PDF417 Generator
Make a PDF417 barcode online for free. Type any text, then set the number of columns and rows, an error correction level from 0 to 8, or a compact symbol for narrow spaces. A capacity meter shows how much fits, and you can download SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS.
36.6 × 11.6 mm at 300 DPI
Scaled to fit. Actual size shows the print size on screen.
Print simulationNew
Shows how a worn print looks and tests it with the decoder.
Blue bars: the start, center and end guard patterns. Downloads stay in your chosen colors.
- Type
- PDF417 · 2D
- Print size
- 36.6 × 11.6 mm
- Raster
- 444 × 140 px
- Modules
- GS1 prefix
- Read back
Download
Vector drawing, 36.6 × 11.6 mm. Design and label programs place it at its print size.
More export optionsNewTest sheet · size set · embed code
Print test sheet (PDF)
The code at 80%, 100% and 150% with 100 mm and 4 in rulers. Print it at actual size and scan each copy before printing many.
Size set (ZIP)
Magnification
DPI
Embed code
How to Create a PDF417 Barcode
Type the data, set the columns and error correction if you need to, and download the file.
- Type the text you want to encode.
- Leave Columns and Rows empty for an automatic size, or set them to fit your label.
- Keep the automatic error correction level, or choose one from 0 to 8.
- Download SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS and scan a test print.
PDF417 Columns, Rows and Error Correction
A PDF417 symbol is a stack of rows, and its width, height and error correction can each be set.
Columns and Rows
- Columns: 1 to 30 data columns; more columns make a wider, shorter symbol.
- Rows: 3 to 90; the value you set is a minimum, and rows are added when the data needs them.
- Row height: 3 times the X-dimension.
Error Correction Levels
Level 0 adds 2 error correction codewords and each level doubles it, up to 512 at level 8. More error correction lets a damaged code still be read, but makes the symbol larger. The automatic setting chooses a level from the length of the data.
Compact PDF417
Compact PDF417 has fewer bars per row than a standard symbol, so it is narrower. Use it where the label is too narrow for a standard symbol.
PDF417 Specifications
These are the rules of PDF417 as described in the encoder's reference, which cites ISO/IEC 15438.
| Property | PDF417 |
|---|---|
| Digits | Up to 2,713 digits in this generator |
| Characters | Any data, ASCII and extended ASCII; readers use ISO/IEC 8859-1 unless an ECI says otherwise |
| Check digit | No check digit: error correction level 0 to 8 adds 2 to 512 error correction codewords |
| Size | 1 to 30 data columns and 3 to 90 rows; rows 3 times the X-dimension tall |
| Compact PDF417 | Fewer bars per row than a standard symbol, for narrow spaces |
| Variants | Compact PDF417, MicroPDF417 and HIBC PDF417 |
| Other character sets | Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) indicators switch readers to another code page, where the reader supports them |
| Error correction codewords | Level 0 adds 2, level 1 adds 4 and each level doubles it, up to 512 at level 8 |
| Capacity in this generator | 2,713 digits or 1,852 capital letters and digits |
| Standards | ISO/IEC 15438 and AIM USS PDF417 |
| Where the numbers come from | Your own data |
| Example | BC-2026-0042 |
BWIPP PDF417 reference (columns, rows, row height, compact form, standards); error correction codewords per level and capacities measured with this generator's encoder (test/phase8.test.ts).
Sources, checked 2026-10-04: PDF417 reference (BWIPP).
PDF417 vs QR Code
PDF417 is a stacked barcode made of rows, while QR Code is a square matrix; QR Code holds more data in this generator.
| Property | PDF417 | QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide rectangle of stacked rows | Square |
| Most digits | 2,713 | 7,089 (error correction L) |
| Most capital letters and digits | 1,852 | 4,296 (error correction L) |
| Error correction | Levels 0 to 8 | L, M, Q or H |
When to Choose PDF417
Choose PDF417 when a specification or a reading system asks for it, or when a wide, short label suits the space. Otherwise QR Code or Data Matrix give a smaller symbol for the same data.
PDF417 Barcode Examples
The examples below show how the settings change the symbol, as this generator draws them.
| Setting | Result |
|---|---|
| Automatic | The encoder chooses the columns, rows and error correction level |
| 2 columns | A narrow, tall symbol |
| 10 columns | A wide, short symbol |
| Error correction level 8 | 512 error correction codewords: many more rows |
| Compact | Fewer bars in each row: a narrower symbol |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This PDF417 Generator Free?
Yes. There is no account, watermark or download limit, and the barcodes may be used commercially.
Can I Make a Driver's License Barcode?
No. This generator encodes the text you type; it does not build identity document data formats. Identity documents are issued only by the authorities that own them.
What Error Correction Level Should I Use?
Keep the automatic level unless a specification asks for one. Raise it if the code may be scratched or creased, and check the larger size still fits.
How Much Data Fits in a PDF417 Barcode?
Up to 2,713 digits or 1,852 capital letters and digits in this generator. Lowercase text and symbols fit fewer characters; the capacity line shows the limit for your data.
What Is Compact PDF417?
A narrower form of PDF417 with fewer bars per row, for labels with little width. Check that your scanner reads it before printing many.
Can the Barcode.codes Scanner Read PDF417?
Yes. The scanner and the image reader read PDF417, compact PDF417 and MicroPDF417 in the browser.
Related Barcode Tools
- Data Matrix generator
A small square or rectangular 2D code.
- Aztec code generator
A square 2D code with adjustable error correction.
- Read a PDF417 barcode from a photo
Check a barcode you already have.