How it works
- Type the content. Line breaks are kept, so several fields can go on separate lines.
- Choose 1 to 30 columns, or Auto. More columns make the barcode wider and shorter.
- Choose an error correction level from 0 to 8, or Auto to let the encoder pick one for the amount of data.
- Set the module width and quiet zone, then download or print the PDF417 barcode and test a copy with your scanner.
PDF417 capacity
A PDF417 symbol has 3 to 90 rows and 1 to 30 data columns. According to ISO/IEC 15438, at error correction level 0 it holds up to 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits or 1,108 bytes, and at the minimum recommended level up to 1,726 text characters, 2,528 digits or 1,033 bytes.
Where PDF417 is used
- Driver's licences and ID cards: the AAMVA DL/ID card design standard makes a PDF417 barcode mandatory, and REAL ID cards carry one.
- Boarding passes: PDF417 is the default barcode on printed boarding passes under the IATA boarding pass standard.
- Any label or form where more data has to fit than a one row barcode allows, read by a scanner that supports PDF417.
Columns, rows and error correction
Each data column is one codeword, 17 modules wide, and every row also has start, stop and row indicator patterns. Error correction runs from 2 codewords at level 0 to 512 at level 8, so each step up roughly doubles the extra data and makes the barcode larger.
Non-English text in PDF417
PDF417 text compaction covers printable ASCII. Anything else, from accented letters to emoji, goes in as UTF-8 bytes in byte compaction with an ECI 000026 marker, which takes more room per character than plain text.
Printing PDF417
- Keep a quiet zone of at least 2 modules on each side. ISO/IEC 15438 counts 73 modules per row for the start, stop, row indicators and quiet zones together.
- Rows are drawn 3 modules tall, and the module width setting controls the overall size.
- If the barcode is too wide for the space, lower the column count rather than squeezing the image.
More barcode formats
Frequently asked questions
What does 417 mean in PDF417?
Each codeword pattern is 4 bars and 4 spaces spread over 17 modules, which matches the 4 and the 17 in the name.
Can I make a driver's licence barcode with this?
No. Licence barcodes follow a data format set by the issuing agency, and making identity documents is not what this tool is for. It encodes the text you type as a plain PDF417 barcode.
How many columns should I use?
Leave it on Auto unless the space or your reader needs a particular shape. More columns make a wider, shorter barcode, and fewer make it narrow and tall.
Which error correction level should I pick?
Auto picks a level for the amount of data you enter. Higher levels survive more damage but make the barcode larger.
Why is my PDF417 barcode so wide?
Each column adds 17 modules, on top of the start, stop and row indicator patterns. Lower the module width or the number of columns.
Does the text leave my device?
No. This PDF417 generator runs in your browser and does not upload what you type.