What Is a PDF417 Barcode?
PDF417 is a stacked, two-dimensional barcode that stores large amounts of data across multiple rows. It is used on ID cards and shipping documents where a lot of text must be encoded.
Key facts
Year1991
StandardISO/IEC 15438
Capacityup to 1,850 characters
NoteA stacked barcode used on ID and shipping documents
Where is it used?
- ID cards and driving licences
- Shipping and transport documents
- Boarding passes
- Any label that must encode a lot of text
How to print PDF417 in ZPL
On a Zebra printer a PDF417 barcode is one command, ^B7. The example below is a complete label; paste it into the preview to see it drawn before you send it to a printer.
^XA
^FO50,50^BY2
^B7N,6,5
^FDSHIP-2026-0917 LOT 44 QTY 120^FS
^XZ
^B7N,6,5 = no rotation, 6-dot row height, security level 5 (higher = more error correction, bigger symbol). Columns and rows are left blank so the printer sizes the stack to the data; ^BY2 sets the module width.
Open this example in the ZPL preview → · ^B7 command reference
Related solutions
Frequently asked questions
What is PDF417?
PDF417 is a stacked, two-dimensional barcode that stores large amounts of data across multiple rows. It is used on ID cards and shipping documents where a lot of text must be encoded.
How much data can PDF417 hold?
PDF417 capacity: up to 1,850 characters.
Where is PDF417 used?
Main uses: ID cards and driving licences, Shipping and transport documents, Boarding passes, Any label that must encode a lot of text.
Is PDF417 1D or 2D?
PDF417 is a two-dimensional (matrix) code.
