QR code versus PDF417

The popularity of 2D barcodes has exploded and there are various types of barcodes on the market. The main purpose of 2D barcodes is to store information and allow a scanning device to read everything contained in the barcode. But how are the different barcodes different? We’ll take a look at both QR code and PDF417, as these are more widely used today, and discuss some of their features and benefits. It is important to understand how they differ and when to use which code to maximize its benefits for businesses and consumers.

QR code stands for quick response and is designed so that scanners can decode it at high speed. It is a matrix type barcode consisting of several square matrices in a large rectangle/square. They can store anything from phone numbers, addresses, URLs, and even allow mobile phones to execute various commands.

PDF417 stands for Portable Data File and is displayed as a long thin rectangle with rows consisting of linear stacked codewords. Its most prominent feature is its ability to correct errors. It houses built-in error correction capabilities within its high-resolution linear rows, so defacing these types of barcodes isn’t much of a problem.

Because PDF417 barcodes use linear stacked barcode symbols, a much higher resolution is required when printing these barcodes or displaying them on a device. This is challenging, as those using PDF417 barcodes will need to invest in more expensive equipment just to scan these codes. With QR codes, resolution is important, but not as important as PDF417 barcodes, since they use image sensors, not linear scans. Simple mobile apps can easily scan QR codes, but it is more difficult to scan PDF417 barcodes.

It is also very easy to create QR codes compared to PDF417 barcodes. There are many websites and open resources that allow users to freely generate QR codes, and the popularity is much more widespread in relation to PDF417. Many PDF417 scanning solutions are proprietary and require a large investment, especially since such codes demand high resolution and quality.

QR codes are known for their reliability when containing large amounts of data. The following table is a comparison of the data capacity for both types of barcodes, and it is evident that their high data density is more superior in this regard.

QR codes

• Number: 7098
• Alphanumeric: 4296
• Binary: 2953
• kanji: 1817

PDF417

• Number: 2710
• Alphanumeric: 1850
• binary: 1018
• kanji: 554

*Fountain: Digital Lab: A Point of View

This comes at a small cost, because the more data it contains, the more space it takes up. They are generally large squares and take up more space than the small, rectangular PDF417. This is something to keep in mind, whether printing codes or displaying on a device, as barcodes that take up more space mean less room for other things.

Today, we see QR codes being widely used in mobile business and marketing, while PDF417 codes are predominantly present in ID cards and transportation apps. Both 2D barcodes are unique and offer features that set them apart from other barcodes. Ultimately, it is up to the issuing agency or the user to decide what information should be encoded, how the barcode will be displayed, and what type of barcode would best suit their goals.