How to create a PDF417 barcode
- Enter your dataText, numbers or structured data such as a shipping record.
- Choose the columnsAutomatic works for most uses. More columns make the code wider and shorter, fewer make it taller.
- Pick a module sizeLarger modules scan more reliably from labels and cards.
- Download and testDownload PNG or SVG and scan a printed sample with the scanner you will use.
What is PDF417?
PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode: rows of short barcodes on top of each other, each row made of codewords 17 modules wide (hence "417": 4 bars and spaces in 17 modules). It holds up to about 1,800 characters of text or 1,100 bytes, and its error correction lets scanners read it even when part of it is scratched.
You see it on the back of US and Canadian driver's licenses (the AAMVA standard), on airline boarding passes (IATA BCBP, alongside Aztec and QR), on shipping labels, and on some ID cards and invoices.
Columns and rows
The shape of a PDF417 code is flexible. You choose how many data columns it has (1 to 30), and the number of rows follows from the amount of data:
| Columns | Shape | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic | Balanced | Most uses |
| 2–4 | Tall and narrow | Narrow labels, the edge of a card |
| 6–8 | Wide and short | ID cards, shipping labels |
Whatever you choose, keep the code's height at least a third of its width for reliable scanning.
Printing tips
- Quiet zone: leave at least two modules of empty space on the left and right. Keep the quiet zone option on.
- Module width: at least 0.25 mm on thermal labels; the "Large" setting is a safe choice.
- Avoid stretching: scale the SVG proportionally in your design software.
- Test with the real scanner: most handheld 2D scanners read PDF417; many phone camera apps do not.
PDF417 vs QR code
For anything the public scans with a phone, use a QR code. PDF417 makes sense when a system or standard requires it (IDs, boarding passes, some logistics systems) or when the code must fit a long, narrow space. Need a square code for small parts? Try the Data Matrix generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF417 generator free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark, and the codes are created in your browser.
How much data fits in a PDF417 barcode?
Up to about 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits or 1,100 bytes, depending on the error correction level.
Can I make a driver's license barcode?
You can encode any text, but real ID barcodes follow the AAMVA standard and must only be issued by the authority. Never create fake IDs.
Why won't my phone scan the PDF417 code?
Many phone camera apps only read QR codes. Use a scanner app that supports PDF417, or a handheld 2D scanner.
What does "columns" mean?
The number of data codewords in each row. More columns make the barcode wider and shorter.
Can I download SVG?
Yes. SVG is a vector format that stays sharp at any size.
Related free tools
Related guides
Was this page helpful?
Last updated October 27, 2026 by the QR Code Haven team. Found a problem? Tell us.
Coming soon: Pro — dynamic QR codes Waitlist
Edit where a code points after you print it, and see scan analytics (time, city, device). Your free static codes here stay free and keep working forever — Pro is an optional extra.
No spam. One email when Pro launches. Contact: hello@qrcodehaven.in