PDF417 Barcode Generator
Boarding passes, IDs, shipping
PDF417
What is PDF417?2D Codes › PDF417
What is a PDF417 barcode?
PDF417 is a stacked 2D barcode made of many rows of small linear patterns. It is used on driver’s licenses and ID cards in North America, on airline boarding passes and on shipping and customs documents. It suits long text in a wide, flat shape.
PDF stands for Portable Data File, and 417 describes its codewords: each is 17 modules long and made of 4 bars and 4 spaces. A symbol has 3 to 90 rows and up to 30 data columns, with adjustable error correction. It can hold about 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits or 1,108 bytes.
What data can PDF417 hold?
Any text or data, up to 1,108 bytes. We warn you as you get close to the limit.
Recommended size
Keep a quiet zone of at least 2 modules on every side. Make each row at least 3 times as tall as the narrowest bar, because very thin rows are hard to scan.
More 2D Codes barcodes
How to Create a Barcode in 3 Steps
Choose a barcode type
Select a category on the left (e.g. Linear Codes), then the exact type like Code-128.
Enter data & customise
Type your data — we check it live and add check digits. Adjust size, font and colors.
Download or print
Get PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF or EPS, or print a full sheet of labels in one click.
Why Use QRCodeChamp Barcode Generator
125+ barcode types
Every linear, 2D, GS1, postal, healthcare and payment code.
Live validation
Friendly errors with one-click fixes and automatic check digits.
Print-ready PDF
Exact mm sizes, label sheets (Avery, A4, 4×6 thermal).
Bulk barcodes
Paste a list or generate number sequences.
Choose the Type of Barcode You Need
Not sure which barcode to use? Start with what you need it for — we’ll pick the right type.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. PDF here means Portable Data File. You can still download the barcode itself as a PDF.
A 2D imaging scanner or a scanner app. Simple scanners that only read 1D barcodes usually can’t read it.
Up to about 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits or 1,108 bytes, depending on the data and the error correction level.
PDF417 grows by adding rows and columns as you add data. Shorten the text if it must fit a small label.