Format
The PDF417 bar code (also called a symbol) consists of 3 to 90 rows, each of which is like a small linear bar code. Each row has:
- a quiet zone. This is a mandated minimum amount of white space before the bar code begins.
- a start pattern which identifies the format as PDF417.
- a "row left" codeword containing information about the row (such as the row number and error correction level)
- 1-30 data codewords: Codewords are a group of bars and spaces representing one or more numbers, letters, or other symbols.
- a "row right" codeword with more information about the row.
- a stop pattern.
- a quiet zone.
All rows are the same width; each row has the same number of codewords.
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