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Create PDF417 in Excel

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Microsoft Excel PDF-417 Barcode Add-In

How to Insert PDF 417 Barcode Image in Excel Automatically

Simple to draw PDF-417 barcodes in Microsoft Office Excel document
Great barcode add-in which simplifies generation of multiple PDF-417 barcodes in Excel
Compatible with the latest PDF-417 ISO specification [ISO/IEC 15438 (Second edition 2006-06-01)]
Generate high quality PDF-417 images in your specified image width and height
Supporting PDF 417 for Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007
Professional Excel Barcode Generator add-in supporting all kinds of barcode settings
Achieve automatic barcode generation by linking cells with PDF-417 images in Excel
Support common industry linear and 2D barcode types, like QR Code and Code 39

Welcome! This guide will walk you through generating PDF-417 barcodes directly in your Excel spreadsheets using the BarcodeLib Excel Barcode Generator Add-in. First, let's clarify what a PDF-417 barcode is: it's a 2D barcode (two-dimensional barcode, a type of barcode that stores data in both horizontal and vertical directions) that functions like a portable digital file.

It can store large amounts of information in a compact rectangular space, and scanners can read it reliably. Think of it as a "data storage card" that's small enough to fit on labels, documents, or spreadsheets but packed with useful details.

Whether you need to encode shipping information, identification data, or long text strings, this add-in simplifies the process, even if you have no technical background. Let's get started!

Quick Start - Generate Your First PDF-417 Barcode

We'll start with a simple, fast workflow to help you place your first PDF-417 barcode in Excel. This process takes just a few clicks, so you can see results quickly.

1: Open Your Excel Document

Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer (you can find it in your Start menu on Windows).
You can open an existing workbook where you need barcodes, or create a new blank workbook (go to "File" > "New" > "Blank Workbook").

2: Access the Barcode Add-in

Look at the top ribbon of your Excel window. This is the row of tabs (Home, Insert, Page Layout, etc.) at the top of the screen.
Click on the "Add-ins" tab (it's usually located towards the right end of the ribbon, next to tabs like "View" or "Help").
In the BarcodeLib group (a small section within the Add-ins tab, labeled with the BarcodeLib logo), find and click the "Create Barcode" button (it's a rectangular button with the text "Create Barcode" on it).
A panel named "Barcode Settings" will slide open on the right side of your Excel window. This is where you'll configure your barcode.

Prepare Your Data Cell

Click on any empty cell in your worksheet to select it; for this example, we recommend cell B2 (it's easy to locate and keeps your data organized).
Type some sample text into the cell. For example, "PDF-417 test data 123" (this text will be encoded into the barcode, so you can use any text you want to test).
Press the Enter key on your keyboard to confirm the text entry.

4: Configure and Generate the Barcode

In the "Barcode Settings" panel (on the right), find the "Data" text box. It's located just below the "Barcode Type" dropdown menu.
You'll notice the text box automatically displays "=LINK(B2)". This is a link formula (a formula that connects the barcode to a cell's content) that links the barcode to the text in cell B2.
At the top of the "Barcode Settings" panel, find the "Barcode Type" dropdown menu (it's labeled "Barcode Type" and has a small downward arrow).
Click the dropdown arrow and select "PDF417" from the list (it's usually listed under the "2D Barcodes" section of the dropdown).
Scroll to the bottom of the "Barcode Settings" panel and click the "Generate" button (it's a blue or gray button with the text "Generate" on it).

What you'll see: A PDF-417 barcode will appear in cell B2. It has a distinctive rectangular shape with multiple rows of narrow bars stacked together. This is the standard appearance of a PDF-417 barcode, and it's ready to be scanned.

Install the Excel PDF-417 Generator Add-in

Before you can generate barcodes, you'll need to install the BarcodeLib Excel Barcode Generator Add-in.

You can start with a free trial to test all features, so you can explore everything in this guide without any initial cost.

Preparation

Download the installer: Visit the BarcodeLib official website, navigate to the "Excel Barcode Generator" product page, and find the "Free Evaluation Version" download link.
Save the installer file to a convenient location on your computer. We recommend your "Downloads" folder, as it's easy to find. The installer file is typically named "BarcodeLib.Barcode.Excel.Addin.2025.Setup.exe".
Close all Excel documents: Save any open work in Excel, then close all Excel windows completely. This ensures the installer can integrate with Excel without issues.

Install

Locate the installer file: Open your "Downloads" folder (or the location where you saved the file) and find the installer file.
Run the installer: Double-click the installer file to launch the setup wizard.
Handle security prompts: If Windows displays a security warning (it may say "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"), click "Yes" or "Run" to continue. The installer is safe and official.
Follow the setup wizard:
- On the welcome screen, click "Next" (it's the only active button in the bottom-right corner).
- Read the license agreement, then select "I accept the agreement" (you can check the box next to this option) and click "Next".
- Choose the installation destination. We recommend keeping the default location (it's usually "C:\Program Files (x86)\BarcodeLib\Excel Barcode Addin") and clicking "Next".
- Click "Install" to start copying files to your computer. The wizard will show a progress bar to let you know how long it will take.
Complete Office integration: If a "Microsoft Office Customization Installer" window appears during installation, click the "Install" button (it's in the center of the window) to finish integrating the add-in with Excel.
Click "Finish" when the installation is complete. The setup wizard will close automatically.

Note: If the installation fails, check if you closed all Excel windows. If Excel is still running in the background (you can check the taskbar), close it and restart the installer.

Verification

Open Excel: Launch a new blank workbook (go to "File" > "New" > "Blank Workbook").
Check the ribbon: Look at the top ribbon. You should now see an "Add-ins" tab (if it wasn't there before).
Verify the add-in: Click the "Add-ins" tab, then look for the BarcodeLib group. You should see the "Create Barcode" button in this group.
Test the panel: Click the "Create Barcode" button. If the "Barcode Settings" panel slides open on the right, your installation was successful!

Understanding PDF-417 Data Encoding in Excel

PDF-417 is a versatile symbology (a specific type of barcode design) that can encode various character sets and data types. Let's break down what this means for you, with simple explanations.

Supported Character Sets

PDF-417 can encode several types of text. Here's a breakdown, with examples:

Plain text (Full ASCII): This includes all standard keyboard characters. Think of the letters you type (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and common punctuation (., !, ?, @). These correspond to ASCII values from 32 to 126. For example, "Customer ID: 12345" is plain text.
Extended ASCII: These are characters beyond standard ASCII, with values from 128 to 255. They include symbols like © (copyright), ® (registered trademark), and accented letters (é, ñ, ü) common in Western European languages. This follows the ISO 8859-1 standard. For example, "Café au lait" uses the accented "é" from Extended ASCII.
Other character sets: PDF-417 can support up to 811,800 different character sets, including Unicode text. Unicode is used for languages like Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, and Chinese. For example, "你好" (Chinese for "hello") or "שלום" (Hebrew for "peace") are Unicode text.
Function codewords: These are special control characters used internally by the barcode to ensure it's scannable. You don't need to worry about them. The add-in automatically inserts the correct function codewords in the right places.

PDF-417 Error Detection and Correction (ECL)

One of the most powerful features of PDF-417 is its built-in error detection and correction (ECL, a technology that allows barcodes to be read correctly even if they're damaged or dirty). Let's break this down simply.

What Is Error Correction?

Every PDF-417 symbol contains at least two error correction codewords (special code elements that act as "backup data"). These codewords allow the barcode to be read correctly even if part of it is damaged, dirty, or partially obscured.

How to Adjust the Error Correction Level

You can control how much error correction your PDF-417 barcode uses. Higher levels offer more protection but make the barcode slightly larger. You can choose a level based on your needs:

Navigate to the 2D Barcode tab: In the "Barcode Settings" panel (on the right), click the "2D Barcode" tab (it's one of the tabs at the top of the panel, next to the "Basic Settings" tab).
Locate the error correction setting: Find the dropdown menu labeled "Error correction level" (it's in the middle of the 2D Barcode tab, below the "Data mode" dropdown).
Choose your level: Select a value from 0 to 8 (these are the only available options):
- Level 0: Minimum error correction. This results in the smallest barcode size. You can use this if space is very limited and the barcode will be protected from damage (e.g. stored in a clean, dry environment).
- Level 8: Maximum error correction. This results in the largest barcode size. You can use this if the barcode may be exposed to harsh conditions (e.g. outdoor labels, shipping packages that may get dirty or damaged).
- Level 2 or 3: These middle levels offer a good balance between size and error protection. They're recommended for most general applications (e.g. office documents, inventory labels).
Apply the change: Click the “Update” button at the bottom of the “Barcode Settings” panel.

Creating Compact (Truncated) PDF-417 in Excel

If you're short on space (e.g., on small labels or crowded documents), you can use Truncated PDF-417 (also called Compact PDF-417). A narrower version of the standard PDF-417 barcode.

What Is Truncated PDF-417?

A standard PDF-417 barcode has special "row indicator" patterns on both the left and right sides. These patterns help scanners read the barcode correctly. A Truncated PDF-417 removes the right-side row indicators, making the barcode narrower. This can save valuable space on your printed materials, without losing the ability to encode your data.

When to Use Truncated PDF-417

Truncated PDF-417 is ideal in these scenarios:

Space is a primary concern (e.g., small product labels, business cards with barcodes).
The barcode will be scanned in controlled environments (e.g., office settings, where scanners are close and the barcode is clean).
You've verified that your scanning equipment supports truncated symbols (some older scanners may struggle with this format).

Important Note: Some older or less advanced barcode scanners may have difficulty reading Truncated PDF-417 symbols. Before using this format for production (e.g. mass labels), test it with the actual scanners your recipients or team will use.

How to Create a Truncated PDF-417

Select your barcode: Click on the PDF-417 barcode image in your worksheet to select it.
Go to the 2D Barcode tab: In the "Barcode Settings" panel, click the "2D Barcode" tab (top of the panel).
Find the Truncated PDF417 option: Look for the checkbox labeled "Truncated PDF417" (it's in the middle of the 2D Barcode tab, below the "Apply tilde (~)" checkbox).
Enable the format: Click the checkbox to add a checkmark. This activates the Truncated PDF-417 format.
Regenerate the barcode: Click the "Update" button at the bottom of the panel.
Observe the change: Your barcode will now appear narrower, with the right-side row indicators removed.

PDF-417 Barcode Property Settings

Set the Barcode Type property to PDF417
Set the Data property with the value to encode. Type is string.
Set the Data mode property. Default is Auto that supports all the following encoding modes.

AUTO
BYTE: It allows encoding all 256 possible 8-bit byte values. This includes all ASCII characters value from 0 to 127 inclusive and provides for international character set support.
TEXT: It allows encoding all printable ASCII characters, i.e. values from 32 to 126 inclusive in accordance with ISO/IEC 646, as well as selected control characters such as TAB (horizontal tab ASCII 9), LF (NL line feed, new line ASCII 10) and CR (carriage return ASCII 13).
NUMERIC: It allows encoding numeric data.

Set the Error correction level property. PDF417 Error Correction Level.
Check the Truncated PDF-417 property. Truncated (Compact) PDF417 barcode is area efficient.
Truncated PDF417 may be used where space considerations are a primary concern and symbol damage is unlikely.
Check the Apply Tilde (~) property,, if you want use the tilde character "~" to specify special characters in the input data.

~1: is used to represent the FNC1 code.
~2: is used to represent the Structured Append and must be followed by a 3-digit number between 1 and 255.
~3: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol for the reader programming purpose.
~5: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol, the header [)> + ASCII 30 + ASCII 05 + ASCII 29 will be transmitted by the barcode reader before the data in the message and the trailer ASCII 30 + ASCII 4 will be transmitted afterwards.
~6: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol, the header [)> + ASCII 30 + ASCII 06 + ASCII 29 will be transmitted by the barcode reader before the data in the message and the trailer ASCII 30 + ASCII 4 will be transmitted afterwards.
~7NNNNNN: is used to specify the Extended Channel and NNNNNN is a value between 000000 and 999999.
~dNNN: is used to represent the ASCII character with the value of NNN.

Barcode Size Settings:

Set property Unit of Measure (Unit of Measure) for properties BarWidth, BarHeight, LeftMargin and TopMargin.
Valid values are Pixel, CM, Inch.
Set the ImageWidth and ImageHeight properties.
Both types are float.
Set the BarWidth (for bar cell width). Type is float, and default is 2.
Set the BarHight properties. Type is float.
Set the Rows properties. The number of data rows in the PDF-417 barcode.
Type is int.
Set the Columns properties. The number of data columns in the PDF-417 barcode.
Type is int.
Set the LeftMargin, RightMargin, TopMargin and BottomMargin properties.
Types are all float. Default are 0.
If the Auto Resize property is chacked, the generated barcode image width and height will be the same as property "Image width", and "Image hight", and it will generate the maximum Bar Width and Bar Hight.
Set the DPI property (Value is expressed in DPI - Dots per inch).
Type is int.

Set Rotate property, if you want to rotate barcode image.
Valid values are 0, 90, 180, 270

Summary

Here's a comprehensive overview of the add-in's features, to help you make the most of it:

No programming knowledge required: You don't need to understand barcode specifications, write code, or have technical experience. The add-in handles all complex encoding automatically.
Standards-compliant generation: All PDF-417 barcodes follow the latest official barcode standards (ISO/IEC 15438). This ensures they work reliably with standard scanners worldwide.
Direct Excel integration: Barcodes are inserted into your worksheet as native Excel objects. Just like charts or images. They become part of your workbook, so you can save, edit, and share them with the rest of your data.
Flexible generation options: You can create a single barcode quickly, or generate a table of barcodes from a list of data (batch generation) with just a few clicks.
Dynamic cell linking: Using the "=LINK()" formula, you can link barcodes to cell contents. When the data in the linked cell changes, the barcode updates automatically. Perfect for templates, inventory sheets, or frequently updated documents.
Rich customization parameters: You can adjust many aspects of your barcodes to meet your needs, including:
- Size and dimensions (via the "Barcode Size" tab in the settings panel).
- Error correction level (0-8, as covered in Part 6).
- Data encoding mode (AUTO, TEXT, BINARY, etc.).
- Number of rows and columns (to control the barcode's shape).
- Truncated format
- Apply tilde (~) (to encode special control characters for industry-specific needs).

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