# PDF417 Generator

Generate a PDF417 stacked barcode from text for boarding passes, driver licenses, shipping documents and ID cards. PDF417 holds up to about 1800 characters in rows of codewords with Reed Solomon error correction. The tool chooses the error correction level and the layout automatically and draws the barcode as a PNG image or an SVG file with adjustable scale.

## Frequently asked questions

### What can I encode in a PDF417 barcode?

Any text, including line breaks and accented characters, up to 1850 characters in this tool. Long numbers are packed most tightly and letters slightly less so. Text that does not fit in one symbol is refused with a message.

### Is PDF417 related to PDF files?

No. The name stands for Portable Data File, and 417 describes its pattern: each codeword is 4 bars and 4 spaces spread over 17 modules. It has nothing to do with Adobe PDF documents.

### How is error correction chosen?

The tool applies the error correction level recommended for the amount of data, so larger messages get more correction codewords. A damaged or partly covered symbol can still be read as long as enough codewords survive.

### How are the rows and columns chosen?

The tool picks a layout with a balanced width and height for your data. Each row has start and stop patterns and row indicators, which is why PDF417 can be read with a line scanner sweeping across it.

### Which format should I choose for the PDF417 barcode?

SVG is a vector file that stays sharp at any size, which suits print artwork and design software. PNG is a raster image that works everywhere, including office documents and label printers. Both have a white background and a white margin around the symbol.

### What does the scale change?

The scale from 1 to 10, default 3, multiplies the width and height of every module. Long texts at a high scale can exceed the 4000 pixel limit, in which case lower the scale.

### Can I use this for driver license or boarding pass data?

You can encode any text, including the formatted data of the AAMVA driver license or IATA boarding pass standards, if you build that text yourself. The tool does not format or validate those standards.

### Do phones read PDF417?

Barcode scanner apps and most airline and ticketing apps read PDF417. Some built in camera apps only recognize QR codes, so test with the reader your users have.

### Why is there no bar height or text option?

PDF417 is a two dimensional symbol whose row height is set by the standard, and it has no human readable line. The tool therefore offers only the format and the scale.

### Is my text stored?

No. It is used only to draw the barcode image you download.

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