PDF417

PDF417 is a stacked linear (2D) barcode able to hold roughly 1.1 kilobytes of data across many stacked rows — enough for names, photos or biometric references.

How it works

Each row is a mini barcode of codewords (named for its 4-bar, 17-module pattern); rows stack vertically and error correction lets damaged rows be reconstructed.

Where it's used

Government and travel documents such as driver's licenses, ID cards, airline boarding passes, and shipping or postal labels.