High-Capacity PDF417 2D Barcode Generator
PDF417 (Portable Data File 417) is a powerful, stacked linear 2D barcode format. Unlike standard 1D barcodes that act as a "license plate" pointing to a database record, PDF417 is a portable data file itself, capable of storing over a kilobyte of machine-readable data securely.
Key Advantages of PDF417
PDF417 is the barcode of choice when you need to encode significant amounts of text, numbers, or even binary data onto a physical document without relying on an external database connection.
- Massive Data Capacity: Can store up to 1,108 bytes, 1,850 text characters, or 2,710 digits.
- Error Correction: Features built-in Reed-Solomon error correction. Even if up to 50% of the barcode is damaged, torn, or obscured, the data can often still be read perfectly.
- Offline Verification: Ideal for environments without internet access, as the entire data record travels with the item.
Industry Applications
Government & ID
Standardly used on the back of US Driver's Licenses and state ID cards (AAMVA standard) to encode personal details.
Logistics & Shipping
Widely utilized by FedEx and postal services to encode destination addresses, routing codes, and package weights directly on the label.
Travel & Ticketing
Used for airline boarding passes (BCBP standard) to store passenger name, flight number, and seat assignments.
Manufacturing
Tracking complex assemblies by encoding bills of materials or manufacturing history directly on parts.