What is the PDF417 barcode used for?

PDF417 is mainly used in transport, identification cards, driver's licenses, or inventory management.

How much data can be stored in a PDF417 barcode?

One PDF417 code can store up to 1850 alphanumeric characters, 2710 digits, or 1108 bytes.

Is PDF417 a 2D barcode?

Yes, the PDF417 barcode is a two-dimensional, stacked linear barcode.

PDF417 Barcode Scanner SDK

With the Scanbot PDF417 Scanner SDK, you can integrate fast barcode scanning into your mobile app. Turn any iOS or Android device into a flexible scanning tool and enjoy its ease of use and incredible versatility!

Receive your pricing Try the SDK in your project

PDF417 Code

Ticketing, travel, and logistics are some of the most common areas of application for PDF417 codes. They also find use in healthcare, warehousing, administration, and ID documents, in particular the US driver’s license. Due to its high data density and customizable size, the PDF417 is one of the most versatile and widely used barcode types.

A two-dimensional barcode that stores around 2725 numbers or 1850 alphanumeric characters.
“PDF” is short for “Portable data file”.
Defined in the ISO/IEC 15438 standard.
High data density, yet with adjustable length and width.
Striking redundancy: Up to 40% damage can be compensated.

Want to see how it works?

Explore the fast and reliable functionalities of the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK in our Demo App – Download now!

Replace outdated barcode scanning devices

With the Scanbot PDF417 Barcode Scanner, you’ll be able to…

Extract PDF417 barcodes with smartphones
Eliminate the cost of dedicated imager scanners usually required for extracting 2D barcodes
Turn mobile devices into intelligent multi-tools with access to your servers
Implement a PDF417 scanner within a week – short time-to-value
Capture data accurately, even at only 20% background contrast

How to read PDF417 barcodes with Scanbot SDK

Launch the Scanbot SDK from anywhere in your app

Hold your device over the barcode

The SDK automatically reads and decodes the data in less than a second

Now is the time to benefit from Scanbot's PDF417 Reader first-in-class features

Single- and multi-scan: Extract information from one PDF417 barcode or several in one go.
Filter: Adjust the PDF417 decoder to scan only certain barcode types.
Save the scan: Store PDF417 barcode images as PDFs for further processing.
Capture from pictures: Our PDF417 scanner can also extract information from still images with a PDF417 barcode, such as photos of US driver’s licenses.
Accurate results: Perfect captures even when scanning codes in bad lighting, at an angle, or if they are corrupted.

Want to work with more than one barcode type? We have you covered: All common 1D and 2D barcodes can be extracted with the Scanbot SDK – one solution fits all!

Your perfect solution for business process optimization – Why choose Scanbot?

You can integrate the ready-to-use user interface of the PDF417 Barcode Reader SDK within just one week and customize it to match your Corporate Design.
Your data is safe with us: Because our solution works 100% offline, it complies with all data privacy laws.
Unlimited installs and scans make the SDK a perfect choice when you can’t estimate the MAU or scan volume in advance. With our fair licensing model, you’ll never exceed your established budget – flexible usage meets fixed cost.

PDF417 Driver's License Reader

The back of US driver's licenses features a PDF417 code containing all relevant information about the holder, such as name, date of birth, and issuing authority. These can be extracted using the Scanbot PDF417 Reader and stored for further processing. This driver's license barcode scanner feature is handy for driver onboarding or age verification on the last mile.

Licensing designed for Enterprise customers

As an enterprise customer, you likely have high-volume barcode scanning needs, whether measured in users, app downloads, or individual scans. Since our SDK works fully offline, we never track any volume metrics. Hence, we charge an annual flat license fee for our solution. For you, this means that you’ll always know the exact cost up front, without worrying about usage statistics.

Transparent Pricing

Unlimited Usage

Slack Support

Get in contact with Scanbot

Get started with the most reliable PDF417 Scanner

Why is Scanbot your best choice?

Fixed price

1-day integration

Fast & reliable

Scanbot will process and use the information you provide to send you the monthly newsletter and to contact you about our products. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy.

The best barcode SDK for the widest range of codes

No matter whether your app is used by your employees or your customers, you just want it to work – quickly and reliably. That’s why we have developed our Barcode Scanner SDK using machine-learning algorithms, which guarantees lightning-fast and accurate detection. At the same time, its coverage of barcode types is one of the widest out there. With this tool, we can help you solve business problems in any industry, along every individual process chain.

1D Barcodes

Codabar Code 128 Code 25 Code 39 Code 93 EAN GS1 DataBar GS1-128 IATA 2 of 5 IMEI

2D Barcodes

Aztec Data Matrix Giro Code GS1 DataMatrix NTIN PDF417 PPN QR Code Royal Mail Swiss QR Code