PDF417 is a multi-row, variable-length symbology with
high data capacity and error-correction capability.
PDF-417 is a two-dimensional barcode which can store
up to about 1,800 printable ASCII characters or 1,100
binary characters per symbol. The symbol is
rectangular; the shape of the symbol can be adjusted
to some extent by setting the width and allowing the
height to grow with the data. It is also possible to
break large amounts of data into several PDF-417
symbols which are logically linked. There is no
theoretical limit on the amount of data that can be
stored in a group of PDF-417 symbols.

The capacity of PDF-417 can be helpful in applications
where the data must travel with the labeled item,
where a host database is not always available for
quick look-up. PDF-417 is being used for hazardous
materials labeling; storing technical specifications
and calibration data on electronic instruments;
encoding fingerprints and photographs on the backs of
drivers' licenses.

Download (292 KB) Link to this page