What is PDF417?

• PDF417 is a two-dimensional, stacked, linear barcode format.
• It was invented by Ynjiun P. Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991.
• PDF417 can be read with a linear scanner.
• PDF417 uses a base 929 encoding. Each codeword represents a number from 0 to 928.

What is the use of PDF417?

PDF417 barcodes are used around the world for presenting data in 2D barcode format. The following organizations use PDF417:

• United States Postal Service (for printing postage).
• Airlines (for printing paper boarding passes).
• US Department of Homeland Security (for RealID compliant driver licenses and state issued ID cards).
• Many governments use PDF417 barcodes on visas.