Technical Specifications
- Standard
- ISO/IEC 15438
- Structure
- Stacked linear rows (each codeword contains 4 bars and 4 spaces across 17 modules)
- Aspect Ratio
- Rectangular format (standard ~2.5:1 ratio)
- Capacity
- Over 1.1 kilobytes of machine-readable data per symbol
Standard Industry Use Cases
- Inventory and asset records
- Document and form references
- Shipping or warehouse records you define
- Multi-line text that benefits from a stacked symbol
Key Benefits of PDF417
Multi-Line Data Capacity
Can encode more text than typical 1D barcodes, making it useful for structured records and document references.
Stacked Linear Robustness
Can be read by both area-imaging cameras and rastering linear laser scanners.
Document-Friendly Format
Its stacked rows and configurable error correction suit records that need more capacity than a typical linear barcode.
What Code Do I Need for My Product? (Customer Decision Guide)
Choosing the right barcode format depends on where your product is sold, the packaging substrate, and scanner infrastructure:
Encoding a multi-line inventory or document record?
PDF417 can encode the text as supplied. Define and validate the record structure required by your own workflow before printing.
Printing postal shipping documents or freight manifests?
PDF417 can hold multi-line shipping or freight references, but carrier formats vary. Use the carrier's current specification and test the finished label.
PDF417 Capacity & Aspect Ratio Guidelines
- PDF417 is specified by ISO/IEC 15438; this page does not certify a symbol for a particular workflow.
- Use only data you are authorized to encode, and follow the receiving system's current data specification.
- Choose an aspect ratio that fits the layout, then test the final output with the intended scanner and print process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PDF417 stand for?
PDF stands for "Portable Data File". The "417" signifies that each pattern is 17 modules wide and consists of 4 bars and 4 spaces.