select the dropdown caret next to?File, and select?Generate a QR code?from the menu.

3. A dialog box with the QR code appears.

4. From here you can scan the QR code or download and save it so you can:

• Add it to an email or other document, or
• Print it and place it in a specific location.

Print the QR code

Power BI generates the QR code as a JPG file, ready to print.

1. Select?Download, then open the JPG file on a computer connected to a printer.
2. The JPG file has the same name as the tile. For example, "Sales and Marketing Sample.jpg".
3. Print the file at 100% or “actual size”.
4. Cut out the QR code along its edge and glue it to a place relevant to the report.

Scan a Power BI QR code on your mobile device with the Power BI scanner

QR codes can be used to connect items in the real world directly to relevant BI information. When you scan a QR code that has been created for a Power BI report or dashboard tile, that report or tile will open directly - you won't have to navigate to it or search for it.

Say someone in your organization has created a QR code for a report that contains information about the conference rooms in your workplace and has posted it outside the conference rooms. Using the camera in the Power BI app, you can scan the QR code to open the report. If you don't have permissions to view the report, you'll be able to request access directly from the app.

The Power BI mobile app supports QR codes with URL query parameters. If the QR code for a report includes such parameters, the report will open filtered according to those parameters.

1. On the app header, tap the camera icon.
2. If your camera is not enabled, you'll need to allow the Power BI app to use the camera. This is a one-time operation.
3. When the scanner opens, point it at the Power BI QR code.
4. The report or tile will open directly. If you have an iOS device and are scanning a QR code for a tile, the tile won't open directly, but rather will appear to float over the background in augmented reality. Tap the floating tile to open it in focus mode.

Scan a QR code from an external scanner on your mobile device

1. From any scanner installed on your mobile device, point the scanner at the relevant Power BI QR code to immediately open the associated report or tile.
2. If the Power BI app isn't installed on your device, you'll be redirected to the Apple App Store (iOS) or to Google Play (Android) to download and install the app on your mobile device.