PDF417 Generator
Create the high-capacity stacked 2D PDF417 code used on ID cards, boarding passes and shipping documents.
How to use in 3 steps
- 1
Enter the data
Enter long text, ID data or document info; PDF417 is high-capacity.
- 2
Set ratio and error correction
Choose the column count, height ratio and error-correction level.
- 3
Download
Export as PNG, SVG or PDF for an ID card or boarding pass.
Supported formats
| Format | Dimension | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Data Matrix | 2D (matrix) | any data |
| GS1 DataMatrix | 2D (matrix) | e.g. (01)09506000134352 |
| PDF417 | 2D (matrix) | any data |
| Aztec Code | 2D (matrix) | any data |
| QR Code | 2D (matrix) | any data |
| GS1 QR / Digital Link | 2D (matrix) | GS1 Digital Link URL or (01)... |
Example input / output
Input
Full name + document no + date
Output
PDF417 · multi-row stacked 2D
Technical notes
PDF417 carries data in a 2D barcode of stacked rows and can pack a lot of data into one code; the name comes from 'Portable Data File' and each codeword is 4 bars + 4 spaces = 17 modules (4-17). It's common in high-data applications like driver's licenses, boarding passes, shipping documents and ID cards.
The code is made of many rows and columns; by adjusting the column count and the height/width ratio you can fit the code's shape to the content and the label. Short-and-wide or narrow-and-tall forms can carry the same data in different physical shapes.
PDF417 uses a selectable, Reed-Solomon-based error-correction level (0-8); a higher level survives more partial damage but grows the code. A higher level is recommended for dense data or harsh printing conditions.
Because PDF417 is multi-row, it usually needs more vertical space than linear barcodes and rows can blur together if shrunk too far. For a small, high-density alternative see the Data Matrix generator, and for general-purpose content the QR code generator.
Frequently asked questions
Depending on the version and error-correction level, it can carry up to hundreds of bytes of text, which is why it's preferred in ID and document applications.