This PDF417 generator turns text or numbers (up to 800 characters here) into a PDF417 barcode, a stacked 2D code with built-in error correction, and lets you download it as PNG or SVG. It is drawn in your browser, free and without sign-up.
How to make a PDF417 barcode
- Type or paste the data.
- Choose the size.
- Download the PNG or SVG file, or print it.
What is a PDF417 barcode?
PDF417 is a stacked 2D barcode defined in ISO/IEC 15438. It looks like several short linear barcodes on top of each other. The name comes from its structure: each codeword is 17 modules long and made of 4 bars and 4 spaces. PDF stands for Portable Data File.
Where PDF417 is used
- Driver's licenses and ID cards in the United States and Canada.
- Airline boarding passes.
- Shipping and transport documents.
- Inventory and government forms that store a full record.
PDF417 vs QR code and Data Matrix
PDF417 is wide and short, so it fits on cards and long labels, and it can be read by many linear imagers. QR codes and Data Matrix codes are square and smaller for the same data. For links that phones will scan, use the QR code generator; for small parts, use Data Matrix.
What this PDF417 generator includes
- Up to 800 characters of text or numbers.
- Error correction chosen automatically for the data length.
- PNG and SVG downloads.
ID card layouts follow their own data rules; this page encodes the text you type as it is.
Is it private?
Yes. The barcode is drawn in your browser and the data is not sent to our server.
Tips for PDF417 barcodes
- Keep the data as short as you can; PDF417 grows in rows.
- Leave blank space on all four sides.
- Print with sharp edges; use SVG for small labels.
- Do not stretch the image in one direction.
- Test with the scanner your users have.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone read PDF417?
Yes, with a barcode scanner app. Many built-in camera apps read only QR codes.
How much data fits?
This page accepts up to 800 characters, which keeps the barcode printable.
Can I make a driver's license barcode?
No. ID cards use a fixed data format and are issued by the licensing authority.
Is PDF417 a 1D or 2D barcode?
It is a stacked 2D barcode: rows of linear patterns read together.
Can I make PDF417 barcodes in bulk?
Yes. Choose PDF417 in the bulk barcode generator.