ISO ISO/IEC 15438:2006

PDF417 Barcode Generator & Standard

A stacked linear barcode symbol format used in transport, identification cards, and inventory management. Capable of encoding large amounts of data.

Live Generator

Format

Content22/500

Auto-complete missing check digits

Completes check digits when their position is clear. Use parenthesized AIs for GS1. Existing check digits are validated. Other formats keep their usual behavior.

🛡️Zero Data Retention: Encoded in edge memory. Never logged or stored.

GDPR / Confidential

Technical Specifications

Structure Start/Stop Patterns + Row Indicators + Data Columns (Configurable)

Capacity Text: 1,850 chars, Binary: 1,108 bytes

Character Set Full ASCII + Binary

Quiet Zone Requirement ≥ 10x module width (Standard quiet zone)

Common Applications

This standard is widely used in the following industries:

Driver's Licenses, Boarding Passes, logistics

Input Constraints & Parity: Engineered with Reed-Solomon Forward Error Correction (ECC) to tolerate physical damage, smudging, or partial occlusion. Configurable ECC levels ensure maximum scan reliability in high-speed sorting.

Developer Quickstart

Automate PDF417 via API

Full API Reference →

curl -X POST https://api.xbarcode.ai/v1/render \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
  -d '{
  "format": "pdf_417",
  "content": "Pdf 417 | Powered by https://xbarcode.ai"
}' > barcode.svg

API outputs: SVG, PDF, EPS and matrix JSON. PNG is exported in the browser. < 20ms Edge latency

⚡ The Science Inside

How our Rust engine optimizes this specific format:

Dynamic-programming high-level encoder chooses Text/Numeric/Byte compaction for the smallest PDF417 payload.

Exact cost model: 44 digits->15 codewords (numeric) and 6 bytes->5 codewords (byte) guides optimal splitting.
Fast paths: long digit strings go straight to Numeric (no DP), and fully text-encodable inputs stay in Text mode.
Auto-sizing chooses rows/cols for a ~3:1 aspect ratio, with user overrides and strict spec bounds validation.
Reed-Solomon ECC uses a thread-local cached generator polynomial per security level (0-8) for speed.
Renderer supports Compact (truncated) PDF417 and generates correct row indicators / clusters.

Related Standards

Alternative Symbologies related to PDF417

Need an Industry-Grade Solution?

Explore how xBarcode powers retail GTIN, shipping labels, and GS1 Digital Link migration.

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