PDF417 Barcode Generator

Make PDF417 barcodes, the stacked 2D code used on shipping documents, boarding passes and forms. Encode up to 1,000 characters of text.

Any text, up to about 1,000 characters

Change the bar width, height and text here. The barcode on the left is drawn at the size it will print, so at 100% zoom it should match a ruler held to the screen.

PNG and JPG files store their resolution, so Word, Canva and label software place them at this size.

Colours

Dark bars on a light background scan best. Most scanners use red light, so red, orange and yellow bars read as blank.

What is PDF417?

PDF417 (Portable Data File) is a stacked 2D barcode: rows of short linear barcodes piled on top of each other, with start and stop patterns on either side. It was developed by Symbol Technologies in 1991 and is standardised as ISO/IEC 15438. Each codeword is 17 modules wide and made of 4 bars and 4 spaces, which gives it its name.

CapacityUp to about 1,850 letters or 2,710 digits
ShapeWide rectangle, 3 to 90 rows
Error correctionReed–Solomon, levels 0–8
Read byMost 2D imagers; some laser scanners that can sweep rows

Where PDF417 is used

  • Shipping and logistics: carrier labels and bills of lading.
  • Travel: airline boarding passes (alongside Aztec and QR).
  • Forms and documents: tax forms, invoices and certificates, so the data can be scanned instead of retyped.
  • Inventory: carrying a whole parts list or packing record on a label.

How to make one

  1. Type or paste your text. Line breaks are kept.
  2. Use the default bar width for most printers; go wider for low-resolution or thermal printers.
  3. Download PNG, SVG or PDF. Test with the scanner you'll use; PDF417 needs a 2D scanner or camera.

For short IDs in a very small space, Data Matrix is more compact. For a single product or SKU number, a linear Code 128 works with every scanner.

Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse.

Questions

  • Up to about 1,850 alphanumeric characters. This tool accepts up to 1,000 to keep codes easy to scan.

  • Most 2D imaging scanners and phone apps can. Older 1D laser scanners usually can't.

  • No. PDF here stands for Portable Data File, not Adobe's PDF format.