PDF417

(Portable Data File417) A two-dimensional barcode developed by Symbol Technologies, Inc., Holtsville, NY (www.symbol.com). Created in the late 1980s, the standard was later placed in the public domain and is governed by the Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM) trade association.

PDF417 is the most widely used 2D barcode (more than one row of codes), and it can hold up to 1,800 bytes of any digital data in a printed area about the size of a business card. For bills of lading and applications that require more information, multiple barcodes can be printed. The scanner, which is made by Symbol Technologies and other companies, reads the barcode horizontally and vertically. MicroPDF417 is a denser version of PDF417 that takes up less space. It is used for marking small parts and can hold up to 300 bytes.

The Gettysburg Address

This PDF417 image contains the entire Gettysburg address. (Image courtesy of Symbol Technologies, Inc.)

Attendee Information Capture

PDF417 is used to print names and addresses on conference and show badges. If a handheld reader is used, the exhibitor can swipe the attendee's badge without having to remove it from its holder and possibly misplace it in the hustle and bustle of the trade show.