What is PDF417?

PDF417 is a stacked barcode: rows of short linear barcodes on top of each other, which together hold far more than a single row can. Its name comes from Portable Data File and from its codewords, each 17 modules wide and made of 4 bars and 4 spaces. It holds text, numbers or binary data, with error correction that lets scanners read it even when part of it is damaged. PDF417 is on driver's licenses and ID cards in the United States and Canada, on airline boarding passes, on shipping labels and on many invoices and payment slips.

Tool description

Type text, numbers or a link and the tool draws its PDF417 barcode as you type. It picks the number of rows and columns and the level of error correction for the amount of text. Set the scale to make the image bigger, change the bar and background colors, and download the barcode as a PNG, JPG or WebP image.

Features

  • Text, numbers and links - including letters with accents and other alphabets
  • Automatic layout - rows, columns and error correction chosen for the text
  • Scale - from small to large images
  • Custom colors - any color for the bars and the background
  • Image download - PNG, JPG or WebP

Tips

  • PDF417 needs a scanner that reads 2D codes, such as a camera-based scanner or a phone app. Older laser scanners read only linear barcodes.
  • The more text, the denser the barcode: print a long text bigger so its narrow bars stay sharp.
  • Keep dark bars on a light background, and leave the blank border around the barcode when you print it.