PDF417 Barcode Generator
Create PDF417 barcodes for ID cards, boarding passes, and transport tickets.
Any text or binary data (up to 2,710 characters)
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What is a PDF417 Barcode?
PDF417 is a stacked two-dimensional barcode that can store large amounts of text, numbers, and binary data. The name stands for 'Portable Data File' with 417 representing the pattern of bars and spaces. It's widely used for identification cards, boarding passes, and shipping labels where significant data needs to be encoded.
PDF417 is especially valued in government and travel applications because it can encode structured data fields in a single symbol. Unlike matrix codes, its rectangular shape fits naturally on cards and boarding passes. The format also supports a "Macro PDF417" mode that lets you link multiple barcodes together to encode even larger data sets across separate symbols.
Want to learn more about PDF417 barcodes? Read our complete guide to PDF417 for identification documents, transportation tickets, and implementation details.
How to Use This Generator
Creating a PDF417 barcode is easy:
- Enter your data (text, numbers, or structured information up to 2,710 characters)
- Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your PDF417 barcode
- Adjust error correction level and column count in advanced options (optional)
- Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF
Technical Specifications
Key technical details for PDF417:
| Data Capacity | Up to 2,710 text characters, 1,850 bytes binary, or 2,710 numeric digits |
| Character Set | Full ASCII (text compaction), binary data, and numeric data |
| Symbol Size | Variable — 3 to 90 rows, 1 to 30 columns of codewords |
| Check Digit | Built into Reed-Solomon error correction codewords |
| Error Correction | Reed-Solomon with adjustable levels 0–8 (2 to 512 correction codewords) |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 15438 |
Common Use Cases
PDF417 barcodes are commonly used for:
- Driver's licenses and government-issued ID cards
- Airline boarding passes and electronic tickets
- Shipping labels and logistics tracking with detailed information
- Government-issued identification documents and voter registration cards
- Postal mail sorting and package tracking labels
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most out of your PDF417 barcodes:
- Use error correction level 3 or higher for documents that may be folded, creased, or handled frequently — this ensures the barcode stays scannable even with wear.
- Keep the aspect ratio close to 3:1 (width to height). Extremely tall or narrow PDF417 symbols can cause scanning issues, especially with handheld readers.
- Include a quiet zone of at least 2 modules on all sides of the barcode. Without this clear space, scanners may fail to detect where the barcode starts and ends.
- Test your barcode at the actual print size before production. PDF417 barcodes on ID cards are printed very small — verify readability at that scale with a real scanner or our free online tool.
Test Your PDF417 Barcode
After generating your PDF417 barcode, verify it scans correctly and contains the right data before printing on documents or tickets. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure proper encoding and readability. Test your PDF417 barcode with our free scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF417 used for on driver's licenses?
PDF417 barcodes on driver's licenses encode the cardholder's personal information — name, address, date of birth, license number, and expiration date — in a machine-readable format. Law enforcement and age-verification systems scan this barcode to instantly retrieve and verify the data without manual entry. Nearly all US and Canadian driver's licenses use PDF417 on the back.
How much data can a PDF417 barcode store?
A single PDF417 barcode can hold up to 2,710 text characters, 1,850 bytes of binary data, or 2,710 numeric digits. The actual capacity depends on the error correction level and the type of data being encoded. This makes PDF417 one of the highest-capacity stacked barcodes, suitable for encoding full addresses, document data, or small files.
What is the difference between PDF417 and QR codes?
PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode (rectangular shape) while QR codes are square matrix barcodes. QR codes can be scanned from any angle, whereas PDF417 must be scanned horizontally. PDF417 holds up to 2,710 text characters and is standard for IDs and boarding passes. QR codes dominate marketing, payments, and mobile-first use cases because they're easier to scan with phones.
Can I scan a PDF417 barcode with my phone?
Yes. Most modern smartphones can scan PDF417 barcodes using their built-in camera app or a barcode reader. You can also use our free online barcode scanner — just point your camera at the PDF417 code or upload an image. No app installation is required, and it works on both iOS and Android devices directly in the browser.
What is error correction in PDF417?
PDF417 uses Reed-Solomon error correction to recover data even if parts of the barcode are damaged or obscured. You can set the level from 0 (minimal) to 8 (maximum). Higher levels increase the barcode's physical size but allow it to remain readable with significant damage. For most applications, level 2–5 provides a good balance between size and durability.
Is this PDF417 generator free?
Yes, this PDF417 generator is completely free with no usage limits, no registration, and no watermarks. You can generate unlimited PDF417 barcodes and download them as SVG, PNG, or PDF files. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your data stays private and never leaves your device.