PDF417 Barcode Generator: Free PDF417 and MicroPDF417
PDF417 is the wide, stacked 2D barcode found on boarding passes, driving licences and transport documents. Paste your data and get a print-ready PDF417 in seconds.
- Works on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
- Free, no watermark
- No signup
How to use
- Paste your text or data (it can be long: names, addresses, IDs).
- Pick PDF417, Compact PDF417 or MicroPDF417 from the list depending on the space you have.
- Download PNG, SVG or a PDF label; the scan check reads it back.
Good to know
PDF417 stacks 3 to 90 rows of codewords and can hold about 1,800 text characters with Reed-Solomon error correction.
Compact PDF417 drops the right-hand row indicators to save width; MicroPDF417 is a smaller variant for little data on tight labels.
Most phone camera apps do not read PDF417; use a dedicated scanner or our barcode scanner page to check it.
Questions
What is PDF417 used for?
Airline boarding passes, driving licences and ID cards in many countries, shipping and transport documents, and some government forms.
Is PDF417 related to PDF files?
No. The name means Portable Data File; 417 refers to its pattern of 4 bars and spaces in 17 modules.
How much data fits?
Up to about 1,800 text characters or 2,700 digits, depending on error correction.
Can I scan PDF417 with a phone?
Yes with a scanner app or our online scanner; the built-in camera app often reads QR only.
Which file should I use for printing?
SVG or PDF for printing presses and card printers, PNG at 600 DPI for other software.