PDF417 Barcode Generator – High-Capacity Codes for ID Documents and Transport

What Is a PDF417 Barcode?

PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode format that can encode large amounts of data in a rectangular symbol composed of multiple rows of linear bar patterns. The name stands for “Portable Data File” – “4” refers to the four bars in each pattern, and “17” refers to the 17-module length of each codeword.

Invented by Ynjiun Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991, PDF417 was the first widely adopted 2D symbology. It can encode up to 1,850 alphanumeric characters or 2,710 numeric digits – far more than any 1D barcode. PDF417 supports multiple error correction levels (0–8), allowing the symbol to be read even when partially damaged or obscured.

Because PDF417 can be read by standard linear laser scanners (scanning across multiple rows), it does not require a 2D camera imager. This compatibility with existing scanner infrastructure contributed to its widespread adoption in government and transport applications.

Technical Specifications

PDF417’s rectangular shape makes it well-suited for labels and cards where horizontal space is more available than vertical space – the opposite of most 2D matrix codes that are square.

Common Use Cases for PDF417

• • Driver’s licences: AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) specifies PDF417 on the back of US and Canadian driver’s licences, encoding name, address, date of birth and licence data.
• • Airline boarding passes: IATA BCBP (Bar Coded Boarding Pass) standard uses PDF417 to encode passenger name, flight details, seat assignment and frequent flyer data.
• • Government ID documents: National ID cards, military IDs and visa documents in many countries carry PDF417 codes with biographic data.
• • Postal services: USPS uses PDF417 on shipping labels and postage stamps to encode tracking, address and rate information.
• • Tax documents: Several countries use PDF417 on tax returns and fiscal receipts to encode document data for automated verification.

How to Create a PDF417 Barcode

1. 1. Open the Barcode Generator and select PDF417.
2. 2. Enter your text or data. The generator automatically selects the most efficient compaction mode.
3. 3. Set the error correction level (higher levels increase redundancy but make the symbol larger) and configure column count.
4. 4. Download and verify the barcode with a compatible scanner.

All processing happens in your browser – no data upload, no account needed, unlimited barcode generation.

PDF417 vs Data Matrix vs QR Code

PDF417 excels when you need to encode large amounts of text data in a rectangular format readable by standard linear scanners. Data Matrix is best for tiny marks on industrial parts. QR Code is best for consumer-facing mobile scanning.

For new applications without legacy constraints, QR Code or Data Matrix are often preferred due to their more compact square shape. PDF417 remains the standard where government and industry specifications mandate it, particularly in transport and identity documents.

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