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Generate and validate bulk QR codes with Google Sheets and Google Drive

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1. Workflow Overview

This workflow allows you to generate QR codes (Barcodes) in bulk from a Google Sheets file and store the generated QR images automatically in Google Drive. Each QR code contains a unique identifier...

Best for

  • Document Extraction automation workflows
  • advanced n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.if, n8n-nodes-base.googledrive, n8n-nodes-base.splitinbatches, n8n-nodes-base.respondtowebhook, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.googlesheets

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Cahya.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Generate and validate bulk QR codes with Google Sheets and Google Drive
Workflow name
Generate and validate bulk QR codes with Google Sheets and Google Drive

This workflow allows you to generate QR codes (Barcodes) in bulk from a Google Sheets file and store the generated QR images automatically in Google Drive. Each QR code contains a unique identifier (in this template, an email address) and is connected to a validation webhook.

When a QR code is scanned, the webhook checks whether the ID exists and verifies its status. The system updates the spreadsheet to reflect whether the QR code has been generated and whether it has already been used.

This template demonstrates a simple but practical QR lifecycle system:

  • Generate QR codes in bulk from spreadsheet data

  • Store QR images in Google Drive

  • Validate QR scans through webhook

  • Track generation and usage status directly in the spreadsheet

Example use cases include event check-in systems, access control, membership validation, digital ticketing, or controlled asset distribution.

The workflow is designed to be modular, easy to customize, and suitable for real-world implementation.

How it works

  1. Set Up Google Sheets

Create a Google Sheets file with at least the following columns: email & status_qr.

The email column acts as the unique ID.

The status_qr column will automatically update to indicate:

  • QR_GENERATED
  • QR_USED

Make sure there are no duplicate email values.

  1. Set Up Credentials
  • Google Sheets Credential
  • Google Drive Credential

Connect your Google account. Copy the Spreadsheet & Folder ID and configure it in the node.

  1. Configure the QR Generator Workflow
  • Confirm the spreadsheet and sheet name are correctly selected.
  • Ensure the workflow checks the status_qr column before generating a QR code.
  • Only rows with empty status_qr will generate new QR codes.
  • Generated QR images will be uploaded automatically to the configured Google Drive folder.
  • The status_qr column will be updated to indicate that the QR has been generated.
  • Run the workflow to generate QR codes in bulk.
  1. Configure the Validation Webhook
  • Set the workflow to activate.
  • Ensure the webhook URL matches the base URL embedded in the QR codes.

When a QR code is scanned:

  • The system extracts the email (ID).
  • It checks whether the email exists in the spreadsheet.
  • It verifies whether the QR has already been used. If valid, it updates status_qr to reflect usage.

Need Help?

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1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - When clicking ‘Execute workflow’

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger - manualTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Sticky Note

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - Not used?

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.if - if
Config choices
Version 2.2

Block 4 - Sticky Note1

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 5 - Sticky Note5

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 6 - Upload file

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

Block 7 - Loop Over Items

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.splitInBatches - splitInBatches
Config choices
Version 3

Block 8 - Sticky Note2

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Sticky Note6

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 10 - Sticky Note3

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 11 - Not Valid

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook - respondToWebhook
Config choices
Version 1.1

Block 12 - QR Generator

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.2

Block 13 - Update QR used

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 4.5

Block 14 - QR ID Already Used

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook - respondToWebhook
Config choices
Version 1.1

Block 15 - QR OK

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook - respondToWebhook
Config choices
Version 1.1

Block 16 - Get List

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 4.7

Block 17 - Get List ID

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 4.5

Block 18 - Check is generated?

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.if - if
Config choices
Version 2.2

Block 19 - Update Row Status QR Generated

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 4.7

Block 20 - Check ID Exists

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.if - if
Config choices
Version 2.2

Block 21 - QR Validation Webhook

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.webhook - webhook
Config choices
Version 2

Block 22 - Extract ID from Webhook

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.4

Block 23 - Prepare Status Update

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.4

Block 24 - Sticky Note4

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

3. Summary Table

Workflow Generate and validate bulk QR codes with Google Sheets and Google Drive
Complexity advanced
Nodes 24
Categories Document Extraction
Author Cahya
Published 13 Feb 2026

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/13363/13363.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Generate and validate bulk QR codes with Google Sheets and Google Drive do?

This workflow allows you to generate QR codes (Barcodes) in bulk from a Google Sheets file and store the generated QR images automatically in Google Drive. Each QR code contains a unique identifier...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Document Extraction use case.