2D Barcode compressing

Question

Hello support !!

We have used PDF417 JavaScript Barcode Generator to generate PDF417 2D Barcode.

As barcode data will be increased by some business requirement, We are considering to study if there is a practical reference for 2D Barcode compressing issue ...

Thanks !!

Mason Pai 08-18-2025

Jacque · Accepted Answer

Hello Mason,

All of our PDF417 products were created from ISO/IEC 15438. Our PDF417 barcodes are designed to pack information efficiently using the international standard. In the generator if ForceBinary is equal to one then it codes in binary mode, otherwise it encodes in ASCII mode. If you ever need to fit very large amounts of data, you can also compress the information first, but that’s an optional step outside the standard and scope of support.

We have created and confirmed a PDF417 barcode with 900 characters and XDimension Size of 1 is compact and scannable with the JavaScript Generator.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

masonpai · Answer

Hello support !!

Actually, I am considering to encode more data in a PDF417 2D Barcode via compressing technique. I would like to know that if there is a practice guide for 2D barcode data compressing spec ?

thanks !!

Mason Pai 08-19-2025

Jacque · Answer

Hello Mason,

If you're looking to adjust the size of the PDF417 barcodes generated via the IDAutomation JavaScript Barcode Generator, here are two effective controls you can use:

Modify the XDimension

You can directly change the barcode's module width using the XDimensionPoints parameter. Each pixel is about 10 mils or .026 cm. You may refer to the Web Browser Barcode Resolution FAQ for more information and how to achieve a precise X dimension that is not in increments of 10 mils or .026 cm.
You'll need to test the resulting barcode to ensure it remains scannable. If the modules are too small, scanning could fail—too large, and the barcode might not fit in your layout.

Control the Font and Text Size

If you're using the Font Image output option (ReturnType = 3), the barcode is rendered using a monospaced system font. In this case, you can manage the font size of the barcode, but ensure it fits properly and remains scan-friendly.

If you have specific constraints for the barcodes size or a set number of characters you need to encode, let us know and we'd be happy to take another look.


Jacque Best Answer Hello Mason, All of our PDF417 products were created from ISO/IEC 15438. Our PDF417 barcodes are designed to pack information efficiently using the international standard. In the generator if ForceBinary is equal to one then it codes in binary mode, otherwise it encodes in ASCII mode. If you ever need to fit very large amounts of data, you can also compress the information first, but that’s an optional step outside the standard and scope of support. We have created and confirmed a PDF417 barcode with 900 characters and XDimension Size of 1 is compact and scannable with the JavaScript Generator. Let us know if you have any further questions. Posted 24 day(s) ago (0) (0) Report Abuse