How do I use PDF417 Generator?

Simply enter your data, click the process button, and get instant results. All processing happens in your browser for maximum privacy and security.

Is PDF417 Generator free?

Yes! PDF417 Generator is completely free to use with no registration required. All processing is done client-side in your browser.

Absolutely! All processing happens locally in your browser. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Pdf417 Generator - Free Online Tool

Last updated March 22, 2026

Basic PDF417 Barcode

Generate a PDF417 barcode from text data:

Input: "Order #12345 — Customer: John Smith — Ship to: 123 Main St"
Error correction: Level 2 (recommended)
Columns: 5
Rows: Auto-calculated

Output: PDF417 barcode image (PNG or SVG)
  Dimensions: ~200 × 80 pixels at standard module size
  Data capacity used: 62 characters of 1,850 max

Driver's License Data (AAMVA Format)

US driver's licenses encode personal data in AAMVA-compliant PDF417:

AAMVA barcode data format:
@

ANSI 636014090002DL00410278ZC03190024DLDAQD12345678
DCSDOE
DACJOHN
DADMICHAEL
DBD03172024
DBB01151985
DBA01152029
DBC1
DAY BLU
DAU508
DAG123 MAIN ST
DAISPRINGFIELD
DAJIL
DAK627010000
DCF1234567890123456789
DCGUSA
DCUIII
DCAD
DCB
DCD
DCE5
DCFIL
DCGUSA

ZCZCAdditional state data here

Field codes: DAQ=License Number, DCS=Last Name, DAC=First Name, DBB=DOB, DBA=Expiry, DAG=Address. The generator creates AAMVA-compliant barcodes for testing identity verification systems.

Airline Boarding Pass (BCBP Format)

IATA BCBP (Bar Coded Boarding Pass) uses PDF417:

BCBP data:
M1DOE/JOHN            EABC123 ORDLAXUA 0123 024Y014B0047 100

Decoded:
  Passenger: DOE/JOHN
  PNR: ABC123
  From: ORD (Chicago O'Hare)
  To:   LAX (Los Angeles)
  Carrier: UA (United Airlines)
  Flight: 0123
  Date: Day 024 of year (January 24)
  Cabin: Y (Economy)
  Seat: 14B
  Sequence: 0047

Error Correction Levels

Choosing the right error correction for your use case:

Level 0 — No error correction
  Barcode size: Smallest
  Damage tolerance: None
  Use: Controlled environments, digital display only

Level 2 — Standard (recommended)
  Barcode size: ~20% larger than level 0
  Damage tolerance: Minor damage
  Use: Printed labels, general purpose

Level 4 — High
  Barcode size: ~50% larger than level 0
  Damage tolerance: Moderate damage (up to 25%)
  Use: Outdoor labels, shipping, luggage tags

Level 8 — Maximum
  Barcode size: ~3× larger than level 0
  Damage tolerance: Severe damage (up to 50%)
  Use: Harsh environments, critical applications

Data Capacity Reference

How much data PDF417 can encode:

Text (alphanumeric):
  Maximum: ~1,850 characters
  Typical use: Complete records, structured data

Binary data:
  Maximum: ~1,108 bytes
  Use: Images, compressed data, binary records

Numeric only:
  Maximum: ~2,710 digits
  Use: Large numeric datasets (most efficient mode)

Comparison with other barcodes:
  QR Code:    ~4,296 alphanumeric chars
  PDF417:     ~1,850 alphanumeric chars
  Code 128:   ~80 chars (1D barcode)
  EAN-13:     13 digits only

Embedding in a Web Page

Generated HTML/JavaScript code for dynamic PDF417 generation:

<!-- Using pdf417.js library -->
<canvas id="barcode"></canvas>

<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/pdf417-js/dist/pdf417.min.js"></script>
<script>
  const canvas = document.getElementById('barcode');
  PDF417.draw(
    'Order #12345 — Customer: John Smith',
    canvas,
    2,    // error correction level
    -1,   // columns (-1 = auto)
    3     // module size (pixels per module)
  );
</script>

Shipping Label Application

Encoding a complete shipping record in one barcode:

Shipping data:
  Tracking: 1Z999AA10123456784
  Sender: Contoso Ltd, 100 Business Ave, Chicago IL 60601
  Recipient: John Smith, 456 Oak St, Austin TX 78701
  Weight: 2.5 lbs
  Service: UPS Ground
  Ship Date: 2024-03-17

Encoded as PDF417:
  All fields in one scannable barcode
  Scanner reads complete record in one scan
  No manual data entry required at each checkpoint

Compact PDF417 vs Standard

Standard PDF417:
  Has start/stop patterns on left and right
  Has row indicators on both sides
  More robust scanning
  Larger physical size

Compact PDF417:
  Omits right row indicator
  ~15% smaller than standard
  Requires more precise scanning
  Use when space is very limited

Standard is recommended for most applications.
Use Compact only when space constraints require it.

Scanning Compatibility

PDF417 barcodes generated by this tool are compatible with:

2D barcode scanners (handheld and fixed-mount)
Mobile phone cameras with barcode scanning apps
Document scanners with barcode recognition
ZXing (Zebra Crossing) library — open source
ZBar barcode reader library
iOS AVFoundation barcode detection
Android ML Kit barcode scanning

The generated barcodes conform to ISO/IEC 15438 and include the required quiet zones (minimum 2 module widths on all sides) for reliable scanning.

PDF417 Generator Free Online Tool 2026

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