๐ PDF417 Barcode Generator
PDF417 is a stacked linear 2D barcode capable of encoding large amounts of data. It's commonly used for driver's licenses, boarding passes, and shipping and inventory labels.
Generate a PDF417 barcode from any text. PDF417 is a high-capacity stacked 2D barcode widely used on ID cards, boarding passes, and shipping labels.
How to use
- Enter the text you want to encode as a barcode.
- Adjust the foreground and background color if needed.
- Copy the generated barcode as SVG, or download it.
How the calculation works
Generate PDF417, a wide, two-dimensional code made of many short barcodes stacked on top of each other. The name (Portable Data File) comes from each codeword being 17 modules long with 4 bars and 4 spaces. It holds up to about 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits or 1,100 bytes, with error correction so it still reads when partly damaged. It is used on North American driving licences, airline boarding passes and shipping labels, wherever a lot of data must fit a wide print area.
Worked example
Pack management data such as โOrder:12345 / Item:ABC-01 / Qty:20โ into a single code. Boarding pass barcodes follow the IATA Bar Coded Boarding Pass (BCBP) standard, which uses PDF417.
Things to be aware of
- Japanese and other non-ASCII text is written as UTF-8 without a character-set marker, so some readers show it garbled.
- Because it is wide, some scanners need it held horizontally.
- Phone camera apps often cannot read PDF417. Use a compatible app or this siteโs Barcode Reader.
FAQ
How much data can PDF417 hold?
PDF417 can encode over a thousand characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols, making it suitable for larger payloads than typical 1D barcodes.
What export formats are available?
Download as SVG or PNG for printing or pasting into digital documents.
Is this useful for a boarding pass or ID card style sample?
Yes โ since PDF417 is the format actually used on real ID cards and boarding passes, it works well as a test sample for a business system.
Is this suitable for a shipping label?
Yes โ its high capacity makes it a good fit for encoding a tracking number plus destination details together on a shipping or inventory label.
How is this different from a QR code?
PDF417 is a stacked, horizontally arranged barcode, visually different from a square 2D code like QR. Which one to use depends on your use case and what your scanner supports.