Update a Menu Without Reprinting the QR Code

Quick answer: a QR code stores a web address, not the menu. If the address stays the same, you can swap the PDF behind it any time. With SharePDF, use Replace file and the link, and so the QR code, keeps working.

Why it works

The QR code holds the link. The link points to a file. Changing the file does not change the link. The problem is tools that create a new link for each upload, which forces a reprint.

Steps in SharePDF

Edit your menu and export a new PDF.
Open the menu PDF in your dashboard.
Choose Replace file and select the new PDF. It must be a PDF.
Open the link and check it on your phone.

Things to know:

The old file is deleted. There is no version history or rollback, so keep your own copy of the previous menu.
The view count carries over.
The file name stays unless you choose to change it.
Public cached copies are purged after replacement.

See replace a PDF without changing the link.

What changes and what does not

Item	After replace
Link and QR code	Same
Custom slug	Same
Embed on your website	Shows new file
Printed table cards	Still scan
View count	Carries over

Good habits

Name your own files with dates, like menu-2026-11.pdf, so you know which is current.
Test after every change, on a phone not connected to your Wi-Fi.
If you run seasonal menus, replace the same PDF rather than making a new one.
Keep file size under your plan limit: 5 MB free, 25 MB Pro, 50 MB Max.

When you do need a new code

If you move to a different link or domain, printed codes need updating. If you use a custom domain, links on a removed domain keep redirecting only while its DNS still points to SharePDF. Plan for that before you drop a domain.

A worked example

A restaurant prints 40 table tents in January. In March the price of the lunch special rises.

The owner edits the menu file and exports a new PDF.
In the SharePDF dashboard, she chooses Replace file on the menu PDF and selects the new one.
She scans a table tent with her phone. It shows the new price.
She saves a copy of the old menu in her own folder, since SharePDF keeps no version history.

No reprint, no new QR code, no change on the website or Google profile.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Still seeing the old menu	The phone cached the page	Reload, or open in a private tab
Replace failed	The new file is not a PDF, or it is over your plan limit	Export a PDF, compress it, or upgrade
Wrong menu replaced	Two PDFs with similar names	Check the file name before confirming
Link changed	You uploaded a new PDF instead of replacing	Re-point the QR, or replace the original file

Keep a change log

Since the old file is deleted, keep a folder with dated copies like menu-2026-03.pdf. If a replacement goes wrong, you can re-upload the earlier one.

Seasonal menus

For menus that change by season, use the same PDF all year and replace it each time. For events or a one-off tasting menu, a second PDF with its own link works well, and the free plan allows two active PDFs. Add a paid plan if you need more.

FAQ

Can I keep two menus, like lunch and dinner?

Use two PDFs with two links, or one combined menu. The free plan allows 2 active PDFs.

Will diners see the old menu for a while?

SharePDF purges public cached copies on replacement. Phones that already loaded the page may show it until reloaded.

Can I undo a replace?

No. Keep a copy of the old file.

Does replacing reset my analytics?

No, the view count carries over.

Does the QR code change if I replace the PDF?

No. The code stores the link, which stays the same.

Can a customer still see yesterday's prices?

If their phone cached the page, a reload fixes it.