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PDF417 Barcode Generator

PDF417 is a stacked 2D barcode that stores up to about a kilobyte of data in rows of linear patterns. It is the code on many driver licences, paper boarding passes and transport documents. Enter your data and export a vector symbol.

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Where PDF417 is used

PDF417 (ISO/IEC 15438) stands for Portable Data File; each codeword is 17 modules wide with four bars and four spaces. It is used on US and Canadian driver licences and ID cards under the AAMVA standard, on IATA Bar Coded Boarding Passes printed on paper, and on shipping, customs and government documents. Because it is built from rows of bars, it can be read by many linear imagers and laser scanners that support rastering.

Structure and options

  • 3 to 90 rows and 1 to 30 data columns; you can trade width for height to fit the space.
  • Start and stop patterns plus left and right row indicators tell the reader which row it is reading.
  • Error correction levels 0 to 8; higher levels add more Reed-Solomon codewords and tolerate more damage.
  • Capacity up to about 1,850 text characters or 1,108 bytes.
  • Compact (Truncated) PDF417 drops the right row indicator to save space; MicroPDF417 is a smaller relative for short data.

Printing tips

Keep a quiet zone of at least 2X around the symbol, and a row height of at least 3X. Error correction level 2 to 5 is typical for documents; use higher levels on documents that may be folded or worn. On thermal printers, align the module width to whole printer dots. Print dark modules on a light background and check quality with ISO/IEC 15415.

How to make it

  1. Choose PDF417 in the barcode generator.
  2. Enter or paste your text data.
  3. Set the number of columns and an error correction level.
  4. Export SVG, PDF or PNG for your document layout.
  5. Scan the printout to confirm all data is returned.

Frequently asked questions

Can I read the PDF417 on my driver licence?

Yes, the scanner in this app reads PDF417 and shows the raw AAMVA text. Treat that data as personal information.

PDF417 vs QR code?

PDF417 is wide and short, which suits documents and cards; QR is square, more compact for the same data and read by phone cameras.

Why are boarding passes on phones not PDF417?

IATA allows Aztec, QR and Data Matrix for mobile passes because they read better from screens; PDF417 remains common on paper passes.